Description

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In this episode of the WP Minute+, Matt sits down with Matt Cromwell to discuss the newly launched StellarSites, a major initiative from StellarWP that repositions the brand as a direct-to-customer platform provider. Designed to compete with modern website builders while preserving the flexibility of WordPress, StellarSites bundles the best of StellarWP’s tools, including Kadence WP, SolidWP, GiveWP, LearnDash, The Events Calendar, and more. The goal is a streamlined, vertical-focused site builder for fundraising, eCommerce, LMS, and event websites.

Matt Cromwell explains how StellarSites uses Kadence AI to guide users through a visual site-building experience before they sign up, smoothing over the typical complexity of WordPress onboarding. The result is a WordPress site tailored to user needs, with key plugins pre-installed, licensed, and managed via Solid Central. While aimed at DIY users, StellarSites is also a compelling option for freelancers and agencies looking to speed up delivery and reduce friction in small-budget projects.

Key Takeaways

What is StellarSites?

• A new bundled site-building product from StellarWP with vertical-specific starter sites.
• Supports fundraising, LMS, event, and eCommerce sites, powered by Kadence and SolidWP.
• Starts at $19/month and includes full plugin licensing with no hidden fees.

AI Onboarding & Experience:

• Leverages Kadence AI to visually build a site before purchase.
• Not marketed as an “AI builder” but as a tool to enhance onboarding and UX.
• Offers users a strong head start while preserving WordPress flexibility.

Agency & Freelancer Appeal:

• Supports multi-site management through Solid Central.
• Ideal for agencies with lower-budget clients or rapid deployment needs.
• Encourages hybrid models: AI gets you 80% there, a freelancer helps finish it.

Tech & Infrastructure:

• Built on the Nexcess infrastructure with performance scaling and visual update rollback tools.
• Fully open-source and portable – users can migrate away if needed.

WordPress Ecosystem Reflections:

• Cromwell welcomes slower core updates and more incremental improvements.
• Believes AI will empower users and consultants rather than fully automate web development.

Important Links

• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe
• Learn more about Stellar Sites: stellarwp.com
• Connect with Matt Cromwell:
  Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/learnwithmattc
  Website: mattcromwell.com