![\"Get](\"https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/24325690/bb144053-f23d-43bf-ab00-3be0881f3db9.png\" "\\"Why")
No surprise, but we\u2019re big on WooCommerce! The WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is customizable, easily sells your stuff, and it rocks SEO. And, while it\u2019s no big secret that we\u2019re big on WordPress too, we haven\u2019t talked much about other eCommerce platforms. So, let\u2019s correct that.
\n\n\n\nWe started the year comparing WordPress with Wix, but we\u2019ve never talked about WooCommerce\u2019s main competitor Shopify. Until today! But before we ring the bell, if you\u2019re looking to start a shop, we think both WooCommerce and Shopify are great options; they just take quite different approaches to online selling — but we prefer Woo!
\n\n\n\nIf there ever was a Grandaddy \u201cit depends,\u201d this is it — which is the best shop system. However, choosing between WooCommerce and Shopify isn\u2019t a big mystery; it depends entirely on your specific needs and technical expertise.
\n\n\n\nEssentially, the main trade-off between the two systems is between basic convenience (Shopify) and ultimate control (WooCommerce).
\n\n\n\nShopify is generally better for beginners who want to launch quickly, while WooCommerce is better for those who need more flexibility and are comfortable with some technical aspects. It\u2019s also a question of priorities: are you mostly looking for a complete website platform and CMS (WordPress) or primarily a shop platform (Shopify)?
\n\n\n\nWhatever you decide, choosing the right backend for your website or online store is crucial. While both WooCommerce and Shopify are popular choices, WooCommerce offers a lot of advantages that make it a better option for most online shop owners; topping that list is popularity.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce together with Woo Themes controls 54% of the eCommerce marketplace. Squarespace follows Woo with 14%. Shopify only has 11% of the market, followed by Wix Stores with 5%. (source: Statista)
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce, like WordPress, is open-source, which gives it a significant edge over Shopify when it comes to flexibility. With WooCommerce, you have complete control over your online store’s design, functionality, and user experience.
\n\n\n\nWith more than 3,000 WooCommerce themes, and 1,500 WooCommerce plugins available, you can create a unique and tailored shopping experience for your customers.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got 3 more ways you can customize your WooCommerce store and deliver a unique shopping experience that will keep your customers coming back.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Top 3 WooCommerce Customizations For a Memorable Shopping Experience
Money is always a deciding factor. Getting the most for your buck. While Shopify’s pricing structure may seem straightforward, WooCommerce can be significantly more cost-effective in the long run.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWooCommerce itself doesn’t charge any fees for transactions, unlike Shopify. The fees charged are those of the payment gateways you choose to integrate into your store only.\u201d
\nWooCommerce
If you\u2019re already using WordPress, then adding a plugin or three to build a shop has definite benefits. WooCommerce’s integration with WordPress, the world’s most popular content management system (68% market share and counting), makes your life a lot easier.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWooCommerce SEO isn\u2019t a magic setting that you flip on after uploading all of your products. Optimization is in the details. We\u2019ve got 5 SEO tips for your WooCommerce shop!\u201d
\nRocket.net – 5 Tips to Optimize Your WooCommerce Store for SEO
Finally, with WooCommerce, you have full ownership of your website and data. You can even migrate your entire WooCommerce shop from one host to another. Try that with Shopify or Wix!
\n\n\n\nPlatform independence: You can easily move your store to a different hosting provider — like a managed WooCommerce host \u2013 if needed, unlike Shopify’s hosted solution.
\n\n\n\nChoosing between WooCommerce and Shopify for your online store? Know your needs and your resources. Both names are leading shop platforms, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. It\u2019s really about understanding what you prioritize: simplicity or control.
\n\n\n\nShopify is a hosted, all-in-one solution designed for ease of use. It handles the technical complexities, like hosting and security with some tradeoffs.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce, on the other hand, is the shop you build yourself. As a WordPress plugin, it offers immense flexibility and customization.
\n\n\n\nThere’s no universal “better.” It depends on your comfort level and priorities.
\n\n\n\nShopify lets you start selling quickly with a basic storefront, while WooCommerce allows you to craft a truly unique eCommerce experience \u2013 if you’re willing to put in the work.
\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?
\n\n\n\n\n",
"content_text": "No surprise, but we\u2019re big on WooCommerce! The WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is customizable, easily sells your stuff, and it rocks SEO. And, while it\u2019s no big secret that we\u2019re big on WordPress too, we haven\u2019t talked much about other eCommerce platforms. So, let\u2019s correct that.\n\n\n\nWe started the year comparing WordPress with Wix, but we\u2019ve never talked about WooCommerce\u2019s main competitor Shopify. Until today! But before we ring the bell, if you\u2019re looking to start a shop, we think both WooCommerce and Shopify are great options; they just take quite different approaches to online selling — but we prefer Woo!\n\n\n\nKey Takeaways\n\n\n\nIf there ever was a Grandaddy \u201cit depends,\u201d this is it — which is the best shop system. However, choosing between WooCommerce and Shopify isn\u2019t a big mystery; it depends entirely on your specific needs and technical expertise. \n\n\n\nEssentially, the main trade-off between the two systems is between basic convenience (Shopify) and ultimate control (WooCommerce). \n\n\n\nShopify is generally better for beginners who want to launch quickly, while WooCommerce is better for those who need more flexibility and are comfortable with some technical aspects. It\u2019s also a question of priorities: are you mostly looking for a complete website platform and CMS (WordPress) or primarily a shop platform (Shopify)?\n\n\n\nWhy WooCommerce is Still Better Than Shopify\n\n\n\nWhatever you decide, choosing the right backend for your website or online store is crucial. While both WooCommerce and Shopify are popular choices, WooCommerce offers a lot of advantages that make it a better option for most online shop owners; topping that list is popularity.\n\n\n\nWooCommerce together with Woo Themes controls 54% of the eCommerce marketplace. Squarespace follows Woo with 14%. Shopify only has 11% of the market, followed by Wix Stores with 5%. (source: Statista)\n\n\n\nWooCommerce\u2019s Flexibility and Customization\n\n\n\nWooCommerce, like WordPress, is open-source, which gives it a significant edge over Shopify when it comes to flexibility. With WooCommerce, you have complete control over your online store’s design, functionality, and user experience. \n\n\n\nWith more than 3,000 WooCommerce themes, and 1,500 WooCommerce plugins available, you can create a unique and tailored shopping experience for your customers.\n\n\n\n\nAccess to source code: Unlike Shopify’s closed system, WooCommerce provides full access to the source code, enabling you to modify every aspect of your store.\n\n\n\nExtensive plugin ecosystem: With a library of plugins available, WooCommerce offers endless possibilities for extending your store’s functionality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got 3 more ways you can customize your WooCommerce store and deliver a unique shopping experience that will keep your customers coming back.\u201d\nRocket.net – Top 3 WooCommerce Customizations For a Memorable Shopping Experience\n\n\n\nCost-Effectiveness\n\n\n\nMoney is always a deciding factor. Getting the most for your buck. While Shopify’s pricing structure may seem straightforward, WooCommerce can be significantly more cost-effective in the long run.\n\n\n\n\nNo mandatory monthly fees: WooCommerce is a free plugin, and you only pay for the hosting and any premium extensions you choose to use.\n\n\n\nScalability without price hikes: As your business grows, you won’t be forced into higher-priced plans like with Shopify.\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWooCommerce itself doesn’t charge any fees for transactions, unlike Shopify. The fees charged are those of the payment gateways you choose to integrate into your store only.\u201d\nWooCommerce\n\n\n\nBuilt on WordPress\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re already using WordPress, then adding a plugin or three to build a shop has definite benefits. WooCommerce’s integration with WordPress, the world’s most popular content management system (68% market share and counting), makes your life a lot easier.\n\n\n\n\nSEO advantages: WordPress is designed with SEO in mind, helping drive free, organic, traffic to your online store.\n\n\n\nEase of content management: The intuitive controls make it simple to add and update content, upload media, and publish blog posts.\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWooCommerce SEO isn\u2019t a magic setting that you flip on after uploading all of your products. Optimization is in the details. We\u2019ve got 5 SEO tips for your WooCommerce shop!\u201d\nRocket.net – 5 Tips to Optimize Your WooCommerce Store for SEO\n\n\n\nOwnership and Control\n\n\n\nFinally, with WooCommerce, you have full ownership of your website and data. You can even migrate your entire WooCommerce shop from one host to another. Try that with Shopify or Wix!\n\n\n\n\nData control: You’re not locked into a proprietary system, giving you more control over your customer data and business operations.\n\n\n\n\nPlatform independence: You can easily move your store to a different hosting provider — like a managed WooCommerce host \u2013 if needed, unlike Shopify’s hosted solution.\n\n\n\nWooCommerce vs. Shopify: Is There a Clear Winner?\n\n\n\nChoosing between WooCommerce and Shopify for your online store? Know your needs and your resources. Both names are leading shop platforms, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. It\u2019s really about understanding what you prioritize: simplicity or control. \n\n\n\nBenefit Shopify: The All-In-One Solution\n\n\n\nShopify is a hosted, all-in-one solution designed for ease of use. It handles the technical complexities, like hosting and security with some tradeoffs.\n\n\n\n\nShopify excels at getting you up and running fast. Perfect if you need a store online ASAP and don’t want to worry about hosting.\n\n\n\nLimited Control: Shopify operates within its own ecosystem. You\u2019re relying on the tools and options they provide, and extensive code-level customization isn’t always possible.\n\n\n\n\nBenefit WooCommerce: The Open-Source Powerhouse\n\n\n\nWooCommerce, on the other hand, is the shop you build yourself. As a WordPress plugin, it offers immense flexibility and customization.\n\n\n\n\nMaximum Flexibility: If you crave control over every aspect of your store \u2013 design, functionality, integrations \u2013 WooCommerce is your playground.\n\n\n\nSome Technical Expertise Required: But here\u2019s the catch: Despite being very simple for even newbies, WooCommerce demands more technical know-how. You’re responsible for hosting and keeping things updated.\n\n\n\n\nWooCommerce or Shopify: Which One Wins?\n\n\n\nThere’s no universal “better.” It depends on your comfort level and priorities.\n\n\n\n\nChoose Shopify if: You value simplicity and an all-in-one approach. You don’t mind trading some control for ease of use, or the monthly fees.\n\n\n\nChoose WooCommerce if: You need maximum customization, flexibility, and control, and you’re already using WordPress or interested in starting.\n\n\n\n\nShopify lets you start selling quickly with a basic storefront, while WooCommerce allows you to craft a truly unique eCommerce experience \u2013 if you’re willing to put in the work.\n\n\n\nFast & Secure Hosting? Yes, Please!\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?",
"date_published": "2025-03-20T13:51:38+00:00",
"date_modified": "2025-03-20T14:05:14+00:00",
"authors": [
{
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
}
],
"author": {
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
},
"image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/WooCommerce-Shopify.png",
"tags": [
"WordPress Hosting"
]
},
{
"id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6914",
"url": "https://rocket.net/blog/wordpress-email-setup-smtp-dkim-spf-dmarc-settings/",
"title": "WordPress Email Setup: SMTP, DKIM, SPF, and DMARC Settings",
"content_html": "\nYour key landing pages simply need to work without a hitch if you want to see online success. They collect email addresses, usually in exchange for a whitepaper, a freebie, or access to exclusive content. But here’s the catch — your emails need to be properly authenticated. If they aren\u2019t, they can end up in spam or never reach the recipient at all.
\n\n\n\nEmails that aren\u2019t received aren\u2019t opened. The result? Lost leads, frustrated users, and wasted effort. So, how do you ensure your emails actually land where they should? Enter SMTP, DKIM, DMARC, and some help from very useful WordPress plugins.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cDo you know what else results in frustrated users, wasted effort, and lost time? Password recovery. It\u2019s another agency pain point we all know and could do without.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Password Recovery Tips That Won\u2019t Drive Your Clients Crazy
Email authentication is a set of protocols and methods that verify the legitimacy of emails sent from your WordPress website. When email authentication isn’t properly configured, your messages might end up in spam folders or fail to deliver entirely.
\n\n\n\nThis typically happens when:
\n\n\n\nLike broken website links, email delivery problems happen. It’s not catastrophic, but as delivery issues accumulate, they can seriously impact your website’s effectiveness \u2013 not to mention the potential loss of a customer.
\n\n\n\nThe importance of proper email authentication comes down to three key factors.
\n\n\n\nFirst, unauthenticated emails fail to reach your visitors, leading to lost opportunities and frustrated users who never receive the content they requested. And, your marketing team that worked on the whitepaper for the download will be bummed, too.
\n\n\n\nSecond, poor email authentication damages your domain’s reputation with email providers, which can cause even legitimate emails to be flagged as spam. Especially since users train their email clients what they consider spam (by their behavior) you never want to land in the junk folder.
\n\n\n\nFinally, proper email authentication demonstrates professionalism and reliability. It shows you take communication seriously and respect your users’ inbox space.
\n\n\n\nWhen emails fail authentication checks, they typically trigger spam filters or bounce back entirely. These failed deliveries are a wake-up call to review your authentication setup.
\n\n\n\nEmail authentication isn’t optional. With providers like Gmail implementing stricter requirements, proper setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC isn’t just best practice. Authentication is essential for reaching your audience.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cBlacklisting can happen for various reasons, such as receiving too many spam reports, sending bulk emails without verifying email lists, or accidental reputation issues.\u201d
\nWP Mail SMTP
Several key protocols work together to ensure email authenticity:
\n\n\n\nThe fundamental protocol for sending emails — the postal service for your digital messages. It needs proper configuration to function effectively.
\n\n\n\nA security standard that specifies which mail servers can send emails on behalf of your domain — the approved sender list for your domain. Mailchimp has a great article on SPF.
\n\n\n\nAdds a digital signature to your emails, verifying they haven’t been tampered with during transit. It’s the kiss on the back of the envelope.
\n\n\n\nSets policies for handling emails that fail authentication checks. This is your domain’s rulebook for email security, connecting your website with your mail provider.
\n\n\n\n\u201cHow do I fix DMARC authentication failure?\u201d support.google.com
\n\n\n\nThe implementation process requires attention to detail but isn’t overly complex.
\n\n\n\no v=spf1 include:_spf.yourdomain.com ~all
\n\n\n\n(If you already have an SPF record, merge it with this instead of creating a new one.)
\n\n\n\no v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:your-email@example.com;
\n\n\n\n(Adjust the policy over time based on reports.)
\n\n\n\nWhen setting up email authentication for your WordPress site, it’s crucial to implement SSL/TLS encryption for your SMTP connections. This adds an extra layer of security to your emails.
\n\n\n\nUsing SSL/TLS encryption is increasingly becoming mandatory for email providers to accept incoming mail.
