I got the confirmation email from Automattic this week. Andrew Backhouse Design is now an official agency partner. Automattic are the company behind WordPress, WooCommerce, WooPayments and Jetpack, the tools running a huge chunk of the web, including a lot of small business sites, charities and growing organisations.
I did not apply for this on a whim. It is the result of years working with WordPress and WooCommerce clients, and it should give the people I work with a bit more confidence that their site is in safe hands.
What this actually changes
The partnership gives me access to tools and support that affect you directly. Here is what is different now.
Faster help when something breaks
I now get priority support across WordPress, WooCommerce, Jetpack and the related services. If something goes wrong, I can get help faster than before. That means less downtime for your site, and less stress for you.
Easier site management
I can manage and check client sites through one agency dashboard. Keeping sites updated, fixing security issues and sorting problems takes less time than it used to. Your site stays secure and looked after.
Early word on updates
The Automattic for Agencies dashboard flags important updates and security changes as they come in. I can act on them straight away, instead of finding out after the fact.
Why this matters if you work with a freelancer
A lot of small businesses like the idea of working directly with one person, but worry about what happens if that person cannot cope when something goes wrong. Fair worry to have.
This partnership is part of the answer. You still deal with me. You still get straight answers and quick decisions, without a ticket system or someone away on annual leave. Behind the scenes though, I now have the backing of the company that actually builds the platform your site runs on.
If you are already a client
Nothing changes for you day to day. You contact me the same way. I reply the same day, same as always. What is different is what is happening behind the scenes, and that is a good thing for your site.
If you are thinking about a new website, an online shop, or ongoing WordPress support, this is worth knowing. You are working with someone Automattic has formally recognised, not just someone who happens to use their tools.
