Not every WordPress agency owner starts with a computer science degree. Laurie Barron's journey from accountant to agency co-founder proves that sometimes the most unexpected backgrounds create the strongest businesses. With degrees in accounting, computer information systems, and human-computer interaction, Laurie brings a unique perspective to web development: one that values both the numbers and the user experience.

In this episode, Laurie shares how she built not one, but two successful companies: Pursu Agency (with co-founder Betsy) and Simply Styled Sites. After 15 years in WordPress, she's learned that the real value isn't just in building websites. It's in the strategy, automation, and business systems that make those websites work harder for clients. She discusses why AI and page builders haven't replaced the need for expert developers, how to scope projects profitably, and why knowing your "zone of genius" is critical to sustainable growth.

For Gravity Forms users, this conversation is packed with practical ideas. Laurie reveals how she's transformed Gravity Forms from a simple contact form plugin into a complete business automation tool. From content gathering systems that feed into ChatGPT, to support ticketing workflows connected via Zapier, to survey fields that help clients make data-driven decisions.

In This Episode

• 
  Why Laurie's accounting background became an asset when running a WordPress agency
• How she met her business partner through an agency contracting gig
• Why AI and page builders aren't replacing agencies, and why this fear sounds familiar
• Why knowing your core competency protects your profitability
• How to structure paid discovery periods for larger projects ($10K+ discovery phases)
• Using Gravity Forms + Gravity Connect + ChatGPT to automate content creation
• Turning consulting expertise into self-service products clients can purchase

Connect with Laurie Barron

• 
  Pursu Agency: pursu.agency
• Simply Styled Sites: simplystyledsites.com
  
  

Resources Mentioned

• 
  Gravity Forms - The form plugin Laurie has used for 15 years and calls essential to her work - gravityforms.com
• Gravity Wiz - Add-ons and code snippets that extend Gravity Forms functionality - gravitywiz.com
• Gravity Connect - Tool that connects Gravity Forms with ChatGPT for AI-powered form workflows - gravityforms.com/gravity-connect
• Zapier - Automation platform Laurie uses to connect Gravity Forms to other business tools - zapier.com
• Asana - Project management system she connects to forms for support ticketing - asana.com
• WooCommerce - E-commerce platform (though Laurie explains why she's selective about these projects) - woocommerce.com
  
  

Standout Moments

"I feel like knowing how to use Gravity Forms and becoming an expert at it, I can do anything. But I also think I could do anything anyways, so Gravity Forms just helps." - Laurie Barron

"This happened when page builders came out. Everybody said 'anybody can do it.' But there's always gonna be people that don't want to do it. And there's the education piece: do people know how to do it properly?" - Laurie Barron

"You can create a website in minutes with AI, but it's gonna look like everybody else's. It's not gonna stand out from the competition. It might not reflect your voice. What you don't get is the strategy behind it." - Laurie Barron