\n\n\n\nExample configuration in wp-config.php:
\n\n\n\n“`php
define( ‘SMTP_SSL’, ‘tls’ );
define( ‘SMTP_PORT’, ‘587’ );
“`
Several free tools can help you verify your authentication setup:
\n\n\n\nQuality plugins can significantly simplify email authentication. Here are two of our favorites:
\n\n\n\nImportant Reminder: Check the settings of any plugins running on your website, such as your WooCommerce shop plugin; your plugin’s email settings may also need to be adjusted.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cReview your WooCommerce email settings at WooCommerce > Settings > Email and settings of any plugins that you use to ensure that they send as your branded domain (e.g., me@mybrand.com) and not as your @gmail.com or @yahoo.com address.\u201d
\nWooCommerce
The key to good maintenance is being proactive rather than reactive. Regular monitoring and maintenance prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
\n\n\n\nHere are the three most important tasks for maintaining sustainable email authentication:
\n\n\n\nWeekly: Review and respond to authentication failures
\n\n\n\nMonthly: Authentication tests
\n\n\n\nQuarterly: Audits of all authentication records, policies, and protocols
\n\n\n\nBy investing in proper email authentication, you’re ensuring reliable communication with your audience \u2013 and protecting your domain’s reputation.
\n\n\n\nFocus on creating valuable content for your subscribers and let your authentication setup handle delivery.
\n\n\n\nIf your WordPress site is sending emails, proper authentication is a must to avoid spam filters and ensure delivery. By configuring SMTP correctly and setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, you improve email deliverability, protect your domain reputation, and keep your communication channels open.
\n\n\n\nMake these changes today, and never worry about lost emails again!
\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?
\n\n\n\n\n",
"content_text": "Your key landing pages simply need to work without a hitch if you want to see online success. They collect email addresses, usually in exchange for a whitepaper, a freebie, or access to exclusive content. But here’s the catch — your emails need to be properly authenticated. If they aren\u2019t, they can end up in spam or never reach the recipient at all. \n\n\n\nEmails that aren\u2019t received aren\u2019t opened. The result? Lost leads, frustrated users, and wasted effort. So, how do you ensure your emails actually land where they should? Enter SMTP, DKIM, DMARC, and some help from very useful WordPress plugins.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cDo you know what else results in frustrated users, wasted effort, and lost time? Password recovery. It\u2019s another agency pain point we all know and could do without.\u201d\nRocket.net – Password Recovery Tips That Won\u2019t Drive Your Clients Crazy\n\n\n\nWhat is Email Authentication?\n\n\n\nEmail authentication is a set of protocols and methods that verify the legitimacy of emails sent from your WordPress website. When email authentication isn’t properly configured, your messages might end up in spam folders or fail to deliver entirely. \n\n\n\nThis typically happens when:\n\n\n\n\nauthentication protocols aren’t properly set up\n\n\n\nSMTP settings are misconfigured\n\n\n\nserver restrictions block email delivery\n\n\n\nplugin conflicts interfere with sending\n\n\n\n\nLike broken website links, email delivery problems happen. It’s not catastrophic, but as delivery issues accumulate, they can seriously impact your website’s effectiveness \u2013 not to mention the potential loss of a customer.\n\n\n\nWhy Email Authentication Matters\n\n\n\nThe importance of proper email authentication comes down to three key factors.\n\n\n\nFirst, unauthenticated emails fail to reach your visitors, leading to lost opportunities and frustrated users who never receive the content they requested. And, your marketing team that worked on the whitepaper for the download will be bummed, too.\n\n\n\nSecond, poor email authentication damages your domain’s reputation with email providers, which can cause even legitimate emails to be flagged as spam. Especially since users train their email clients what they consider spam (by their behavior) you never want to land in the junk folder.\n\n\n\nFinally, proper email authentication demonstrates professionalism and reliability. It shows you take communication seriously and respect your users’ inbox space.\n\n\n\nWhen emails fail authentication checks, they typically trigger spam filters or bounce back entirely. These failed deliveries are a wake-up call to review your authentication setup.\n\n\n\nEmail authentication isn’t optional. With providers like Gmail implementing stricter requirements, proper setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC isn’t just best practice. Authentication is essential for reaching your audience.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cBlacklisting can happen for various reasons, such as receiving too many spam reports, sending bulk emails without verifying email lists, or accidental reputation issues.\u201d\nWP Mail SMTP\n\n\n\nUnderstanding Email Authentication Protocols\n\n\n\nSeveral key protocols work together to ensure email authenticity:\n\n\n\nSMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)\n\n\n\nThe fundamental protocol for sending emails — the postal service for your digital messages. It needs proper configuration to function effectively.\n\n\n\nSPF (Sender Policy Framework)\n\n\n\nA security standard that specifies which mail servers can send emails on behalf of your domain — the approved sender list for your domain. Mailchimp has a great article on SPF.\n\n\n\nDKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)\n\n\n\nAdds a digital signature to your emails, verifying they haven’t been tampered with during transit. It’s the kiss on the back of the envelope.\n\n\n\nDMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication)\n\n\n\nSets policies for handling emails that fail authentication checks. This is your domain’s rulebook for email security, connecting your website with your mail provider.\n\n\n\n\u201cHow do I fix DMARC authentication failure?\u201d support.google.com\n\n\n\nSetting Up Email Authentication\n\n\n\nThe implementation process requires attention to detail but isn’t overly complex.\n\n\n\nSetting Up SPF, DKIM & DMARC for Better Deliverability\n\n\n\n\nAccess Your Domain\u2019s DNS Settings \u2013 Log in to your domain registrar.\n\n\n\nAdd an SPF Record \u2013 Example:\n\n\n\n\no v=spf1 include:_spf.yourdomain.com ~all\n\n\n\n(If you already have an SPF record, merge it with this instead of creating a new one.)\n\n\n\n\nEnable DKIM \u2013 Your email provider should provide DKIM keys to add as CNAME records.\n\n\n\nSet Up DMARC \u2013 Start with a monitoring policy:\n\n\n\n\no v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:your-email@example.com;\n\n\n\n(Adjust the policy over time based on reports.)\n\n\n\n\nAllow 24-48 Hours for Changes to Take Effect \u2013 DNS changes take time to propagate.\n\n\n\n\nSecuring SMTP with SSL/TLS Encryption\n\n\n\nWhen setting up email authentication for your WordPress site, it’s crucial to implement SSL/TLS encryption for your SMTP connections. This adds an extra layer of security to your emails.\n\n\n\nUsing SSL/TLS encryption is increasingly becoming mandatory for email providers to accept incoming mail.\n\n\n\nHow to Implement\n\n\n\n\nCheck if your hosting provider or SMTP service supports SSL/TLS\n\n\n\nUpdate your SMTP settings to use the secure port (usually 465 for SSL or 587 for TLS)\n\n\n\nEnsure your WordPress SMTP plugin is configured to use SSL/TLS\n\n\n\n\nExample configuration in wp-config.php:\n\n\n\n“`phpdefine( ‘SMTP_SSL’, ‘tls’ );define( ‘SMTP_PORT’, ‘587’ );“`\n\n\n\nOnline Tools for Email Authentication\n\n\n\nSeveral free tools can help you verify your authentication setup:\n\n\n\n\nMXToolbox: Tests your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for proper configuration.\n\n\n\nMail-Tester: Provides comprehensive email deliverability testing and suggestions.\n\n\n\nGoogle Postmaster Tools: Offers insights into how Gmail handles your domain’s emails.\n\n\n\nDMARC Analyzer: Helps monitor and analyze your DMARC implementation.\n\n\n\n\nWordPress Plugins for Email Management\n\n\n\nQuality plugins can significantly simplify email authentication. Here are two of our favorites:\n\n\n\n\nWP Mail SMTP: The most popular SMTP plugin, offering comprehensive email handling capabilities and OAuth 2.0 support for Gmail.\n\n\n\nPost SMTP: A robust alternative with detailed logging and multiple mailer options.\n\n\n\n\nImportant Reminder: Check the settings of any plugins running on your website, such as your WooCommerce shop plugin; your plugin’s email settings may also need to be adjusted.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cReview your WooCommerce email settings at WooCommerce > Settings > Email and settings of any plugins that you use to ensure that they send as your branded domain (e.g., me@mybrand.com) and not as your @gmail.com or @yahoo.com address.\u201d\nWooCommerce\n\n\n\nBest Practice for Email Authentication: Having a Maintenance Schedule\n\n\n\nThe key to good maintenance is being proactive rather than reactive. Regular monitoring and maintenance prevent small issues from becoming major problems.\n\n\n\nHere are the three most important tasks for maintaining sustainable email authentication:\n\n\n\nWeekly: Review and respond to authentication failures\n\n\n\n\nMonitor delivery logs and failed authentication reports. You catch problems before they impact your sender reputation or cause delivery issues for multiple users.\n\n\n\n\nMonthly: Authentication tests\n\n\n\n\nTest and review DMARC reports to ensure your configuration remains effective. This check helps identify patterns in delivery problems and keeps your documentation current.\n\n\n\n\nQuarterly: Audits of all authentication records, policies, and protocols\n\n\n\n\nEnsures your entire email authentication system stays up-to-date. Standards and best practices across major email providers aren\u2019t written in stone.\n\n\n\n\nBy investing in proper email authentication, you’re ensuring reliable communication with your audience \u2013 and protecting your domain’s reputation.\n\n\n\nFocus on creating valuable content for your subscribers and let your authentication setup handle delivery.\n\n\n\nWrapping Up\n\n\n\nIf your WordPress site is sending emails, proper authentication is a must to avoid spam filters and ensure delivery. By configuring SMTP correctly and setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, you improve email deliverability, protect your domain reputation, and keep your communication channels open.\n\n\n\nMake these changes today, and never worry about lost emails again!\n\n\n\nFast & Secure Hosting? Yes, Please!\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?",
"date_published": "2025-02-27T14:30:32+00:00",
"date_modified": "2025-02-27T14:30:33+00:00",
"authors": [
{
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
}
],
"author": {
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
},
"image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WordPress-Email-Setup.png",
"tags": [
"WordPress Hosting"
]
},
{
"id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6888",
"url": "https://rocket.net/blog/wordpress-vs-wix-showdown/",
"title": "WordPress vs Wix Showdown: What\u2019s Best in 2025?",
"content_html": "\nWe\u2019re certainly biased in favor of WordPress. Rocket.net is a managed WordPress host; it comes with the territory. But tools like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Drupal, and even blogger.com all do one important thing we support: they democratize the web. They give everyone a chance to put up a website and get into the conversation.
\n\n\n\nComparing WordPress and Wix is like comparing apples to oranges. WordPress is a powerful content management system (CMS) while Wix is a user-friendly website builder. Both have their strengths, but which one fits your needs best? Let\u2019s break it down.
\n\n\n\nWix is a cloud-based website builder designed for simplicity. Its drag-and-drop editor allows even those with no coding experience to create websites. It follows the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) principle. That means what you design in the editor is exactly how it will appear in the browser once published.
\n\n\n\nBuilding your website with Wix means you are bound to the Wix platform, however. You can\u2019t migrate your website somewhere else. This is a major downside should you want to add functionality outside of their scope \u2013 like in WordPress.
\n\n\n\nWordPress, on the other hand, is a versatile CMS. It can be installed on your hosting or accessed via a managed hosting provider. WordPress is an open-source platform. It offers developers and users the freedom to customize and expand functionality through plugins, themes, and direct code editing. WordPress websites have the advantage of being portable.
\n\n\n\nIf you build a website with WordPress, you can download it and move it to your desktop, or another hosting provider easily. And there is a large community of WordPress developers to choose from when you have someone manage your site.
\n\n\n\nWix is known as one of the most user-friendly website builders, offering a seamless drag-and-drop interface. Beginners can get started quickly pretty much without any tutorials.
\n\n\n\nFor additional functionality, apps can be installed directly from the Wix App Store.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWix is easier to use but less flexible while WordPress is more flexible but has a steeper learning curve \u2014 deciding between the two is a question of tradeoffs.\u201d
\nsitebuilderreport.com
WordPress may seem more complex initially, but its interface becomes intuitive with some practice. Installing plugins and themes is straightforward, and most are free. Creating posts or pages is simple once you understand the basics.
\n\n\n\nIf you can click on a block to add a paragraph or an image, you can build a website with WordPress.
\n\n\n\nWix offers a comprehensive website design platform with thousands of integrated features. Wix also provides AI-powered tools for design customization, including style kits, layout optimization, and interactive visual elements.
\n\n\n\nWordPress provides an extensive library of free and paid themes, most of which are fully responsive. Knowledge of CSS and HTML is helpful for more customization. WordPress even offers a Full Site Editor (FSE) which allows you to edit the entire website, rather than go page by page.
\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWordPress Full Site Editing (FSE) is an extension of the block-based approach introduced with the Gutenberg Editor, but it expands beyond posts and pages to the entire WordPress site. With FSE, you can use blocks to design and customize all aspects of your site, including the header, footer, sidebar, and more.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Are Agencies Using The Gutenberg Block Editor?
Wix offers free eCommerce website templates designed for various business categories. You can easily customize templates in the Wix Editor by adding apps, adjusting design and layout, and modifying content without requiring programming skills.
\n\n\n\nWix templates provide a flexible foundation for creating a unique and fully functional online shop.
\n\n\n\nWordPress can be transformed into a full-fledged eCommerce platform using free plugins like WooCommerce. It easily supports complex product catalogs and multilingual stores but may also require adjustments for legal compliance.
\n\n\n\nWhile Wix offers a simple drag-and-drop interface, customization is limited to the tools and features available within its ecosystem. Once you choose a template, switching to another template requires rebuilding your site.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, Wix is less scalable for large or complex websites, as its proprietary framework restricts advanced features.
\n\n\n\nWordPress is highly customizable and scalable; you can download and migrate to any web host.
\n\n\n\nHot tip: you can migrate an unlimited number of WordPress sites to Rocket.net — free.
\n\n\n\nWith WordPress, you can modify themes, build custom templates, or add functionality with plugins. Its open-source nature allows complete control over your site, making it suitable for everything from small blogs to enterprise-level websites.
\n\n\n\nIt all comes down to money, right? The practical difference between Wix and WordPress for most small businesses and non-profits starts with the price.
\n\n\n\nWix offers a free account for website creation and testing. Paid plans run from $17-$159.50/month with a yearly subscription. Their Business Plan is $36/month which includes standard eCommerce support. The Wix Business Elite plan offers the most features and advanced eCommerce.
\n\n\n\nWordPress is free but requires hosting (typically $5-$30/month). Managed hosting costs more than shared hosting but provides a faster website and human support. The choice is yours!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWix is easy for beginners to build their sites \u2026 WordPress is more complex but also more powerful. It offers a broader range of capabilities and customization options and lets you build a more scalable site.\u201d
\nsemrush.com
Let\u2019s talk about the most important aspect of your website \u2013 getting in front of people. We all want to get found; the question is, is our website platform a help or a hindrance?
\n\n\n\nWhile your website build impacts SEO, your success depends more on strategy than the platform itself. You should be focusing on quality content, technical optimization, and link-building to achieve results, regardless of the platform.
\n\n\n\nWix provides all essential SEO tools, but WordPress surpasses it with greater flexibility and functionality when paired with the right plugins. For businesses focused on advanced SEO strategies, WordPress is the better choice.
\n\n\n\nWix and WordPress cater to different audiences. Wix is ideal for beginners seeking simplicity, while WordPress is better suited for users seeking flexibility and scalability. If you\u2019re unsure which platform best suits your goals, consulting a professional can help.
\n\n\n\nDrop us a line or connect with us on X at @RocketDotNet
\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?
