Gery L Deer is a copywriter, author, technical consultant and marketing specialist with GLD Enterprises Communications in Jamestown, Ohio. Since 1998 his company has provided copywriting, public relations, marketing and IT support services. As a leading expert on the subject of content-based marketing, Gery helps clients to create quality SEO, user-focused web and public relations content.
He is also a weekly columnist with the CivitasMedia newspaper group and an expert contributor for the WDTN-TV2 television program, “Living Dayton.”

Why Do You Use WordPress?
As a marketing and public relations specialist, with a background in IT and programming, I understand the challenges faced by my clients with regard to the difficulty and expense of website development and maintenance. I use and recommend WordPress to clients because it provides a functional and user friendly web platform.

When and How Did You Start Using WordPress?
I started using WordPress around 2010, while managing about a half-dozen websites for my own businesses and clients. We needed a better way of managing the site content and I wanted something that clients could handle on their own.

What Tips or Resources would you recommend to a new WordPress User?
The best tip I could offer is to just jump in and start playing – but have patience. Like any other software application, WordPress has it’s difficulties. But with a little effort and some practice it’s not hard to learn the basics and there are plenty of online resources for those seeking help.

What advice would you give someone who’s building a business around WordPress design or development?
To those interested in WordPress design or development as a business, I would recommend first establishing what value you bring to the client and clearly define the benefits of working with you over trying to do it on their own. It seems today like everyone is an expert on WordPress (or other web development platform), but that’s not really true. Pin down what really sets you apart and where you add value to the process.

How do you stay informed about WordPress (news, tips, etc)?
I try to keep up with WordPress news and tips through social media but when I want to know something, I generally look up the specific issue.

What’s a cool WordPress based site you’ve seen recently?
I just recently saw the Ford social website. It’s not a “whiz bang” type of page or anything, but what impressed me was that such a big company was using WordPress as the foundation for an interactive page.

What do you like most about WordCamps?
I have not yet attended, but have heard good things.

Where can we find you online?
Web: gldenterprises.net
Twitter: @gerydeer
Facebook: GLD Enterprises Commercial Writing
LinkedIn: Gery Deer