Highlights and takeaways from WordCamp US 2025

WordCamp US 2025 delivered a year’s worth of big ideas, emerging tech, and new perspectives for WordPress users and anyone building their business online. I was excited to participate in this year’s event, along with amazing colleagues from EasyWP, and learned quite a bit during the nearly week-long event. 

As WordPress grows and evolves, so does its vibrant community, and that was very apparent this year. Packed with data-driven predictions and plenty of insights for web designers and entrepreneurs, I wanted to share a few of my top takeaways with you, our EasyWP community!

The hottest topic at WordCamp: AI meets the open web

There’s no question—AI is the hot topic of the year. Founder Matt Mullenweg’s opening keynote made it clear that artificial intelligence is rapidly shifting what’s possible for WordPress users. 

A full roster of live sessions reflected the growing role of AI and automation in site building, with presentations like Generative AI: Adding Brains to Websites and AI-Powered Publishing Workflows. Site accessibility was also central to the conversation, with talks on inclusive design and the importance of building websites that everyone can use. eCommerce and monetization strategies were popular, too, as sessions explored topics like Scaling WooCommerce Shops and Subscription Revenue Models for Solo Creators.

Matt’s keynote insights underscored how these tools are fast approaching a “browser-level revolution,” and the WordPress ecosystem is all-in: “I do believe [AI] is going to be one of the dominant computing paradigms. It’s going to happen in browsers first, both with kind of smart agents, remote, and also some very cool local agent stuff.” This shift suggests that even solo creators can automate content, test usability, and streamline user experiences –without giving up ownership or accessibility.

More trending topics from the speaker sessions

Security, always vital, received special attention as experts discussed Defending Against Emerging Threats and protecting user data in a changing landscape. Sustainability and the open web surfaced as big-picture themes, with conversations about keeping WordPress free, open, and thriving for years to come.

For small business owners and solo creators, these topics point to a future where automation, accessibility, and community-driven innovation can help build stronger, more successful digital businesses.

Usability testing with AI browsers

WordCamp isn’t just about inspiration – it’s about actionable hacks. One standout from Matt’s keynote: try a modern AI browser (like Perplexity’s Comet) for instant usability testing. Small business owners can simply ask the browser’s built-in chatbot to perform a task on their own website – “move this block around,” “add an image,” or anything visitors might try. You’ll instantly see how a new user (or an AI agent) interacts with your site and where improvements are needed.

This easy experiment helps identify confusing navigation, unclear calls-to-action, and other user stumbling blocks—without hiring expensive outside help.

Measure and learn from your analytics

Every small and solo business should start by connecting Google Analytics and Search Console to their WordPress site. Danny Sullivan and the event’s tech panels made it clear: understanding how real people use your site will give you an edge—whether adapting to new Google updates or planning your next content move. With these free tools, creators can monitor traffic, spot trends, see which pages resonate, and fix issues before they become costly.

For solopreneurs, this means spending less time guessing and more time growing.

The mistake to avoid: ignoring inclusivity and openness

A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of prioritizing open, accessible, and inclusive content. From Matt’s encouragement to “democratize publishing” to sessions on youth coding and formal certification, WordCamp is doubling down on diversity and the open web. Business owners should avoid becoming digital “sharecroppers” – locked into proprietary platforms that may disappear or change unpredictably.

Instead, he suggests, take ownership: get your own domain, use open-source tools, and embrace global accessibility standards. This keeps your business scalable – and future-proof. While there are differences of opinion in the WordPress community about what practices keep the open web alive, this is a recommendation that the EasyWP certainly shares. 

“At the center of every contributor’s story is fundamentally human relationships.”

Matt Mullenweg shared a simple idea that’s essential for every site owner: “At the center of every contributor to WordPress’ story is fundamentally human relationships… I do know that it is critically important and that it’s something that each one of us can do.” Whether it’s a customer, a colleague, or a mentor, nurturing real connections remains the beating heart of long-term success.

Business isn’t just about tools or tech, it’s about people. For those just starting a WordPress site, meeting new collaborators, engaging with customers, and staying open to learning from others will define not just your growth, but your staying power in an evolving web.

WordPress, EasyWP, and the web’s future

WordCamp US 2025 confirmed that the future is bright for WordPress users, from AI-powered tools to new community programs and stronger open web standards. By taking ownership, staying flexible, and focusing on the human side of building online, small business owners can thrive no matter what’s next.