\n\n\n\n\n",
"content_text": "We\u2019re certainly biased in favor of WordPress. Rocket.net is a managed WordPress host; it comes with the territory. But tools like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Drupal, and even blogger.com all do one important thing we support: they democratize the web. They give everyone a chance to put up a website and get into the conversation.\n\n\n\nWhat are WordPress and Wix? What is the Difference?\n\n\n\nComparing WordPress and Wix is like comparing apples to oranges. WordPress is a powerful content management system (CMS) while Wix is a user-friendly website builder. Both have their strengths, but which one fits your needs best? Let\u2019s break it down.\n\n\n\nWhat is Wix?\n\n\n\nWix is a cloud-based website builder designed for simplicity. Its drag-and-drop editor allows even those with no coding experience to create websites. It follows the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) principle. That means what you design in the editor is exactly how it will appear in the browser once published. \n\n\n\nBuilding your website with Wix means you are bound to the Wix platform, however. You can\u2019t migrate your website somewhere else. This is a major downside should you want to add functionality outside of their scope \u2013 like in WordPress.\n\n\n\nWhat is WordPress?\n\n\n\nWordPress, on the other hand, is a versatile CMS. It can be installed on your hosting or accessed via a managed hosting provider. WordPress is an open-source platform. It offers developers and users the freedom to customize and expand functionality through plugins, themes, and direct code editing. WordPress websites have the advantage of being portable. \n\n\n\nIf you build a website with WordPress, you can download it and move it to your desktop, or another hosting provider easily. And there is a large community of WordPress developers to choose from when you have someone manage your site.\n\n\n\nKey Differences Between WordPress and Wix\n\n\n\n1. WordPress vs Wix: User-Friendliness\n\n\n\nWix is known as one of the most user-friendly website builders, offering a seamless drag-and-drop interface. Beginners can get started quickly pretty much without any tutorials. \n\n\n\nFor additional functionality, apps can be installed directly from the Wix App Store.\n\n\n\n\nSimple onboarding process; you can start building for free immediately after account creation.\n\n\n\nGuides you with a setup wizard, recommending features and design options based on user preferences.\n\n\n\nIdeal for beginners with its intuitive interface and pre-designed sites.\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWix is easier to use but less flexible while WordPress is more flexible but has a steeper learning curve \u2014 deciding between the two is a question of tradeoffs.\u201d\nsitebuilderreport.com\n\n\n\nWordPress may seem more complex initially, but its interface becomes intuitive with some practice. Installing plugins and themes is straightforward, and most are free. Creating posts or pages is simple once you understand the basics. \n\n\n\nIf you can click on a block to add a paragraph or an image, you can build a website with WordPress.\n\n\n\n\nRequires installation, though every hosting provider\u2019s auto-installer simplifies the process.\n\n\n\nProvides a block editor for drag-and-drop design, with enhanced features available through plugins.\n\n\n\nIncludes built-in tools for creating and managing posts and pages, with additional features unlocked via plugins.\n\n\n\n\n2. WordPress vs Wix: Design Options\n\n\n\nWix offers a comprehensive website design platform with thousands of integrated features. Wix also provides AI-powered tools for design customization, including style kits, layout optimization, and interactive visual elements.\n\n\n\n\nOffers 800+ customizable pre-designed templates.\n\n\n\nUses Wix Editor and Wix ADI for customization but restricts switching templates after the site is live.\n\n\n\nRequires creating a new website to change designs post-launch.\n\n\n\n\nWordPress provides an extensive library of free and paid themes, most of which are fully responsive. Knowledge of CSS and HTML is helpful for more customization. WordPress even offers a Full Site Editor (FSE) which allows you to edit the entire website, rather than go page by page.\n\n\n\n\nProvides over 11,000 free themes in its official directory, with additional premium themes available via third-party marketplaces.\n\n\n\nAllows theme changes anytime, with extensive customization options, especially with premium themes.\n\n\n\nEnables seamless theme switching and updates to maintain security and features.\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWordPress Full Site Editing (FSE) is an extension of the block-based approach introduced with the Gutenberg Editor, but it expands beyond posts and pages to the entire WordPress site. With FSE, you can use blocks to design and customize all aspects of your site, including the header, footer, sidebar, and more.\u201d\nRocket.net – Are Agencies Using The Gutenberg Block Editor?\n\n\n\n3. WordPress vs Wix: eCommerce\n\n\n\nWix offers free eCommerce website templates designed for various business categories. You can easily customize templates in the Wix Editor by adding apps, adjusting design and layout, and modifying content without requiring programming skills. \n\n\n\nWix templates provide a flexible foundation for creating a unique and fully functional online shop.\n\n\n\n\nOffers built-in eCommerce tools during setup or via the editor, allowing quick creation of one-page stores with features like a product catalog and shopping cart.\n\n\n\nRequires upgrading to eCommerce plans ($27\u2013$159/month), with the Business plan at $32/month offering 100 GB storage, automated sales tax (up to 100 transactions), and advanced shipping.\n\n\n\nCharges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.\n\n\n\nBest for beginners due to its simplicity and built-in eCommerce tools.\n\n\n\n\nWordPress can be transformed into a full-fledged eCommerce platform using free plugins like WooCommerce. It easily supports complex product catalogs and multilingual stores but may also require adjustments for legal compliance.\n\n\n\n\nProvides flexibility through plugins, with WooCommerce being a popular choice for selling physical and digital products.\n\n\n\nNo extra cost for WooCommerce hosting with Shared Hosting \u2013 can be a paid feature with Managed Hosting.\n\n\n\nPayment processing fees depend on the chosen payment gateway (e.g., PayPal, Stripe).\n\n\n\nSuperior for eCommerce overall, offering greater flexibility, scalability, and budget-friendly options through plugins.\n\n\n\n\n4. WordPress vs Wix: Customization and Scalability\n\n\n\nWhile Wix offers a simple drag-and-drop interface, customization is limited to the tools and features available within its ecosystem. Once you choose a template, switching to another template requires rebuilding your site. \n\n\n\nAdditionally, Wix is less scalable for large or complex websites, as its proprietary framework restricts advanced features.\n\n\n\n\nFeatures a drag-and-drop editor for easy rearrangement of elements without coding. Includes a toolbar for editing fonts, sizes, effects, and spacing.\n\n\n\nSuggests color palettes in its editor, with options for fine-tuning to match branding.\n\n\n\nLimited support for third-party tools; customization options are restricted to the Wix Editor.\n\n\n\n\nWordPress is highly customizable and scalable; you can download and migrate to any web host.\n\n\n\nHot tip: you can migrate an unlimited number of WordPress sites to Rocket.net — free. \n\n\n\nWith WordPress, you can modify themes, build custom templates, or add functionality with plugins. Its open-source nature allows complete control over your site, making it suitable for everything from small blogs to enterprise-level websites.\n\n\n\n\nOffers a block editor for adding posts, pages, and custom blocks, with access to advanced features like navigation bars and logos.\n\n\n\nSupports third-party drag-and-drop builders that allows direct modification of theme source code.\n\n\n\nProvides broader flexibility, letting users customize layouts and designs extensively.\n\n\n\n\n5. WordPress vs Wix: Price\n\n\n\nIt all comes down to money, right? The practical difference between Wix and WordPress for most small businesses and non-profits starts with the price.\n\n\n\nWix offers a free account for website creation and testing. Paid plans run from $17-$159.50/month with a yearly subscription. Their Business Plan is $36/month which includes standard eCommerce support. The Wix Business Elite plan offers the most features and advanced eCommerce.\n\n\n\nWordPress is free but requires hosting (typically $5-$30/month). Managed hosting costs more than shared hosting but provides a faster website and human support. The choice is yours!\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWix is easy for beginners to build their sites \u2026 WordPress is more complex but also more powerful. It offers a broader range of capabilities and customization options and lets you build a more scalable site.\u201d\nsemrush.com\n\n\n\nBonus Point: SEO: WordPress vs. Wix\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about the most important aspect of your website \u2013 getting in front of people. We all want to get found; the question is, is our website platform a help or a hindrance?\n\n\n\nWhile your website build impacts SEO, your success depends more on strategy than the platform itself. You should be focusing on quality content, technical optimization, and link-building to achieve results, regardless of the platform.\n\n\n\nWix SEO\n\n\n\n\nIncludes features like custom meta tags, social sharing optimization, robots.txt support, and automatic sitemap updates.\n\n\n\nOffers an SEO setup checklist and basic integrations with tools like Google Analytics and Google Business Profile. Premium SEO apps are available in the App Market.\n\n\n\nAutomatically creates redirects, integrates with an external CDN, and optimizes images for faster loading.\n\n\n\n\nWordPress SEO\n\n\n\n\nAllows deeper customization, such as choosing SEO-friendly themes, customizing permalinks, enabling breadcrumbs, and categorizing/tagging content.\n\n\n\nSupports advanced plugins like Yoast and Rank Math, which provide detailed optimization recommendations, internal linking, and integration with Semrush for keyword research.\n\n\n\nRequires plugins for advanced SEO but delivers greater control and comprehensive features.\n\n\n\n\nSEO Summary\n\n\n\nWix provides all essential SEO tools, but WordPress surpasses it with greater flexibility and functionality when paired with the right plugins. For businesses focused on advanced SEO strategies, WordPress is the better choice.\n\n\n\nWrapping Up\n\n\n\nWix and WordPress cater to different audiences. Wix is ideal for beginners seeking simplicity, while WordPress is better suited for users seeking flexibility and scalability. If you\u2019re unsure which platform best suits your goals, consulting a professional can help.\n\n\n\nDrop us a line or connect with us on X at @RocketDotNet\n\n\n\nFast & Secure Hosting? Yes, Please!\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?",
"date_published": "2025-02-05T14:48:30+00:00",
"date_modified": "2025-02-05T14:48:32+00:00",
"authors": [
{
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
}
],
"author": {
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
},
"image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WordPress-vs-WIX.png",
"tags": [
"WordPress Hosting"
]
},
{
"id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6881",
"url": "https://rocket.net/blog/how-much-should-you-pay-someone-to-maintain-your-website/",
"title": "How Much Should You Pay Someone To Maintain Your Website?",
"content_html": "\nNobody likes it when something breaks. The best solution is prevention. When something does break, it costs time and money. How much time and money depends on what breaks.
\n\n\n\nWebsites, like cars, can be expensive to fix. Prevention should be core. Monthly maintenance costs range from $20 to $5,000, with annual contracts costing between $300 and $60,000. Costs vary based on the website type, service level, and provider expertise. Understanding costs and services is crucial to sensible budgeting, so get them in writing up front in a maintenance contract.
\n\n\n\nWhether you are a WordPress service provider or a customer, an annual maintenance contract saves money and surprises. Talk with your agency or hosting provider today.
\n\n\n\nNote: All prices are in USD and reflect 2024 market rates. Actual costs may vary by location and specific requirements. This guide will help website owners understand maintenance costs and make better decisions. Prices and services should be reviewed annually to match current market rates and tech requirements.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining a website isn\u2019t a luxury\u2014it\u2019s a business necessity. As technology changes and competition ramps up, website maintenance costs have become more nuanced. Depending on your website’s complexity, business requirements, and bank balance, you can pay as little as $20/mo to maintain your website or up to $5,000.
\n\n\n\nWhether you manage a niche blog, a small business website, or a complex eCommerce platform, this post should help you understand website maintenance expenses.
\n\n\n\nRunning a great website is the tip of your online business iceberg; understanding maintenance costs is crucial.
\n\n\n\nKey highlights:
\n\n\n\nBy the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap for navigating website maintenance costs; you\u2019ll be able to make informed decisions that balance performance, security, and your budget.
\n\n\n\nSo, you\u2019ve launched your website, and you\u2019re excited to see it grow. After the second quarter, you see it starting to lag; the cool plugins from Q1 need to be updated too. You set aside ten per cent of sales for SEM campaigns; how much did you allocate for website repairs?
\n\n\n\nBudgeting for website maintenance is as core to your marketing as accessibility. It ensures your site stays functional and competitive. So how much should you be setting aside? That depends on your website\u2019s type.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOffering website maintenance care plans is one of the best ways to stabilize and grow your revenue. If you\u2019re at the phase of your agency where it feels like it\u2019s all you without help and/or frustrated with the client acquisition, one-and-done mentality, then offering website care plans is the next best step.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Afraid Of Selling Website Maintenance Care Plans To Your Clients? Your WordPress Agency Adds Value In Just A Few Steps!
That depends. Think of website management as the ongoing tune-up your car needs. Whether you run a small business or manage an enterprise, regular maintenance is vital to ensure your website runs smoothly. Just like your car, maintenance costs vary based on how much attention your website requires.
\n\n\n\nImagine your website as a custom-built home. The size, materials, and features all influence the upkeep costs. Similarly, website maintenance costs depend on complexity, customization, and security needs. Let\u2019s see what shapes these expenses.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to website management costs, your company\u2019s rates depend heavily on your website. That\u2019s why it\u2019s helpful to break down website maintenance pricing by website types, like ecommerce, small business, or enterprise.\u201d
\nWebFX
Website maintenance fees are the cost of sleeping better at night. Whether it\u2019s keeping your website secure or ensuring fast loading times, these services provide value by keeping your website \u201calways on\u201d. Here\u2019s a look at what these fees typically cover:
\n\n\n\nContact your hosting provider or agency and ask about your specific needs. Get answers in writing too!
\n\n\n\nChoosing the perfect maintenance plan is like choosing the best package holiday. You want to get the most, with the least surprises, and without going bankrupt. Your maintenance plan should fit your business\u2019s needs, allowing room for growth and ensuring your peace of mind.
\n\n\n\nHere are some quick answers to the most common questions, making it easier to understand what to expect. Got some specific questions? Contact us \u2013 we\u2019re happy to have a chat!
\n\n\n\nQ: What is the minimum cost for website maintenance?
A: Basic maintenance starts at $20 – $50 monthly for simple static websites.
Q: How often should websites be maintained?
A: Websites require a minimum of monthly maintenance, with weekly or daily updates for active sites.
Q: Can I maintain my website myself?
A: Yes, for simple websites. However, professional maintenance is recommended for business-critical sites.
Q: What affects website maintenance pricing?
A: Key factors include website complexity, update frequency, security needs, and service provider expertise.For as little as a dollar a day, a managed hosting plan gives you peace of mind with daily website backups. Check out all our monthly hosting plans.
Just like caring for your car, there is a lot you can do to save money on website maintenance, too. These tips are a roadmap to maintaining your website without breaking the bank.
\n\n\n\nFrom prioritizing essential services to planning for future growth, these strategies ensure you get the most value out of your website.
\n\n\n\nYou can maintain a high-performing website and effectively manage costs by balancing in-house competencies with selectively chosen external services.
\n\n\n\nRegular website maintenance is essential to keep your site functional and competitive. Here’s an overview of monthly costs by website type:
\n\n\n\nThe final price will depend on your site’s complexity, customization, and security needs, but it\u2019s a good investment. Regular maintenance ensures your website stays secure, updated, and optimized.
\n\n\n\nYour website is a digital investment \u2013 protect it by choosing the right maintenance plan.
\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?
