Robert Abela transitioned from cleaning hacked WordPress sites to leading a 7-person security plugin company, Melapress, without initially planning to become an entrepreneur. His journey began when he identified a critical gap in WordPress security logging, leading to the creation of WP Activity Log. This hobby project evolved into Melapress, a company known for its trusted security plugins like WP Activity Log, WP2FA, and Melapress Login Security.
In an interview, Robert discusses building his plugin business through organic marketing and community relationships and shares lessons learned from scaling as a solo developer to leading a growing team.
Robert emphasizes the importance of going the extra mile, stating, “The difference between the best plugins out there in each category… is always maybe that 10%… we always go that extra step.”
To learn more about how Robert Abela built one of the most successful WordPress security plugins, continue reading.
This article is part of our series, #MyWordPressStory, offering insights from successful WordPress industry leaders. If you’re interested in being featured, reach out via our contact form.
Robert Abela’s journey from systems engineer to security expert began with a decade-long career at software companies, including Acunetix, where he was introduced to WordPress. His experience in software security and systems engineering proved invaluable when he began cleaning hacked WordPress sites, which led to the discovery of a gap in WordPress security that defined his entrepreneurial path.
The idea for WP Activity Log emerged from the challenges Robert faced in website cleanup work. The lack of logging made security work difficult and time-consuming. Realizing the unsustainable nature of the cleanup business model, Robert saw an opportunity to address the underlying problem. Despite not being a developer, he created the first version of WP Activity Log to solve his professional needs and learn coding skills.
For the first six years, Robert spent nothing on marketing, relying on community engagement and content creation to build his user base. Attending WordCamps and local WordPress meetups became his main networking strategy, leading to collaborations and friendships within the WordPress community.
Robert’s philosophy on what makes plugins stand out is based on user feedback and going the extra mile. He believes exceptional support is crucial for transforming a good plugin into a market leader. Even with a team of seven, he still handles support tickets to stay connected with users and gain insights into plugin usage.
WP Activity Log’s success led Robert to expand Melapress with additional plugins like WP2FA and Melapress Login Security. To support this growth, he began hiring, seeking collaboration and new ideas from his team.
Reflecting on his journey, Robert acknowledges that while planning is important, progress often comes from action, curiosity, user feedback, and consistent effort over time. Today, Melapress is a trusted brand in WordPress security, supported by a passionate team and used by thousands of site owners.
For more on Robert’s work, visit the Melapress website or reach out via their contact page. If you’re interested in WordPress security and plugin development, explore WPBeginner’s resources to help you grow your own successful plugin business.
