I’m excited to announce a couple of significant changes to WP101 that I hope will make this site even more meaningful to our members and non-members alike.
“Pay What You Wish.”
Since I launched the WordPress 101 video tutorial series more than 18 months ago, I’ve experimented with just about price point possible, in an attempt to strike a balance between affordability and profitability. My goal has always been to make these videos accessible for the greatest number of folks, while ensuring that the revenue generated at least covers the costs associated with recording, editing, and producing the screencasts, in addition to maintaining the website, and providing answers to WordPress-related questions from WP101 members.
The “Pay What You Wish” model has worked in numerous businesses, from the widely-publicized Radiohead album release, a bagelman in Washington, D.C., and even a Panera bakery. I first began researching the idea several months ago, and I felt that this innovative model was perfectly-suited to online learning applications like WP101. Specifically, this model addresses one of the biggest challenges associated with running an online learning site:
Since the information being presented is of a different value to each individual, how do we arrive at a single price point that works for everyone?
For a small business owner who plans to use WordPress to power their online business, these tutorials represent a gateway to higher earnings and financial freedom. As such, they may be far more valuable to that individual than they are to a casual blogger who just wants a creative outlet for her writing. PWYW enables each user to name their own price, based on the value that the material represents to them.
No matter who you are or what your online goals might be, we’re confident that the WordPress 101 tutorial series is a unique and valuable resource. Now, you choose the amount that best represents the value of these tutorials in accomplishing your goals!
Starting today, you choose your price, pay whatever you feel the videos are worth to you, and get busy learning how to use WordPress!
50% of every signup is being donated to breast cancer research!
In addition to letting you decide how much to pay for the WordPress 101 tutorial videos, we’re also empowering you to do something truly meaningful…
Earlier this month, my younger sister, Tiffany, was diagnosed with a very aggressive, Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. My family and I are being challenged and impacted by this life-threatening disease. She has just begun chemotherapy at the MD Anderson Cancer Center here in Houston, TX. While she’s receiving the best care possible, and has an amazing support group of friends and family surrounding her, we recognize that many women do not have the same advantages.
Nearly 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer occur every year, affecting the lives of these precious women and their families. In addition to the outrageous medical expenses, there are incidental costs associated with traveling long distances to receive treatments, providing childcare, and much more.
We want to do something that will help to make a difference.
Starting today, we’re setting aside 50% of every WP101 signup, and at the end of the month, we’ll make a donation to the Susan G. Komen Search for the Cure™, in addition to providing small financial donations as we are able to individual women—like my sister—to help offset those minor costs associated with getting care.
We’ll post monthly updates on this page, so you’ll be able to see how your money is being used to make a difference.
Help us spread the word!
If you know of a WordPress newbie who would benefit from the WP101 video tutorial series, send them to our website! Feel free to tweet this article, or share it on your Facebook Wall. Help us spread the word about our innovative pricing model, as well as our endeavor to do something truly meaningful.
July 31, 2010
HI,
(If you go to that website, you’ll notice I’ve done nothing, but that’s because I just found your site!)
I’ve received info from other companies that are asking hundreds of dollars and I am the small business woman you are referring to above. I’m going to look over your price points and choose one that is best for me, in my current financial state, BUT I promise to donate 100% of the funds to the cancer research above, from my first pet-sitting job, that is generated by my site.
July 31, 2010
Hello Heidi,
I’m thrilled you found WP101, and I’m impressed by your generosity and willingness to participate as well. Good luck to you, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts after you’ve watched the tutorial videos!
To your success,
Shawn