\n\n\n\n\n",
"content_text": "Nobody likes it when something breaks. The best solution is prevention. When something does break, it costs time and money. How much time and money depends on what breaks.\n\n\n\nWebsites, like cars, can be expensive to fix. Prevention should be core. Monthly maintenance costs range from $20 to $5,000, with annual contracts costing between $300 and $60,000. Costs vary based on the website type, service level, and provider expertise. Understanding costs and services is crucial to sensible budgeting, so get them in writing up front in a maintenance contract. \n\n\n\nWhether you are a WordPress service provider or a customer, an annual maintenance contract saves money and surprises. Talk with your agency or hosting provider today.\n\n\n\nNote: All prices are in USD and reflect 2024 market rates. Actual costs may vary by location and specific requirements. This guide will help website owners understand maintenance costs and make better decisions. Prices and services should be reviewed annually to match current market rates and tech requirements.\n\n\n\nWebsite Maintenance in 2025: A Price Breakdown and Strategy Guide\n\n\n\nMaintaining a website isn\u2019t a luxury\u2014it\u2019s a business necessity. As technology changes and competition ramps up, website maintenance costs have become more nuanced. Depending on your website’s complexity, business requirements, and bank balance, you can pay as little as $20/mo to maintain your website or up to $5,000.\n\n\n\nWhether you manage a niche blog, a small business website, or a complex eCommerce platform, this post should help you understand website maintenance expenses.\n\n\n\nRunning a great website is the tip of your online business iceberg; understanding maintenance costs is crucial.\n\n\n\nKey highlights:\n\n\n\n\nDetailed cost breakdowns by website type\n\n\n\nCritical factors influencing maintenance expenses\n\n\n\nStrategies for cost-effective website management\n\n\n\nEssential considerations for scalability and growth\n\n\n\n\nBy the end of this post, you’ll have a clear roadmap for navigating website maintenance costs; you\u2019ll be able to make informed decisions that balance performance, security, and your budget.\n\n\n\nStandard Website Maintenance Pricing\n\n\n\nSo, you\u2019ve launched your website, and you\u2019re excited to see it grow. After the second quarter, you see it starting to lag; the cool plugins from Q1 need to be updated too. You set aside ten per cent of sales for SEM campaigns; how much did you allocate for website repairs?\n\n\n\nBudgeting for website maintenance is as core to your marketing as accessibility. It ensures your site stays functional and competitive. So how much should you be setting aside? That depends on your website\u2019s type.\n\n\n\nMonthly Ballpark Website Maintenance Costs by Type:\n\n\n\n\nPersonal Websites: $100-$200/month\n\n\n\nSmall Business Websites: $500-$1,000/month\n\n\n\nCorporate Websites: $1,000-$4,500/month\n\n\n\neCommerce Websites: $750-$5,000/month\n\n\n\nEnterprise WordPress Sites: Starting at $500/month\n\n\n\n\nHourly Support Rates:\n\n\n\n\nStandard Support: $150-$250/hour\n\n\n\nEmergency Support: $200-$350/hour\n\n\n\nTechnical Specialists: $250-$400/hour\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOffering website maintenance care plans is one of the best ways to stabilize and grow your revenue. If you\u2019re at the phase of your agency where it feels like it\u2019s all you without help and/or frustrated with the client acquisition, one-and-done mentality, then offering website care plans is the next best step.\u201d\nRocket.net – Afraid Of Selling Website Maintenance Care Plans To Your Clients? Your WordPress Agency Adds Value In Just A Few Steps!\n\n\n\nHow Much Should I Pay for Website Management?\n\n\n\nThat depends. Think of website management as the ongoing tune-up your car needs. Whether you run a small business or manage an enterprise, regular maintenance is vital to ensure your website runs smoothly. Just like your car, maintenance costs vary based on how much attention your website requires.\n\n\n\nInitial Ballpark Setup Costs:\n\n\n\n\nSmall Business First Year: $3,000 – $5,000\n\n\n\nEnterprise First Year: $10,000 – $60,000\n\n\n\n\nOngoing Maintenance:\n\n\n\n\nBasic Maintenance: $500 – $1,000/month\n\n\n\nStandard Maintenance: $1,000 – $2,500/month\n\n\n\nPremium Maintenance: $2,500 – $5,000/month\n\n\n\n\nWebsite Maintenance Cost Factors\n\n\n\nImagine your website as a custom-built home. The size, materials, and features all influence the upkeep costs. Similarly, website maintenance costs depend on complexity, customization, and security needs. Let\u2019s see what shapes these expenses.\n\n\n\nWebsite Complexity:\n\n\n\n\nStatic vs. dynamic content\n\n\n\nNumber of pages\n\n\n\nCustom features\n\n\n\neCommerce functionality\n\n\n\nSecurity requirements\n\n\n\n\nService Provider Type:\n\n\n\n\nFreelancers: Most flexible pricing\n\n\n\nAgencies: Comprehensive service\n\n\n\nManaged Hosting: Basic maintenance included\n\n\n\nIn-house Teams: Fixed salary costs\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to website management costs, your company\u2019s rates depend heavily on your website. That\u2019s why it\u2019s helpful to break down website maintenance pricing by website types, like ecommerce, small business, or enterprise.\u201d\nWebFX\n\n\n\nWhat Do Website Maintenance Fees Include?\n\n\n\nWebsite maintenance fees are the cost of sleeping better at night. Whether it\u2019s keeping your website secure or ensuring fast loading times, these services provide value by keeping your website \u201calways on\u201d. Here\u2019s a look at what these fees typically cover:\n\n\n\nStandard Maintenance Services:\n\n\n\n\nSecurity monitoring and updates\n\n\n\nDaily/Weekly backups\n\n\n\nPerformance optimization\n\n\n\nTechnical support\n\n\n\nBug fixes\n\n\n\nSEO maintenance\n\n\n\n\nPremium Services:\n\n\n\n\n24/7 emergency support\n\n\n\nCustom development\n\n\n\n Advanced security measures\n\n\n\nMarketing integration\n\n\n\nContent updates\n\n\n\nAnalytics reporting\n\n\n\n\nContact your hosting provider or agency and ask about your specific needs. Get answers in writing too!\n\n\n\nHow to Choose the Right Website Maintenance Plan\n\n\n\nChoosing the perfect maintenance plan is like choosing the best package holiday. You want to get the most, with the least surprises, and without going bankrupt. Your maintenance plan should fit your business\u2019s needs, allowing room for growth and ensuring your peace of mind.\n\n\n\nEssential Considerations:\n\n\n\n\nWebsite Type and Complexity\n\n\n\nBusiness Size and Growth Plans\n\n\n\nTraffic Volume\n\n\n\nSecurity Requirements\n\n\n\nUpdate Frequency\n\n\n\nBudget Constraints\n\n\n\n\nBest Practices:\n\n\n\n\nCompare Multiple Quotes\n\n\n\nReview Service Level Agreements\n\n\n\nCheck Provider Experience\n\n\n\nAssess Response Times\n\n\n\nCalculate ROI\n\n\n\nConsider Scalability\n\n\n\n\nFAQ: Website Maintenance Costs\n\n\n\nHere are some quick answers to the most common questions, making it easier to understand what to expect. Got some specific questions? Contact us \u2013 we\u2019re happy to have a chat!\n\n\n\nQ: What is the minimum cost for website maintenance?A: Basic maintenance starts at $20 – $50 monthly for simple static websites.\n\n\n\nQ: How often should websites be maintained?A: Websites require a minimum of monthly maintenance, with weekly or daily updates for active sites.\n\n\n\nQ: Can I maintain my website myself?A: Yes, for simple websites. However, professional maintenance is recommended for business-critical sites.\n\n\n\nQ: What affects website maintenance pricing?A: Key factors include website complexity, update frequency, security needs, and service provider expertise.For as little as a dollar a day, a managed hosting plan gives you peace of mind with daily website backups. Check out all our monthly hosting plans.\n\n\n\nMoney-Saving Tips for Cost-Effective Website Maintenance\n\n\n\nJust like caring for your car, there is a lot you can do to save money on website maintenance, too. These tips are a roadmap to maintaining your website without breaking the bank.\n\n\n\nFrom prioritizing essential services to planning for future growth, these strategies ensure you get the most value out of your website.\n\n\n\nResource Optimization\n\n\n\n\nUse pre-built templates and themes\n\n\n\nTake advantage of affordable/free design tools\n\n\n\nChoose scalable Content Management Systems (CMS)\n\n\n\nBundle services and consider annual contracts for cost savings\n\n\n\nStart with essentials and scale services as needed\n\n\n\n\nInternal Operations\n\n\n\n\nHandle routine content updates and maintenance in-house\n\n\n\nTake care of basic image editing and layout adjustments yourself\n\n\n\nOutsource specialized tasks to freelancers first\n\n\n\nMonitor performance metrics using freely available tools\n\n\n\nMaintain regular update schedules\n\n\n\n\nStrategic Planning\n\n\n\n\nAlign website development with business growth goals\n\n\n\nFocus on gradual, prioritized improvements\n\n\n\nChoose professional services for high-impact changes\n\n\n\n\nYou can maintain a high-performing website and effectively manage costs by balancing in-house competencies with selectively chosen external services.\n\n\n\nWrapping Up\n\n\n\nStandard Website Maintenance Pricing\n\n\n\nRegular website maintenance is essential to keep your site functional and competitive. Here’s an overview of monthly costs by website type:\n\n\n\n\nPersonal Websites: $100 – $200/month\n\n\n\nSmall Business Websites: $500 – $1,000/month\n\n\n\nCorporate Websites: $1,000 – $4,500/month\n\n\n\neCommerce Websites: $750 – $5,000/month\n\n\n\nEnterprise WordPress Sites: Starting at $500/month\n\n\n\n\nHourly support rates vary:\n\n\n\n\nStandard Support: $150 – $250/hour\n\n\n\nEmergency Support: $200 – $350/hour\n\n\n\nTechnical Specialists: $250 – $400/hour\n\n\n\n\nInitial setup costs can also impact your budget:\n\n\n\n\nSmall Business First Year: $3,000 – $5,000\n\n\n\nEnterprise First Year: $10,000 – $60,000\n\n\n\n\nThe final price will depend on your site’s complexity, customization, and security needs, but it\u2019s a good investment. Regular maintenance ensures your website stays secure, updated, and optimized. \n\n\n\nYour website is a digital investment \u2013 protect it by choosing the right maintenance plan.\n\n\n\nFast & Secure Hosting? Yes, Please!\n\n\n\nGrow your business with lightning-fast, secure, and optimized websites that are easy to set up & manage. Top-tier agencies and online businesses choose Rocket.net as their trusted managed WordPress hosting provider \u2013 why shouldn\u2019t you, too?",
"date_published": "2025-01-29T14:28:10+00:00",
"date_modified": "2025-01-29T14:28:11+00:00",
"authors": [
{
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
}
],
"author": {
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
},
"image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Website-Maintenance-Cost.png",
"tags": [
"WordPress Hosting"
]
},
{
"id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6849",
"url": "https://rocket.net/blog/why-wordpress-hosting-customer-support-isnt-created-equal/",
"title": "Why WordPress Hosting Customer Support Isn\u2019t Created Equal",
"content_html": "\nIn a competitive market, customer support is your true differentiator. For Rocket.net, it works because it\u2019s part of our core beliefs. Once you\u2019ve had a situation where you desperately need a knowledgeable person to help with something urgent on your site, then you\u2019ll never look at less expensive hosting options ever again.
\n\n\n\nManaged hosting comes with many advantages. Sure, maybe it’s a little more expensive than shared hosting; but courtside seats are more expensive than those in the nosebleed section. We\u2019ll never be a commodity hosting company. You shouldn\u2019t settle for that either.
\n\n\n\nWhy? Your websites are too important. Your websites are your business. Your WooCommerce online shops generate income and serve your customers. Never sacrifice business success by saving a few dollars every month on uptime, performance, technical support, or security.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201c24/7 access to human support isn’t just a luxury\u2014it’s a necessity that can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major crisis. While automation and AI have their place, they should complement, not replace, your support team.\u201d
\nRocket.net – No AI Bots Here: Why Agencies Need WordPress Hosting With 24/7 Human Support
Managed hosting costs more than shared hosting because you get more.
\n\n\n\nSuperior performance: servers are optimized specifically for your WordPress instance. These servers offer faster load times, professional caching, and better performance than what we like to call, \u201ccommodity hosting.\u201d
\n\n\n\nEasy management: Most providers offer a simple user interface so you can easily manage your websites without requiring in-depth technical knowledge. But you can get down and technical if that’s your thing.
\n\n\n\nIncreased security: Managed hosting providers take responsibility for the security of your website by creating regular backups and performing security updates.
\n\n\n\nDedicated customer support: Managed hosting packages offer dedicated customer support that specializes exclusively in WordPress websites. Your WordPress website!
\n\n\n\nCustomer support workers probably love the \u201cHave you tried unplugging it and plugging it back in?\u201d types of questions. For most of our support questions, the internet suffices, or our kids.
\n\n\n\nFor experienced WordPress operators and shop owners, the most important customer support questions likely focus on more advanced topics and troubleshooting.
\n\n\n\nHere are some customer support questions that might be particularly relevant and see here almost every day here. Thanks, customer support people!
\n\n\n\nExperienced operators often deal with complex plugin setups, making conflict resolution a crucial skill.
\n\n\n\nSite performance is critical, and experienced operators need to know advanced optimization techniques.
\n\n\n\nSecurity is paramount, especially for larger or high-traffic sites that experienced operators typically manage.
\n\n\n\nMultisite management is an advanced feature that experienced operators may need to utilize.
\n\n\n\nTroubleshooting complex issues requires an understanding of WordPress error logs and debugging techniques.
\n\n\n\nAdvanced customization without affecting the parent theme is a valuable skill for experienced operators.
\n\n\n\nKnowing how to safely move a WordPress site between hosts or domains is crucial for site management.
\n\n\n\nRaise your hand if you\u2019ve ever experienced a problem with your WordPress hosting. Keep your hand raised if you\u2019ve gotten the run around when you tried to reach out to your hosting provider for help.
\n\n\n\nWe get it. We\u2019ve been in the industry for many years and we\u2019ve seen the bad side of customer support.
\n\n\n\nFrom day one, Rocket.net set out to be the web hosting industry\u2019s leader in customer service and technical support.
\n\n\n\nDedicated customer support = expert WordPress support
\n\n\n\nAll the help you need is at your fingertips. Rocket\u2019s industry-leading WordPress support team can be contacted directly from your WordPress control panel at any time.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cGood web hosting is at the heart of any successful website. Regardless of platform, you need safe, fast, and dependable web space to make your site accessible.\u201d
\nRocket.net
Think of customer service as a knowledge base — your 24/7 virtual support assistant. It’s like having an always-available instruction manual that makes sense.
\n\n\n\nAI might know about WordPress, but AI chatbots don\u2019t really know WordPress. That\u2019s an important distinction.
\n\n\n\nYour issues are unique and need to be dealt with quickly and effectively. You don\u2019t need to spend time searching for generic answers to other people\u2019s problems.
\n\n\n\nGreat customer support is like having your personal answering machine. Got a problem? Customer support has dealt with it before and has a specific answer that fits your situation.
\n\n\n\nCustomer support is the totality of answers and solutions that support you – and your customers. It\u2019s all about a better understanding of your products and how to work with them effectively. That\u2019s it!
