I Just Created a WordPress Plugin! Here’s the Step-by-Step Process I Followed

Phase 1: The Idea

As the part of team of a digital services business specializing in Open Journal Systems (OJS), my team and I faced a significant challenge. With dozens of hosting clients and numerous clients requiring custom OJS features, we often found ourselves tangled in the process of creating and sending invoices. We tried various invoicing solutions, both free and paid, but none seemed to meet our specific needs.

Our primary requirement was seamless integration with WooCommerce products. After two months of searching for the perfect solution, I decided to conduct a survey in an Indonesian WordPress group. Out of the 20 people I interviewed, 17 expressed similar frustrations regarding invoicing. This realization was a turning point for us; it became clear that we were not alone in our struggles. Motivated by this feedback, we formed a dedicated team focused on developing WordPress plugins. In December 2023, we officially kicked off the project to create a plugin we named "Invoize."

Phase 2: Testing

With our idea in place, we moved on to the testing phase. We began by creating invoices for our services using various invoicing applications. However, developing a WordPress plugin turned out to be far more complex than I had initially anticipated. The process was filled with challenges, and we encountered numerous bugs that needed fixing.

Over the course of a month, we identified many errors and shortcomings. We engaged in repeated revisions, testing different features, and ensuring that every aspect of the plugin functioned correctly. After countless hours of hard work and determination, we finally succeeded in making Invoize run smoothly and ready for launch.

Phase 3: Go to Market

As we entered 2024, we felt confident enough to perform a beta release in the WordPress group. On the very first day of launch, Invoize Pro gained 25 new users and sparked 150 active discussions within the Indonesian WordPress community. This initial success fueled our motivation to keep pushing forward.

Next, we created a website that represented Invoize using domain wpsora.com, complete with information and user guides. At this stage, I began to develop an SEO strategy by writing several relevant articles to attract more users.

By the end of July 2024, we made the decision to separate Invoize Pro from Invoize Free. Our plan was to list Invoize Free on WordPress.org to reach an even broader audience.

Phase 4: Marketing

Now, we have successfully separated Invoize Pro and Invoize Free, and we’ve uploaded our plugin to WordPress.org. We are currently waiting for the review process from the WordPress team. Meanwhile, we are actively writing articles and enhancing the design of our website to make it more engaging and informative for users.

We understand that marketing is crucial for introducing Invoize to a wider audience. We’re actively engaging on social media, participating in forum discussions, and exploring ways to improve our plugin’s visibility. With each step we take, we feel we’re getting closer to making Invoize the go-to invoicing solution for many WordPress users.

https://wpsora.com/invoize-pro/

Conclusion

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that creating a WordPress plugin is not just about writing code; it’s also about understanding user needs and adapting to the feedback we receive. From the initial idea to the launch, each phase has brought its own set of challenges and valuable lessons.

As of now, we proudly have 75 users of Invoize Pro and 3 users of Invoize Free. I genuinely hope that when Invoize Free is officially released, it will help many freelancers, WordPress shop owners, and others manage their invoicing needs more efficiently.

I’m excited about the future of Invoize and the impact it can have on the community. With dedication and hard work, I believe Invoize will not only become a successful plugin but also a valuable resource for anyone looking to simplify their invoicing process. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!