Please introduce yourself and where you work?

My name is Julia Eudy.  I am an Online Marketing professional with expertise in Web Development, Content Science, SEO/SEM, and Cyber Security. I not only manage my own agency, Golden Services Group, LLC, but I also teach Social Media Marketing and CMS Web Design at a local college.

Golden Services Group primarily focuses on improving a company's overall online performance.  Depending on the company, target audience and situation, that may be a complete redesign of their website or just a copy makeover to make it more SEO friendly. From there we develop a communication strategy to help support an effective SEO/SEM strategy which may also include social media marketing, local search strategies, and traditional marketing support.  We have also even gone on site to provide communication and security training for to help them more effectively manage web content and help keep their online environment and digital assets secure.  

Which web services do you provide to your customers?

Understanding the liability risks that come with web development has been a big focus that I teach to students here in the USA and has been an increase of concern over the past few years. With cyber threats against our infrastructures, Insurance companies are looking for solutions to help minimize the risks and how it impacts them. Right now, I see this response coming back to the designers.  If they're not doing their part to secure a site and/or inform the customer of the risks they need to protect themselves going forward - either with cyber insurance and/or daily practices - the blame (and the overall cost) could be linked them.  As such, more developers are seeking policies that cover such risks and adapting their process to better protect themselves from claims of negligence. In today's market, it is essential to stay educated on the risks - weather WordPress, Drupal or whatever - and communicate to the customer the next steps they should take to protect their online assets.  If not something they do (because they're a small freelancer, etc.), then point them to the other resources needed to ensure a quick recovery if/when needed.   

Why do you think Wordpress dominates the market as of now?

I think WordPress dominates the market right now because of its ease to set-up and navigate for a non-technical user. Having used both WordPress and Drupal environments, there is a slight difference that is a little less technical orientated than Drupal. Those companies who are doing Content Marketing correctly also find it an asset because their Marketing people are more comfortable navigating and managing content on their own without requiring a technical person to support them; which reduces their costs. 

What is your take on the adoption of Drupal, considering it is a preferred choice for most enterprise industries?

I do think there are situations where Drupal is a more effective tool, however; again that comes back to the technical interface and the adaptability needs of the customer.  I think Drupal is a little more scalable for enterprise needs and creates a platform for more complex situations that require database manipulation; however, I personally feel it comes down to the Developer on their comfort level as well. Personally, I have focused specifically on WP development to help me be more proficient in a specific platform - mostly because our company has evolved to handling more services for our clients that I mentioned earlier - like security maintenance. In that process, I have found that I spend less time managing technical concerns and helping clients navigate changes which allows me to focus more time helping my clients better refine their online strategies to improve their traffic and overall online marketing results. 

What is your advice to people who are looking to take web development as a career?

What I tell my current students now  - especially those who look at CMS as something that would take away the need for front-end developers - there is always a need and a place for your skills - you just have to identify your role and own it.  That may be the technical set-up and design; that may be developing themes or plugins, that may be data manipulation or tech support. The market is very diverse in the fact that it is filled with a variety of skill sets and capabilities. Sure, the more you know, the more of an asset you can be; but that doesn't mean that defines your ability to enter the market and be successful. It doesn't take 6-8 years or even a fancy degree to be a good web designer.  It does take skill and talent, but if you focus on what specifically is your greatest strength; you will always find others in the industry with strengths in the other areas and working together can be a great thing!