\n\n\n\nHow good your customer support is significantly influences how your company is seen.
\n\n\n\nCustomer support is expected to be provided via all available channels — more and more via chatbots.
\n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, however, customer support does matter and has to be the top priority for businesses today..
\n\n\n\nPeople say \u2018customer support\u2019 and \u2018customer service\u2019 interchangeably. But, customer service tends to encompass all general customer interactions. It\u2019s not just about fixing the problem, but how it\u2019s fixed.
\n\n\n\nIf customer service fails to please, you could find your customers switching to a competitor.
\n\n\n\nBy investing in WordPress hosting, you\u2019re equipping yourself with the tools and resources necessary to build a robust, secure, and high-performing online presence. Spend your time captivating and engaging with your audience. Let your hosting take care of the rest!
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0
\n", "content_text": "In a competitive market, customer support is your true differentiator. For Rocket.net, it works because it\u2019s part of our core beliefs. Once you\u2019ve had a situation where you desperately need a knowledgeable person to help with something urgent on your site, then you\u2019ll never look at less expensive hosting options ever again.\n\n\n\nWhat is the Upside of Managed Hosting?\n\n\n\nManaged hosting comes with many advantages. Sure, maybe it’s a little more expensive than shared hosting; but courtside seats are more expensive than those in the nosebleed section. We\u2019ll never be a commodity hosting company. You shouldn\u2019t settle for that either.\n\n\n\nWhy? Your websites are too important. Your websites are your business. Your WooCommerce online shops generate income and serve your customers. Never sacrifice business success by saving a few dollars every month on uptime, performance, technical support, or security.\n\n\n\n\n\u201c24/7 access to human support isn’t just a luxury\u2014it’s a necessity that can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major crisis. While automation and AI have their place, they should complement, not replace, your support team.\u201d\nRocket.net – No AI Bots Here: Why Agencies Need WordPress Hosting With 24/7 Human Support\n\n\n\nGot Managed Hosting? You Made the Right Decision\n\n\n\nManaged hosting costs more than shared hosting because you get more.\n\n\n\nSuperior performance: servers are optimized specifically for your WordPress instance. These servers offer faster load times, professional caching, and better performance than what we like to call, \u201ccommodity hosting.\u201d\n\n\n\nEasy management: Most providers offer a simple user interface so you can easily manage your websites without requiring in-depth technical knowledge. But you can get down and technical if that’s your thing.\n\n\n\nIncreased security: Managed hosting providers take responsibility for the security of your website by creating regular backups and performing security updates.\n\n\n\nDedicated customer support: Managed hosting packages offer dedicated customer support that specializes exclusively in WordPress websites. Your WordPress website!\n\n\n\nNot Every Customer Support Question is Worth a Call\n\n\n\nCustomer support workers probably love the \u201cHave you tried unplugging it and plugging it back in?\u201d types of questions. For most of our support questions, the internet suffices, or our kids.\n\n\n\nFor experienced WordPress operators and shop owners, the most important customer support questions likely focus on more advanced topics and troubleshooting.\n\n\n\nHere are some customer support questions that might be particularly relevant and see here almost every day here. Thanks, customer support people!\n\n\n\nHow do I troubleshoot plugin conflicts?\n\n\n\nExperienced operators often deal with complex plugin setups, making conflict resolution a crucial skill.\n\n\n\nHow do I optimize my WordPress site for speed?\n\n\n\nSite performance is critical, and experienced operators need to know advanced optimization techniques.\n\n\n\nHow do I secure my WordPress site?\n\n\n\nSecurity is paramount, especially for larger or high-traffic sites that experienced operators typically manage.\n\n\n\nHow do I set up and manage multisite?\n\n\n\nMultisite management is an advanced feature that experienced operators may need to utilize.\n\n\n\nHow do I debug WordPress errors?\n\n\n\nTroubleshooting complex issues requires an understanding of WordPress error logs and debugging techniques.\n\n\n\nHow do I customize my theme using child themes?\n\n\n\nAdvanced customization without affecting the parent theme is a valuable skill for experienced operators.\n\n\n\nHow do I migrate a WordPress site?\n\n\n\nKnowing how to safely move a WordPress site between hosts or domains is crucial for site management.\n\n\n\nThe Elephant in the Room: Customer Support\n\n\n\nRaise your hand if you\u2019ve ever experienced a problem with your WordPress hosting. Keep your hand raised if you\u2019ve gotten the run around when you tried to reach out to your hosting provider for help. \n\n\n\nWe get it. We\u2019ve been in the industry for many years and we\u2019ve seen the bad side of customer support. \n\n\n\nFrom day one, Rocket.net set out to be the web hosting industry\u2019s leader in customer service and technical support.\n\n\n\nDedicated customer support = expert WordPress support\n\n\n\nAll the help you need is at your fingertips. Rocket\u2019s industry-leading WordPress support team can be contacted directly from your WordPress control panel at any time.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cGood web hosting is at the heart of any successful website. Regardless of platform, you need safe, fast, and dependable web space to make your site accessible.\u201d\nRocket.net\n\n\n\nGood Customer Support is Your Knowledge Bank\n\n\n\nThink of customer service as a knowledge base — your 24/7 virtual support assistant. It’s like having an always-available instruction manual that makes sense. \n\n\n\nAI might know about WordPress, but AI chatbots don\u2019t really know WordPress. That\u2019s an important distinction. \n\n\n\nYour issues are unique and need to be dealt with quickly and effectively. You don\u2019t need to spend time searching for generic answers to other people\u2019s problems.\n\n\n\nGreat customer support is like having your personal answering machine. Got a problem? Customer support has dealt with it before and has a specific answer that fits your situation.\n\n\n\nGood Customer Support Means Good Customer Service\n\n\n\nCustomer support is the totality of answers and solutions that support you – and your customers. It\u2019s all about a better understanding of your products and how to work with them effectively. That\u2019s it!\n\n\n\nHow good your customer support is significantly influences how your company is seen. \n\n\n\nCustomer support is expected to be provided via all available channels — more and more via chatbots.\n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, however, customer support does matter and has to be the top priority for businesses today.. \n\n\n\nPeople say \u2018customer support\u2019 and \u2018customer service\u2019 interchangeably. But, customer service tends to encompass all general customer interactions. It\u2019s not just about fixing the problem, but how it\u2019s fixed. \n\n\n\nIf customer service fails to please, you could find your customers switching to a competitor.\n\n\n\nChoose The Future of WordPress Hosting!\n\n\n\nBy investing in WordPress hosting, you\u2019re equipping yourself with the tools and resources necessary to build a robust, secure, and high-performing online presence. Spend your time captivating and engaging with your audience. Let your hosting take care of the rest!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0", "date_published": "2025-01-09T16:18:33+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-01-09T16:18:34+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Managed-Customer-Support.png", "tags": [ "WordPress Hosting" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6813", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/wordpress-6-7-a-new-era-of-content-creation-and-design/", "title": "WordPress 6.7 \u2013 A New Era of Content Creation and Design", "content_html": "\nRight on schedule, WordPress 6.7 dropped a few weeks ago, bringing a host of exciting features and improvements. This update will completely up your content game.
\n\n\n\nThe latest WordPress update focuses on three things: enhancing your editing experience, improving design flexibility, and boosting your website\u2019s overall performance and security.
\n\n\n\nThere were over 750 contributors to this release and we\u2019re proud to sponsor some of these contributors, as a total of 5 Rocket staff directly contributed to WordPress 6.7.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTwo months ago, I started doing what I had been wanting to do: contribute to Make WordPress\u2014and it has been an amazing experience ever since.
\n\n\n\nIt all started when I joined Five for the Future – and our team has grown even more now:
\n\n\n\nThis naturally opened up more chances to learn and contribute. I\u2019m proud to be part of the newest release, WordPress Core 6.7 and the Polyglots team, as a General Translation Editor
\n\n\n\nIt has been truly exciting! Thank you to everyone at Rocket.net for encouragement, and positive response. Also, thanks to Zunaid Amin for paving the way and bringing us together!
\n\n\n\nCan\u2019t wait to contribute even more in the future!
\nRocket.net WordPress Engineer: Maria Yohana
The biggest takeaway from the new update is that WordPress 6.7 is breaking from tradition. Sure, there is always an annual new theme but this one breaks the mold. The latest default theme isn’t just another neutral template.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a pretty big departure from how Twenty Twenty-Four works to how Twenty Twenty-Five works.\u201c
\nMatt Meidros
Twenty Twenty-Five embraces your own artistic expression. How? The theme design philosophy centers around the concept of transformation \u2013 fleeting moments and thoughtful visual elements.
\n\n\n\nYou\u2019re motivated to open it up and get designing now, right?
\n\n\n\nThe default theme is versatile enough to accommodate any web project, but Twenty Twenty-Five really focuses on niche users. After a few minutes in the new theme, you can\u2019t help but think \u201cportfolios, personal websites, sophisticated blogs.\u201d You know who much we love niche blogs!
\n\n\n\nThe power of Twenty Twenty-Five is that it can be tailored to align with your unique vision and needs. And, it has accessibility and media library improvements.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cFor me it’s the new Twenty Twenty-Five theme and the built in ability to upload HEIC photos.\u201d
\nSyed Balkhi
Twenty Twenty-Five contains a library of 70 customizable design patterns. That\u2019s a seven and a zero! So, whether you need a simple button or an entire page layout, there are pre-built elements that serve as starting points for your design. Each pattern is a flexible foundation you can adapt and transform.
\n\n\n\nThe theme also offers amazing versatility through its in-depth style options:
\n\n\n\nYou’ll find these customization tools in two places: use the Site Editor’s Style section for site-wide changes (available in block themes) or adjust individual elements directly within your pages and posts.
\n\n\n\nOne of the most anticipated features in WordPress 6.7 is the new Zoom Out Mode. And we love it!
\n\n\n\nZoom Out allows you to edit content at a pattern level, providing a high-level view of the page layout. With Zoom Out Mode, you can:
\n\n\n\nThis feature streamlines the editing process for complex layouts and long-form content, making it easier to maintain design consistency across sections.
\n\n\n\nWhile very cool, Zoom Out may not be suitable for precise editing tasks. The tool focuses on broader layout adjustments rather than detailed content manipulation.
\n\n\n\nThis mode is best used for managing and styling sections or block arrangements. You may need to switch back to the regular view for more detailed edits.
\n\n\n\nAlso, Zoom Out’s effectiveness can depend on the complexity of the page layout and your familiarity with using patterns.
\n\n\n\nThe next standout feature in this release is Fluid Typography. Sure, it came out with WordPress 6.1., but it\u2019s still another of our favourite features.
\n\n\n\nFluid Typography dynamically adjusts font sizes based on screen dimensions, ensuring optimal readability across all devices.
\n\n\n\nYou can access Fluid Typography settings through the Site Editor, selecting typography links and font size presets:
\n\n\n\nThis feature not only enhances design responsiveness but also improves accessibility for users with vision impairments by maintaining legible text sizes across different screen sizes.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe default style variation of Twenty Twenty-Five uses the font Manrope for headlines and paragraphs. This style has white with dark grey and accents in yellow, pink and purple.The alternative fonts shipped with the theme are Beiruti, Fira Code, Fira Sans, Literata 72pt, Platypi, Roboto Slab, Vollkorn and Ysabeau Office.\u201d
\nTwenty Twenty-Five Documentation
Just for fun we asked ChatGPT, an AI assistant by OpenAI, if these fonts were accessible. The following is their answer. Take it with a grain of salt. Of course, we recommend that you always test your own site builds for WCAG requirements.
\n\n\n\nColor and Style Considerations
\n\n\n\nThe color scheme (white with dark grey and accents in yellow, pink, and purple) is generally fine, but contrast should meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). For example:
\n\n\n\nTest the fonts with screen readers and users with visual impairments to ensure they perform well in all environments.
\n\n\n\nYou want it bigger? WordPress 6.7 has you covered. Several design enhancements give you more control over your site’s appearance:
\n\n\n\nThese additions provide greater flexibility in customizing the look and feel of websites without the need for custom code.
\n\n\n\nThe new release also includes powerful APIs that expand WordPress’s capabilities.
\n\n\n\nThis API simplifies the process of registering templates and template parts for plugins. This makes it easier for developers to create custom layouts.
\n\n\n\nDevelopers can now add custom preview options to the editor, too. This enhances flexibility in content creation and review processes.
\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.7 doesn’t just focus on new features; it also prioritizes:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThat last improvement to lazy loading should help improve core web vitals scores because the Auto Sizes feature helps the browser select the right image size from the CSS and use that to build the web page, rather than using the image size itself.\u201d
\nSearch Engine Journal
Blog may be a four-letter word but blogging certainly isn\u2019t. Don\u2019t let it get you down either. Publishing your thoughts and demonstrating your expertise is core to any business. WordPress 6.7\u2019s focus is on user-friendly editing tools, enhanced design capabilities, and improved performance. This is a big step in the right direction for everyone. We applaud another step forward in content creation and website design.
\n\n\n\nThis update empowers you to create more sites with greater ease than ever before. Take it out for a spin today!
\n\n\n\nAmong all of these updates, WordPress 6.7 made performance improvements. We\u2019re glad that WordPress Core has made improvements for performance, but don\u2019t forget that speed starts with an optimized, experienced hosting platform.
