Taylor Drayson got his start in WordPress by helping with product data entry as a teenager — and he never really stopped. After working in an agency and getting a feel for the industry, he launched his own business straight out of college in 2019 and has been running solo ever since.
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Taylor pretty well over the past few years, and he’s as kind as he is smart — and he’s one of the smartest people I know.
What got you into WordPress and how long have you been using it?
I first used WordPress back in 2012 when I helped one of my dads friends do product data entry for a website. Since 2012, I would help my dad with little things here and there, as I was always interested in computers and technology. Then in 2017 I worked at a web design agency building full websites, communicating with clients and learning how the industry worked. The month after I finished college in 2019, I decided to go self-employed and work for myself. 6 years later and I’m still going.
What motivated you to start your own business, and what keeps you going when things get tough?
My dad has always been self-employed, and I always loved the fact he worked for himself, was able to choose his hours, do something he loved. It looked like he had a pretty stress-free life (How wrong I was, haha). I’ve always been very particular about how I liked things doing, so I found working for myself gave me the freedom to be the decision maker.
When things are getting tough, I try to remind myself that I have the control to work for who and what I work on. Also, it could be worse, I could be earning less money, doing something I don’t enjoy.
What’s a hard lesson you learned running your business that’s changed the way you operate?
Reputation is a lot harder to gain than lose.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten and how has it affected your business?
Communication is key. When I first started out, I would try not to let the client know how things were going if I was behind because I thought it would make me look bad. This has however only caused more issues than solved because I end up getting into tricky situations.
If you aren’t going to make a deadline, be upfront and transparent with the client. They prefer that than being left in the dark, unknowing. I always try and keep clients’ expectations realistic and transparent.
As an entrepreneur, what’s your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest moment is starting my business at such a young age and not being scared of failing or making mistakes.
What’s a book every agency owner should read?
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
What’s your favorite podcast to listen to?
What’s a WordPress plugin more people should know about?
What’s your favorite tool, accessory, or gadget on your desk?
What’s your favorite non-WordPress tool or software?
Unite – You can create native apps for any website