\n\n\n\n\n",
"content_text": "Right on schedule, WordPress 6.7 dropped a few weeks ago, bringing a host of exciting features and improvements. This update will completely up your content game.\n\n\n\nThe latest WordPress update focuses on three things: enhancing your editing experience, improving design flexibility, and boosting your website\u2019s overall performance and security.\n\n\n\nThere were over 750 contributors to this release and we\u2019re proud to sponsor some of these contributors, as a total of 5 Rocket staff directly contributed to WordPress 6.7.\n\n\n\n\nTwo months ago, I started doing what I had been wanting to do: contribute to Make WordPress\u2014and it has been an amazing experience ever since.\n\n\n\nIt all started when I joined Five for the Future – and our team has grown even more now: \n\n\n\nThis naturally opened up more chances to learn and contribute. I\u2019m proud to be part of the newest release, WordPress Core 6.7 and the Polyglots team, as a General Translation Editor\n\n\n\nIt has been truly exciting! Thank you to everyone at Rocket.net for encouragement, and positive response. Also, thanks to Zunaid Amin for paving the way and bringing us together!\n\n\n\nCan\u2019t wait to contribute even more in the future! \nRocket.net WordPress Engineer: Maria Yohana \n\n\n\nWordPress’s Latest Theme is really a Canvas\n\n\n\nThe biggest takeaway from the new update is that WordPress 6.7 is breaking from tradition. Sure, there is always an annual new theme but this one breaks the mold. The latest default theme isn’t just another neutral template.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a pretty big departure from how Twenty Twenty-Four works to how Twenty Twenty-Five works.\u201c\nMatt Meidros\n\n\n\nTwenty Twenty-Five embraces your own artistic expression. How? The theme design philosophy centers around the concept of transformation \u2013 fleeting moments and thoughtful visual elements.\n\n\n\nYou\u2019re motivated to open it up and get designing now, right?\n\n\n\nThe default theme is versatile enough to accommodate any web project, but Twenty Twenty-Five really focuses on niche users. After a few minutes in the new theme, you can\u2019t help but think \u201cportfolios, personal websites, sophisticated blogs.\u201d You know who much we love niche blogs!\n\n\n\nThe power of Twenty Twenty-Five is that it can be tailored to align with your unique vision and needs. And, it has accessibility and media library improvements.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cFor me it’s the new Twenty Twenty-Five theme and the built in ability to upload HEIC photos.\u201d\nSyed Balkhi\n\n\n\nMore New Patterns\n\n\n\nTwenty Twenty-Five contains a library of 70 customizable design patterns. That\u2019s a seven and a zero! So, whether you need a simple button or an entire page layout, there are pre-built elements that serve as starting points for your design. Each pattern is a flexible foundation you can adapt and transform.\n\n\n\nMore Styles\n\n\n\nThe theme also offers amazing versatility through its in-depth style options:\n\n\n\n\nA default design plus eight distinct visual variations\n\n\n\nA carefully-curated selection of nine color schemes\n\n\n\nEight typography collections for diverse visual expression (see our post about fonts)\n\n\n\nA typography library featuring nine font families, spanning both serif and sans-serif\n\n\n\n\nYou’ll find these customization tools in two places: use the Site Editor’s Style section for site-wide changes (available in block themes) or adjust individual elements directly within your pages and posts.\n\n\n\nZoom Out Mode: A Bird’s-Eye View of Your Content\n\n\n\nOne of the most anticipated features in WordPress 6.7 is the new Zoom Out Mode. And we love it!\n\n\n\nZoom Out allows you to edit content at a pattern level, providing a high-level view of the page layout. With Zoom Out Mode, you can:\n\n\n\n\nAdd, rearrange, and edit patterns directly\n\n\n\nAccess the Patterns tab in the block inserter by default\n\n\n\nView patterns instead of individual blocks in the List view\n\n\n\nPerform actions like drag, move up/down, and shuffle on selected patterns\n\n\n\n\nThis feature streamlines the editing process for complex layouts and long-form content, making it easier to maintain design consistency across sections.\n\n\n\nZoom Out Mode Has Some Limitations\n\n\n\nWhile very cool, Zoom Out may not be suitable for precise editing tasks. The tool focuses on broader layout adjustments rather than detailed content manipulation.\n\n\n\nThis mode is best used for managing and styling sections or block arrangements. You may need to switch back to the regular view for more detailed edits.\n\n\n\nAlso, Zoom Out’s effectiveness can depend on the complexity of the page layout and your familiarity with using patterns. \n\n\n\nFluid Typography: Responsive Text for All Devices\n\n\n\nThe next standout feature in this release is Fluid Typography. Sure, it came out with WordPress 6.1., but it\u2019s still another of our favourite features.\n\n\n\nFluid Typography dynamically adjusts font sizes based on screen dimensions, ensuring optimal readability across all devices.\n\n\n\nYou can access Fluid Typography settings through the Site Editor, selecting typography links and font size presets:\n\n\n\n\nAccess the Site Editor in your WordPress dashboard\n\n\n\nNavigate to the Styles section and select Typography\n\n\n\nChoose a font size preset (e.g., medium or large)\n\n\n\nToggle on the Fluid Typography option that appears\n\n\n\n\nThis feature not only enhances design responsiveness but also improves accessibility for users with vision impairments by maintaining legible text sizes across different screen sizes.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe default style variation of Twenty Twenty-Five uses the font Manrope for headlines and paragraphs. This style has white with dark grey and accents in yellow, pink and purple.The alternative fonts shipped with the theme are Beiruti, Fira Code, Fira Sans, Literata 72pt, Platypi, Roboto Slab, Vollkorn and Ysabeau Office.\u201d\nTwenty Twenty-Five Documentation\n\n\n\nBonus: Ask ChatGPT\n\n\n\nJust for fun we asked ChatGPT, an AI assistant by OpenAI, if these fonts were accessible. The following is their answer. Take it with a grain of salt. Of course, we recommend that you always test your own site builds for WCAG requirements.\n\n\n\nColor and Style Considerations\n\n\n\nThe color scheme (white with dark grey and accents in yellow, pink, and purple) is generally fine, but contrast should meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). For example:\n\n\n\n\nEnsure text meets contrast ratios: 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.\n\n\n\nAvoid using color alone to convey meaning.\n\n\n\n\nGeneral Recommendations for Accessibility\n\n\n\n\nUse sans-serif fonts like Fira Sans, Roboto Slab, and Manrope for better readability in digital formats.\n\n\n\nAvoid overly decorative fonts (like Beiruti or potentially Platypi) for body text.\n\n\n\n\nTest the fonts with screen readers and users with visual impairments to ensure they perform well in all environments.\n\n\n\nEven More in WordPress 6.7: Enhanced Design Tools and Developer-Friendly APIs\n\n\n\nEnhanced Design Tools\n\n\n\nYou want it bigger? WordPress 6.7 has you covered. Several design enhancements give you more control over your site’s appearance:\n\n\n\n\nExtended block supports for borders, backgrounds, and shadows\n\n\n\nBackground image controls for Quote and Group blocks\n\n\n\nNew font management tools for improved typography control\n\n\n\n\nThese additions provide greater flexibility in customizing the look and feel of websites without the need for custom code.\n\n\n\nDeveloper-Friendly APIs\n\n\n\nThe new release also includes powerful APIs that expand WordPress’s capabilities.\n\n\n\nTemplate Registration API\n\n\n\nThis API simplifies the process of registering templates and template parts for plugins. This makes it easier for developers to create custom layouts.\n\n\n\nPreview Options API\n\n\n\nDevelopers can now add custom preview options to the editor, too. This enhances flexibility in content creation and review processes.\n\n\n\nPerformance and Security Enhancements\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.7 doesn’t just focus on new features; it also prioritizes:\n\n\n\n\nSpeed optimization for faster page load times\n\n\n\nResponsive design improvements for better mobile experiences\n\n\n\nAdvanced security measures to protect against vulnerabilities\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThat last improvement to lazy loading should help improve core web vitals scores because the Auto Sizes feature helps the browser select the right image size from the CSS and use that to build the web page, rather than using the image size itself.\u201d\nSearch Engine Journal\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.7 is a Blogger\u2019s Dream\n\n\n\nBlog may be a four-letter word but blogging certainly isn\u2019t. Don\u2019t let it get you down either. Publishing your thoughts and demonstrating your expertise is core to any business. WordPress 6.7\u2019s focus is on user-friendly editing tools, enhanced design capabilities, and improved performance. This is a big step in the right direction for everyone. We applaud another step forward in content creation and website design.\n\n\n\nThis update empowers you to create more sites with greater ease than ever before. Take it out for a spin today!\n\n\n\n\nRelease details: WordPress 6.7 \u201cRollins\u201d \u2013 WordPress News\n\n\n\nFull list of updates: WordPress 6.7 Source of Truth – Gutenberg Times\n\n\n\nThe field guide: WordPress 6.7 Field Guide \u2013 Make WordPress Core\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019d Love to Show You What Real Performance Means for Your Site!\n\n\n\nAmong all of these updates, WordPress 6.7 made performance improvements. We\u2019re glad that WordPress Core has made improvements for performance, but don\u2019t forget that speed starts with an optimized, experienced hosting platform.",
"date_published": "2024-12-13T14:44:55+00:00",
"date_modified": "2024-12-13T17:39:57+00:00",
"authors": [
{
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
}
],
"author": {
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
},
"image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WordPress-6-7.png",
"tags": [
"WordPress Hosting"
]
},
{
"id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6756",
"url": "https://rocket.net/blog/action-scheduler-warning-woocommerce-black-friday-disaster-avoided/",
"title": "Action Scheduler Warning: WooCommerce Black Friday Disaster Avoided",
"content_html": "\nAt Rocket.net, our top priority has always been our customers’ success, especially during their most critical times when they need us most. Rather than following the rest of the hosting industry with some gimmicky Black Friday promotion (we\u2019ve never run one of these), our entire team has focused on supporting our existing and new customers on their biggest traffic days of the year.
\n\n\n\nSure, everyone brags about how great their support is, and believe me, there are many amazing people out there, and I give them massive credit.
\n\n\n\nBut at Rocket.net, we are different. We\u2019re willing to go the distance for our customers and do whatever it takes to ensure they\u2019re always online and as optimized as possible.
\n\n\n\nSo, let\u2019s dive into a real-world example of what happened today.
\n\n\n\nToday, around 4:30 AM Eastern, one of our large Enterprise customers noticed a slowdown in checkouts and specific pages throughout their site. So, we rolled our sleeves up and got to work.
\n\n\n\nFirst, I\u2019ll share what the customer\u2019s setup is:
\n\n\n\nEnterprise 4
96 cores
256GB RAM
2TB NVMe Storage
NVMe storage plays a huge role here for high traffic due to its high read/write speeds during heavy workloads.
\n\n\n\nFor example, this customer still sees around 700mb/s writes and over 6.2gb/s reads during peak hours; this is extremely important for PHP and MySQL.
\n\n\n\nNow, outside of the server specs, they\u2019ve been pleased with the performance, but they started to notice a slowdown as things picked up.
\n\n\n\nThe server was running at 5% CPU usage with bursts to about 20-30%, so something did not seem right.
\n\n\n\nTo get started, I installed New Relic to start tracing. Typically, we use PHP X-Ray for this job, but in this case, New Relic was the tool used for the job due to its granularity.
\n\n\n\nOnce I started receiving some data, the issue stuck out: The Action Scheduler!
\n\n\n\nTake a look at some of these traces. We\u2019re normally not pleased with more than a second or two of execution time, but here, processes took tens of seconds and tens of minutes!
\n\n\n\n![\"server](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/server-process-11.png\" "\\"Action")
![\"server](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/server-process-logs-expanded.png\" "\\"Action")
I knew there was a problem, and I assumed it had to do with task queueing, but I did not understand WHY this problem was occurring.
So, I started diving into the Action Scheduler documentation: https://actionscheduler.org/perf/
\n\n\n\nSimilar to WP Cron, the action scheduler executes on POST requests to admin-ajax.php. If these requests take a long time to process, they hog resources, slowing down visitor experience and causing PHP threads to start queuing new requests, ultimately elevating response time across the board.
\n\n\n\nSo, following the Action Scheduler documentation, I built two cron jobs to move the action scheduler to WP CLI, which uses resources outside of the web server so that it doesn\u2019t compete with client requests.
\n\n\n\nJob 1 (every 5 minutes):
\n\n\n\n/path/to/php /path/to/wp action-scheduler run –group=woocommerce-webhooks –batch-size=500 –path=/path/to/wp
\n\n\n\nJob 2 (every minute):
\n\n\n\n/path/to/php /path/to/wp action-scheduler run –exclude-groups=woocommerce-webhooks –path=/path/to/wp
\n\n\n\nWhy two? Well, this site uses explicitly many webhooks to push data to its internal systems, which ultimately was the real culprit here. Running jobs via WP CLI for webhooks can take seconds or even 10+ minutes.
\n\n\n\nFor example, if this customer does a bulk edit on orders for 1000 orders, it will create 1000 scheduled tasks for webhooks at minimum.
\n\n\n\nKnowing these webhooks can take up to 10 minutes to complete in the queue, we don\u2019t want to create a bad customer experience by delaying emails, subscription renewals, etc, by 10+ minutes, so we have another job that runs just for all non-webhook tasks.
\n\n\n\nAfter creating the jobs, we followed Action Scheduler’s advice and had our customer install and enable the Action Scheduler\u2014Disable Default Queue Runner plugin.
\n\n\n\nAfter moving the action scheduler to WP CLI, we saw incredible results on the site:
\n\n\n\n![\"action](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/action-scheduler-cli2.png\" "\\"Action")
In the above screenshot, you can see where an admin-ajax.php request took 43 seconds! Then, you can see where they dropped to 625ms-1s after moving the action scheduler to WP CLI, an incredible difference in response time.
Now, this scenario does not apply to all sites. To put this into perspective, this site processes about 20,000 requests per minute and uses about 4.6TB of bandwidth a day\u2026 and it\u2019s not even Black Friday or Cyber Monday yet!
\n\n\n\nWithout this fix, I do not believe they would have survived Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or any other massive sale.
\n\n\n\nSo, if you\u2019re running a large WooCommerce site and are preparing for big sales like Black Friday, look into the action scheduler as you\u2019re checking things out\u2026 or just give us a shout.
\n\n\n\nWe\u2019d be happy to set you up and optimize your WooCommerce store in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday (yes, we even work Thanksgiving).
\n\n\n\n![\"Looking](\"https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/24325690/9e0cf38b-066a-44da-abe3-14b14b5a9e19.png\" "\\"Action")
\n\n\n\n\nYou might wonder why our articles so often blow our own trumpet \u2013 \u201cChoose a reliable, managed hosting provider over shared hosting. Our strong maintenance support and security features are worth the extra money.\u201d\u00a0
\n\n\n\nYou also might roll your eyes when every other article we write is a nagging reminder.
\n\n\n\n\u201cRegularly backing up your websites is essential to safeguard against data loss. Keep your WordPress core, along with plugins and themes, frequently updated. Utilize a staging site to test changes. Monitor and regularly clear the cache.\u201d
\n\n\n\nAnnoying, isn\u2019t it? Why do we keep repeating ourselves? In a nutshell, our goal is to help you prevent WordPress errors on your blog.
\n\n\n\nWe don\u2019t like errors. Nobody does. The fewer the better. How many errors did you encounter in the last year? Two? Three? How often did they happen? Blogger Outreach wrote about 35 common errors that website owners face. We\u2019ve never seen so many errors. It makes you wonder what\u2019s happening over there.
\n\n\n\nOur friends at codeable wrote up a manageable list of ten WordPress errors. Not too many, not too few. Ten is a safe, manageable amount, and they wrote a great article.
\n\n\n\nYou don\u2019t have time to worry about all the errors that might occur \u2013 you need to know about the errors that often do occur. Why? Because if we\u2019re hosting your website, you\u2019re not going to need to worry about errors \u2013 with the exception of 401s.
\n\n\n\nTo ensure your WordPress blog runs smoothly, it’s essential to understand the bugs that can lead to issues and how to resolve them. The good news is that you can always pinpoint the source of the problem.
\n\n\n\nHere are the most common reasons for these WordPress error messages on your blog, and how you can effectively resolve them.
\n\n\n\nYour readers are the most important users of your website, so let\u2019s start here. If they cannot access your content, everything else can wait. There are two common errors they can encounter: A Mixed Content/Insecure Website error and a Javascript error.
\n\n\n\nMixed Content Errors: If your blog is using HTTPS but some resources are loaded over HTTP, this can cause mixed content errors. These degrade security and user experience. Ensuring all resources are loaded over HTTPS can resolve these errors. Most often this occurs when you import images or fonts from another website \u2013 your website may be HTTPS, but the source website is HTTP.
\n\n\n\nJavaScript Errors: Many websites can experience JavaScript errors due to differences in how browsers interpret JS. These errors might not visibly affect the functionality but can clutter the console with error messages. Using a caching plugin to minimize your JS and CSS can also cause sliders and contact forms to no longer function properly.
\n\n\n\nPlugins (there are more than 50,000) are the best way to extend the functionality of your WordPress site, but they can also be a double-edged sword. When multiple plugins try to perform similar tasks or interact with the same elements, conflicts can arise, leading to error messages. You may also be using a poorly-coded plugin. Ensure your plugins come from a trusted source.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Regularly update your plugins and deactivate (and uninstall) any that are not essential. If an error occurs after installing a new plugin, deactivate it to see if the issue resolves. Always ensure that your plugins are compatible with your WordPress version, and keep a backup of your site before updating.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe single biggest reason that WordPress sites are compromised is through out-of-date software. You must keep on top of this because the hackers won\u2019t put off hacking your site until you\u2019re less busy.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Stay Safe and Keep Your WordPress Up To Date
Your theme is the backbone of your blog\u2019s appearance and functionality. There are over 10,000 different themes available to you, so your blog will never look boring! However, not all themes are created equal. Poorly-coded themes or those that haven\u2019t been updated can cause a myriad of issues. Just like your plugins, ensure your theme comes from the WordPress repository or a trusted vendor.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Choose themes from reputable sources and ensure they are regularly updated. If you encounter an error, switch to a default, classic, WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) to see if the problem persists. This can help you determine if the theme is the culprit.
\n\n\n\nSometimes, the issue isn\u2019t with your WordPress site at all but with your server. Server downtime, limited resources, or misconfigurations can lead to error messages.
\n\n\n\nA 400 error indicates that the server cannot process the request due to a client-side issue. A 500 error signifies that the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling a valid request.
\n\n\n\nA 401 error means that you are not authorized to access the page because you didn\u2019t provide the right credentials, or there was another problem when authenticating your access. Often 401 error codes can be fixed by simply hitting the refresh button. What Is A 401 Error Code? (How To Fix It On WordPress)
\n\n\n\nThere are a lot of ways user error results in HTTP 500 errors. Most of them, in our experience, come from editing the .htaccess file or installing a less-than-stellar plugin. We recommend that you test all new plugin installations and updates. Why Do I Get 500 Internal Server Errors? How to Fix It
\n\n\n\nYour WordPress site relies heavily on its database to store content and settings. Corrupt or inaccessible databases can lead to error messages, such as the dreaded \u201cError Establishing a Database Connection.\u201d
\n\n\n\nSolution: Regularly back up your database and use tools like phpMyAdmin to repair and optimize it. If you encounter a database error, check your wp-config.php file to ensure your database credentials are correct. Sometimes a \u201c0\u201d looks like an \u201cO,\u201d right?
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cUnlike some errors you may encounter \u2014 like the WordPress White Screen of Death (WSOD)\u00a0 \u2014 this error speaks for itself. It means there is no database connection. As far as website errors go, a database connection error is normally pretty easy to resolve.\u201c
\nRocket.net – 5 Ways How To Fix Error Establishing A Database Connection In WordPress
WordPress and its plugins require a certain amount of PHP memory to function correctly. If your site exceeds these limits, you\u2019ll likely see error messages. These can occur due to syntax errors, memory limit issues, or deprecated functions in the code. By default, WordPress sets this limit to 32MB, but it can be increased to accommodate more resource-intensive tasks
\n\n\n\nSolution: Increase your PHP memory limit by editing your wp-config.php file or contacting your hosting provider for assistance. Ensure your site isn\u2019t overloaded with unnecessary backup files, unused plugins, or deactivated themes.
\n\n\n\nRunning an outdated version of WordPress can lead to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities, resulting in error messages.
\n\n\n\nSolution: Always keep your WordPress core updated to the latest version. Regular updates ensure compatibility with plugins and themes and protect your site from security threats.
\n\n\n\nWordPress Errors are Not the End of the World
\n\n\n\nBlog error messages can come from a variety of sources. External factors can play a role, such as a poor internet connection or browser issues. To troubleshoot, first refresh your browser.
\n\n\n\nErrors can also stem from technical issues like server problems, plugin conflicts, theme problems, or coding errors. Follow up by checking your server status, clearing your browser cache, or updating your WordPress plugins and themes.
\n\n\n\nError messages can be a nuisance, but they also provide valuable clues about what\u2019s going wrong with your WordPress site.
\n\n\n\nBy understanding the common causes and implementing these solutions, you can keep your blog running smoothly and focus on what you do best\u2014creating great content.
\n\n\n\nYour blog might experience an increase in error messages due to server overload, hardware or software issues, database problems, code errors, or network difficulties. An unexpectedly high, or increased number of errors may also be a sign of increased website traffic or cyber attack.
\n\n\n\nMonitor your server logs, check website traffic, and view attempted log-ins \u2014 these are essential steps in troubleshooting for any blog owner.
\n\n\n\nWhen in doubt, contact your web administrator or provider. WordPress, out of the box, offers a website health check function. Use this together with a login protection plugin, and notifications from your hosting provider to get a clear picture of what\u2019s behind increased error messages.
\n\n\n\nBy investing in WordPress hosting, you\u2019re equipping yourself with the tools and resources necessary to build a robust, secure, and high-performing online presence. Spend your time captivating and engaging with your audience. Let your hosting take care of the rest!
\n\n\n", "content_text": "You might wonder why our articles so often blow our own trumpet \u2013 \u201cChoose a reliable, managed hosting provider over shared hosting. Our strong maintenance support and security features are worth the extra money.\u201d\u00a0\n\n\n\nYou also might roll your eyes when every other article we write is a nagging reminder.\n\n\n\n\u201cRegularly backing up your websites is essential to safeguard against data loss. Keep your WordPress core, along with plugins and themes, frequently updated. Utilize a staging site to test changes. Monitor and regularly clear the cache.\u201d\n\n\n\nAnnoying, isn\u2019t it? Why do we keep repeating ourselves? In a nutshell, our goal is to help you prevent WordPress errors on your blog.\n\n\n\nHosting with Confidence: Reducing Your Error Concerns\n\n\n\nWe don\u2019t like errors. Nobody does. The fewer the better. How many errors did you encounter in the last year? Two? Three? How often did they happen? Blogger Outreach wrote about 35 common errors that website owners face. We\u2019ve never seen so many errors. It makes you wonder what\u2019s happening over there.\n\n\n\nOur friends at codeable wrote up a manageable list of ten WordPress errors. Not too many, not too few. Ten is a safe, manageable amount, and they wrote a great article.\n\n\n\nYou don\u2019t have time to worry about all the errors that might occur \u2013 you need to know about the errors that often do occur. Why? Because if we\u2019re hosting your website, you\u2019re not going to need to worry about errors \u2013 with the exception of 401s.\n\n\n\nWordPress Error Management: Prioritizing the Top 7\n\n\n\nTo ensure your WordPress blog runs smoothly, it’s essential to understand the bugs that can lead to issues and how to resolve them. The good news is that you can always pinpoint the source of the problem. \n\n\n\nHere are the most common reasons for these WordPress error messages on your blog, and how you can effectively resolve them.\n\n\n\nError 1 \u2013 Content Access Errors\n\n\n\nYour readers are the most important users of your website, so let\u2019s start here. If they cannot access your content, everything else can wait. There are two common errors they can encounter: A Mixed Content/Insecure Website error and a Javascript error.\n\n\n\nMixed Content Errors: If your blog is using HTTPS but some resources are loaded over HTTP, this can cause mixed content errors. These degrade security and user experience. Ensuring all resources are loaded over HTTPS can resolve these errors. Most often this occurs when you import images or fonts from another website \u2013 your website may be HTTPS, but the source website is HTTP.\n\n\n\nJavaScript Errors: Many websites can experience JavaScript errors due to differences in how browsers interpret JS. These errors might not visibly affect the functionality but can clutter the console with error messages. Using a caching plugin to minimize your JS and CSS can also cause sliders and contact forms to no longer function properly.\n\n\n\nError 2 \u2013 Plugin Conflicts\n\n\n\nPlugins (there are more than 50,000) are the best way to extend the functionality of your WordPress site, but they can also be a double-edged sword. When multiple plugins try to perform similar tasks or interact with the same elements, conflicts can arise, leading to error messages. You may also be using a poorly-coded plugin. Ensure your plugins come from a trusted source.\n\n\n\nSolution: Regularly update your plugins and deactivate (and uninstall) any that are not essential. If an error occurs after installing a new plugin, deactivate it to see if the issue resolves. Always ensure that your plugins are compatible with your WordPress version, and keep a backup of your site before updating.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe single biggest reason that WordPress sites are compromised is through out-of-date software. You must keep on top of this because the hackers won\u2019t put off hacking your site until you\u2019re less busy.\u201d\nRocket.net – Stay Safe and Keep Your WordPress Up To Date\n\n\n\nError 3 \u2013 Theme Issues\n\n\n\nYour theme is the backbone of your blog\u2019s appearance and functionality. There are over 10,000 different themes available to you, so your blog will never look boring! However, not all themes are created equal. Poorly-coded themes or those that haven\u2019t been updated can cause a myriad of issues. Just like your plugins, ensure your theme comes from the WordPress repository or a trusted vendor.\n\n\n\nSolution: Choose themes from reputable sources and ensure they are regularly updated. If you encounter an error, switch to a default, classic, WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) to see if the problem persists. This can help you determine if the theme is the culprit.\n\n\n\nError 4 \u2013 400 (Bad Request) and 500 (Internal Server) Errors\n\n\n\nSometimes, the issue isn\u2019t with your WordPress site at all but with your server. Server downtime, limited resources, or misconfigurations can lead to error messages. \n\n\n\nA 400 error indicates that the server cannot process the request due to a client-side issue. A 500 error signifies that the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling a valid request.\n\n\n\nA 401 error means that you are not authorized to access the page because you didn\u2019t provide the right credentials, or there was another problem when authenticating your access. Often 401 error codes can be fixed by simply hitting the refresh button. What Is A 401 Error Code? (How To Fix It On WordPress)\n\n\n\nThere are a lot of ways user error results in HTTP 500 errors. Most of them, in our experience, come from editing the .htaccess file or installing a less-than-stellar plugin. We recommend that you test all new plugin installations and updates. Why Do I Get 500 Internal Server Errors? How to Fix It\n\n\n\nError 5 \u2013 Database Errors\n\n\n\nYour WordPress site relies heavily on its database to store content and settings. Corrupt or inaccessible databases can lead to error messages, such as the dreaded \u201cError Establishing a Database Connection.\u201d\n\n\n\nSolution: Regularly back up your database and use tools like phpMyAdmin to repair and optimize it. If you encounter a database error, check your wp-config.php file to ensure your database credentials are correct. Sometimes a \u201c0\u201d looks like an \u201cO,\u201d right?\n\n\n\n\n\u201cUnlike some errors you may encounter \u2014 like the WordPress White Screen of Death (WSOD)\u00a0 \u2014 this error speaks for itself. It means there is no database connection. As far as website errors go, a database connection error is normally pretty easy to resolve.\u201c\nRocket.net – 5 Ways How To Fix Error Establishing A Database Connection In WordPress\n\n\n\nError 6 \u2014 Exceeding PHP Limits\n\n\n\nWordPress and its plugins require a certain amount of PHP memory to function correctly. If your site exceeds these limits, you\u2019ll likely see error messages. These can occur due to syntax errors, memory limit issues, or deprecated functions in the code. By default, WordPress sets this limit to 32MB, but it can be increased to accommodate more resource-intensive tasks\n\n\n\nSolution: Increase your PHP memory limit by editing your wp-config.php file or contacting your hosting provider for assistance. Ensure your site isn\u2019t overloaded with unnecessary backup files, unused plugins, or deactivated themes.\n\n\n\nError 7 \u2013 Outdated WordPress Core\n\n\n\nRunning an outdated version of WordPress can lead to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities, resulting in error messages.\n\n\n\nSolution: Always keep your WordPress core updated to the latest version. Regular updates ensure compatibility with plugins and themes and protect your site from security threats.\n\n\n\nWordPress Errors are Not the End of the World\n\n\n\nBlog error messages can come from a variety of sources. External factors can play a role, such as a poor internet connection or browser issues. To troubleshoot, first refresh your browser. \n\n\n\nErrors can also stem from technical issues like server problems, plugin conflicts, theme problems, or coding errors. Follow up by checking your server status, clearing your browser cache, or updating your WordPress plugins and themes. \n\n\n\nError messages can be a nuisance, but they also provide valuable clues about what\u2019s going wrong with your WordPress site.\n\n\n\nBy understanding the common causes and implementing these solutions, you can keep your blog running smoothly and focus on what you do best\u2014creating great content.\n\n\n\nSeeing More Error Messages on Your Blog?\n\n\n\nYour blog might experience an increase in error messages due to server overload, hardware or software issues, database problems, code errors, or network difficulties. An unexpectedly high, or increased number of errors may also be a sign of increased website traffic or cyber attack.\n\n\n\nMonitor your server logs, check website traffic, and view attempted log-ins \u2014 these are essential steps in troubleshooting for any blog owner.\n\n\n\nWhen in doubt, contact your web administrator or provider. WordPress, out of the box, offers a website health check function. Use this together with a login protection plugin, and notifications from your hosting provider to get a clear picture of what\u2019s behind increased error messages.\n\n\n\nChoose The Future of WordPress Hosting!\n\n\n\nBy investing in WordPress hosting, you\u2019re equipping yourself with the tools and resources necessary to build a robust, secure, and high-performing online presence. Spend your time captivating and engaging with your audience. Let your hosting take care of the rest!", "date_published": "2024-10-04T13:31:55+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-10-04T13:32:46+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WordPress-Blog-Error-Messages.png", "tags": [ "WordPress Hosting" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6431", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/whats-new-in-the-wordpress-6-6-update/", "title": "What\u2019s New in the WordPress 6.6 Update?", "content_html": "\nWordPress 6.6, \u201cDorsey,\u201d released on July 16, 2024. Did you miss it? The latest version of the world\u2019s most popular CMS includes exciting new features and improvements that enhance the user experience and site management.
\n\n\n\nFun Fact: Tommy Dorsey was a popular American jazz musician until his death in 1951. His band recorded many hits, including “I’ll Remember April,” and “The Sentimental Journey.\u201d
\n\n\n\n![\"WordPress](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-dorsey.webp\" "\\"What's")
WordPress 6.6 includes 299 Core Track tickets, 392 enhancements, 462 bug fixes, and more than 50 accessibility improvements — specifically for the Block Editor (the artist formerly known as Gutenberg).
\n\n\n\nThere are two highlights for us in 6.6. First, the new rollback option for automatic plugin updates. This gives you more control, flexibility and security. You can simply roll back to the previous version if something goes wrong during an update. Potential downtime is minimized, and website security is improved.
\n\n\n\nThe second highlight of 6.6 is the Block Bindings API. With this, you can create and customize bespoke block patterns. The API allows you to change block structures and styles in a synchronized way, ensuring a consistent look across your entire website. The Block Bindings API will make your workflows a lot easier!
\n\n\n\nYou don\u2019t have time to read through all of the improvements? No worries. We rounded them up into the four important ones:
\n\n\n\n![\"WordPress](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-block-editor-1024x465.png\" "\\"What's")
The editor area has undergone several improvements. Among other things, there are now more design options for block themes.
Color palettes and fonts: Block theme authors can now create unlimited custom color or font sets. (Thank the internet gods!) This offers more specific design options within the same theme. This means more comprehensive design options allowing for customization without changing the overall design. Does this mean you can go native and ditch page builders? It\u2019s a real possibility.
\n\n\n\nQuick preview for pages: Simplify your workflow with the new customized page layout. You can see all your pages and a preview of a selected page before you edit it via a split layout in the website editor. Who doesn\u2019t love a WYSIWYG editor? This was always the intent for Gutenberg circa 2017 and now it\u2019s coming to life.
\n\n\n\nOther useful WordPress 6.6 changes to the Block Editor include:
\n\n\n\n![\"WordPress](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-site-editor-1024x465.jpg\" "\\"What's")
The new layout in the site editor allows you to display the pages and their previews side by side, which makes the workflow much easier. Version 6.6 also makes it much easier to customize the content in the synchronised patterns. We hear you clapping.
Synchronized patterns can now be overridden without breaking the connection to the original. This allows you to customize specific content in each instance of a synchronised template while maintaining a consistent style across all instances. Currently, you can set overrides for heading, paragraph, button, and image blocks.
\n\n\n\nAs part of Gutenberg Phase 3, new data views have been created that are already activated for the Pages and Templates sections.
\n\n\n\nGutenberg Phase 3 moves the editorial workflow entirely to WordPress by enabling Google Docs-style collaborative editing in the Gutenberg site editor.
\n\n\n\nA small yet significant change that has been long awaited is the new sorting in the Templates section. The template components, such as Header and Footer, are now positioned at the very top. This straightforward adjustment greatly reduces the amount of scrolling required when accessing these elements.
\n\n\n\nNote: The page and template changes affect the Site Editor and are only relevant if you have activated a block theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.
\n\n\n\n![\"WordPress](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-performance-improvements-1024x465.png\" "\\"What's")
WordPress 6.6 offers important performance updates such as the elimination of redundant WP_Theme_JSON calls, the deactivation of autoload for large options and the elimination of unnecessary polyfill dependencies.
Other improvements include lazy loading of post-embeds, a new data-wp-on-async directive and templates in the editor that load around 35 per cent faster.
\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.6 offers substantial database performance improvements, too. These advancements result in faster page load times and more efficient data retrieval, ultimately improving the overall user experience.
\n\n\n\nThere have also been significant improvements to asset management. The new version optimizes script and style loading, minification, and third-party script handling. These enhancements result in faster page load times and better overall site performance. We love speed!
\n\n\n\nFinally, WordPress 6.6 includes enhanced caching mechanisms. This includes improvements to object caching, page caching, and better integration with popular caching plugins. These caching improvements lead to faster response times and reduced server load, providing a smoother user experience.
\n\n\n\n![\"WordPress](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-Accessibility-Improvements-1024x465.png\" "\\"What's")
WordPress 6.6 contains over 50 accessibility fixes and improvements \u2013 specifics of these improvements we don\u2019t know.
What we do know is the updates focus on fundamental aspects, particularly the data views that support the new website editing. They also address areas such as the inserter, which provides an important way to interact with blocks and templates with keyboard shortcuts.
\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re new to the importance of accessibility in your websites, then check out the W3C website for an intro. An accessible website is a useful website \u2013 frontend or backend.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them. However, currently, many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use.\u201d
\nCDP Communications
Did you know that several Rocket.net employees continue to contribute to the WordPress community including the latest release as an official Five for the Future partner?
\n\n\n\n![\"Rocket.net](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-contribution1.png\" "\\"What's")
![\"Rocket.net](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-contribution2.jpg\" "\\"What's")
![\"Rocket.net](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-contribution3.png\" "\\"What's")
![\"Rocket.net](\"https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6-contribution4.png\" "\\"What's")
The updates in WordPress 6.6 aim to provide a more intuitive, efficient, and customizable experience for both users and developers. The focus on refining existing features and introducing new design capabilities demonstrates WordPress’s commitment to evolving with user needs and technological advancements. Keeping WordPress open source is central to this evolution.
\n\n\n\nAre you planning to update your site to WordPress 6.6?
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to back up your website before upgrading to WordPress 6.6. Once you have a backup, you can follow the standard WordPress upgrade process to update your site to the latest version.
\n\n\n\nUsing PHP 8.1 or 8.2 in conjunction with WordPress 6.6 is recommended. However, to be on the safe side, you should first perform a PHP compatibility test with your WordPress installation.
\n\n\n\nThe updates in WordPress 6.6 aim to provide users with more design flexibility, improved editing capabilities, and better performance.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe regular WordPress updates are another reminder of the importance of keeping WordPress open source. Customization, community-driven development, and enhanced security through public code access ensure the world\u2019s most popular CMS remains that way.\u201d
\nRocket.net – Why Keeping WordPress Open Source is Important for Agencies and Clients
By investing in WordPress hosting, you\u2019re equipping yourself with the tools and resources necessary to build a robust, secure, and high-performing online presence. Spend your time captivating and engaging with your audience. Let your hosting take care of the rest!
\n\n\n", "content_text": "WordPress 6.6, \u201cDorsey,\u201d released on July 16, 2024. Did you miss it? The latest version of the world\u2019s most popular CMS includes exciting new features and improvements that enhance the user experience and site management.\n\n\n\nFun Fact: Tommy Dorsey was a popular American jazz musician until his death in 1951. His band recorded many hits, including “I’ll Remember April,” and “The Sentimental Journey.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s New in WordPress 6.6?\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.6 includes 299 Core Track tickets, 392 enhancements, 462 bug fixes, and more than 50 accessibility improvements — specifically for the Block Editor (the artist formerly known as Gutenberg).\n\n\n\nThere are two highlights for us in 6.6. First, the new rollback option for automatic plugin updates. This gives you more control, flexibility and security. You can simply roll back to the previous version if something goes wrong during an update. Potential downtime is minimized, and website security is improved.\n\n\n\nThe second highlight of 6.6 is the Block Bindings API. With this, you can create and customize bespoke block patterns. The API allows you to change block structures and styles in a synchronized way, ensuring a consistent look across your entire website. The Block Bindings API will make your workflows a lot easier!\n\n\n\nYou don\u2019t have time to read through all of the improvements? No worries. We rounded them up into the four important ones:\n\n\n\n\nBlock Editor Features\n\n\n\nSite Editor Features\n\n\n\nPerformance Improvements, and \n\n\n\nAccessibility Improvements\n\n\n\n\nNew Features in the Block Editor\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe editor area has undergone several improvements. Among other things, there are now more design options for block themes.\n\n\n\nColor palettes and fonts: Block theme authors can now create unlimited custom color or font sets. (Thank the internet gods!) This offers more specific design options within the same theme. This means more comprehensive design options allowing for customization without changing the overall design. Does this mean you can go native and ditch page builders? It\u2019s a real possibility.\n\n\n\nQuick preview for pages: Simplify your workflow with the new customized page layout. You can see all your pages and a preview of a selected page before you edit it via a split layout in the website editor. Who doesn\u2019t love a WYSIWYG editor? This was always the intent for Gutenberg circa 2017 and now it\u2019s coming to life.\n\n\n\nOther useful WordPress 6.6 changes to the Block Editor include:\n\n\n\n\nNew keyboard shortcuts:\n\nGroup selected blocks: Ctrl + G (Windows) or Cmd + G (Mac)\n\n\n\nIndent/outdent list items: Tab / Shift + Tab\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Group block now supports simple grid layouts with a new “Grid” variant, allowing for flexible grid layouts that adapt to available space.\n\n\n\nThe Command Palette, previously available in the Site Editor, is now accessible in the Block Editor. It provides quick access to various tools and views.\n\n\n\nThe “Post” or “Page” tab in the Settings sidebar has been redesigned for better clarity.\n\n\n\n\nNew Features in the Site Editor\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new layout in the site editor allows you to display the pages and their previews side by side, which makes the workflow much easier. Version 6.6 also makes it much easier to customize the content in the synchronised patterns. We hear you clapping.\n\n\n\nSynchronized patterns can now be overridden without breaking the connection to the original. This allows you to customize specific content in each instance of a synchronised template while maintaining a consistent style across all instances. Currently, you can set overrides for heading, paragraph, button, and image blocks.\n\n\n\nNew views for “Pages” and “Templates”\n\n\n\nAs part of Gutenberg Phase 3, new data views have been created that are already activated for the Pages and Templates sections.\n\n\n\nGutenberg Phase 3 moves the editorial workflow entirely to WordPress by enabling Google Docs-style collaborative editing in the Gutenberg site editor.\n\n\n\n“Template Parts” are now at the top of “Templates”\n\n\n\nA small yet significant change that has been long awaited is the new sorting in the Templates section. The template components, such as Header and Footer, are now positioned at the very top. This straightforward adjustment greatly reduces the amount of scrolling required when accessing these elements. \n\n\n\nNote: The page and template changes affect the Site Editor and are only relevant if you have activated a block theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.\n\n\n\nPerformance Improvements\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.6 offers important performance updates such as the elimination of redundant WP_Theme_JSON calls, the deactivation of autoload for large options and the elimination of unnecessary polyfill dependencies. \n\n\n\nOther improvements include lazy loading of post-embeds, a new data-wp-on-async directive and templates in the editor that load around 35 per cent faster.\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.6 offers substantial database performance improvements, too. These advancements result in faster page load times and more efficient data retrieval, ultimately improving the overall user experience.\n\n\n\nThere have also been significant improvements to asset management. The new version optimizes script and style loading, minification, and third-party script handling. These enhancements result in faster page load times and better overall site performance. We love speed!\n\n\n\nFinally, WordPress 6.6 includes enhanced caching mechanisms. This includes improvements to object caching, page caching, and better integration with popular caching plugins. These caching improvements lead to faster response times and reduced server load, providing a smoother user experience.\n\n\n\nAccessibility Improvements\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.6 contains over 50 accessibility fixes and improvements \u2013 specifics of these improvements we don\u2019t know.\n\n\n\nWhat we do know is the updates focus on fundamental aspects, particularly the data views that support the new website editing. They also address areas such as the inserter, which provides an important way to interact with blocks and templates with keyboard shortcuts.\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re new to the importance of accessibility in your websites, then check out the W3C website for an intro. An accessible website is a useful website \u2013 frontend or backend.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen websites and web tools are properly designed and coded, people with disabilities can use them. However, currently, many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use.\u201d\nCDP Communications\n\n\n\nRocket.net Contribution to WordPress Updates\n\n\n\nDid you know that several Rocket.net employees continue to contribute to the WordPress community including the latest release as an official Five for the Future partner?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWordPress 6.6 Wrap Up\n\n\n\nThe updates in WordPress 6.6 aim to provide a more intuitive, efficient, and customizable experience for both users and developers. The focus on refining existing features and introducing new design capabilities demonstrates WordPress’s commitment to evolving with user needs and technological advancements. Keeping WordPress open source is central to this evolution.\n\n\n\nUpgrading to WordPress 6.6\n\n\n\nAre you planning to update your site to WordPress 6.6?\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to back up your website before upgrading to WordPress 6.6. Once you have a backup, you can follow the standard WordPress upgrade process to update your site to the latest version.\n\n\n\nUsing PHP 8.1 or 8.2 in conjunction with WordPress 6.6 is recommended. However, to be on the safe side, you should first perform a PHP compatibility test with your WordPress installation. \n\n\n\nThe updates in WordPress 6.6 aim to provide users with more design flexibility, improved editing capabilities, and better performance.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe regular WordPress updates are another reminder of the importance of keeping WordPress open source. Customization, community-driven development, and enhanced security through public code access ensure the world\u2019s most popular CMS remains that way.\u201d\nRocket.net – Why Keeping WordPress Open Source is Important for Agencies and Clients\n\n\n\nChoose The Future of WordPress Hosting!\n\n\n\nBy investing in WordPress hosting, you\u2019re equipping yourself with the tools and resources necessary to build a robust, secure, and high-performing online presence. Spend your time captivating and engaging with your audience. Let your hosting take care of the rest!", "date_published": "2024-09-11T14:02:07+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-09-11T14:26:26+00:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jeff Trumble", "url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WordPress-6-6.png", "tags": [ "WordPress Hosting" ] }, { "id": "https://rocket.net/?p=6173", "url": "https://rocket.net/blog/woocommerce-customizations-for-memorable-shopping-experiences/", "title": "Top 3 WooCommerce Customizations For a Memorable Shopping Experience", "content_html": "\nA million dollars is spent online every minute. At least. Do you have some skin in the game? If you\u2019re reading this article, you probably do \u2013 or plan to. Online shopping is a big deal \u2013 and it\u2019s not just for the big players. You don\u2019t need a Shopify account to sell online. You can sell things online using your WordPress websites with the free and easy WooCommerce plugin.
\n\n\n\nToday, making money has never been easier. What do you want to sell today? You can sell that eBook you wrote. You can sell your client\u2019s entire line of cat toys. You can even sell your agency services with an online booking form. You don\u2019t even need to accept credit cards \u2013 you can just add PayPal.
\n\n\n\nIs having a plugin and a blog enough to make money these days? Probably not. Customers are done with \u201csatisfaction.\u201d They are over \u201conline shopping.\u201d Gone are the days even when free shipping got you sales. Today, customers want to be delighted. Customers want an online shopping experience. So, are you ready to impress?
\n\n\n\nBuilding an online store sounds daunting, but it\u2019s not. You don\u2019t even need to code. WordPress and WooCommerce can help you create a memorable and personalized shopping experience \u2013 both of which are crucial for standing out in a crowded marketplace.
\n\n\n\nThink about the last article you wrote or the website you built. Was it \u201cworking\u201d enough? No. Content has to be tailored for an audience. It has to rank for keywords. It has to be more than good. The same for websites \u2013 and, the same for your online shop.
\n\n\n\nAs a WordPress agency owner or niche online store salesperson, you need to transform your WooCommerce store into a true reflection of your brand and your customers’ preferences. And, you can do it!
\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve got 3 ways you can customize your WooCommerce store and deliver a unique shopping experience that will keep your customers coming back.
\n\n\n\nProduct presentation is even more important online than offline. Why? You can\u2019t touch what you\u2019re about to buy. It\u2019s all about tangibility.
\n\n\n\nTangibility helps customers examine the material, texture, fit, workmanship, and quality of products, which are considered important for purchase decisions.
\n\n\n\nWhen products are offered online, they become more intangible, which can lead to greater difficulty in evaluation, higher perceived effort, higher risk perceptions, and lower customer engagement. Plus, our attention spans are shorter! We\u2019re scrolling, not walking.
\n\n\n\nTo overcome the intangibility constraint of online shopping, you need richer product presentation formats like 360-spin rotation tools and virtual mirrors, which can enhance the perceived tangibility of your products.
\n\n\n\nProduct pages can take different approaches, from a direct display of the product and its benefits to more elaborate, interactive pages that provide an authentic experience for the user. Remember: the most captivating product pages don’t require complex programming and WordPress offers thousands of plugins and themes that can support whatever you want to build.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce enables you to create unique product pages that fit you and your customers.
\n\n\n\nHigh-quality, professional-looking product images make a significant impact on your customers’ purchasing decisions. Invest in a good camera or work with a photographer to capture visuals that showcase your products from multiple angles.
\n\n\n\nUse real product images for your store \u2013 not AI images. AI images are great to pep up your blog content but not ideal for shopping decisions.
\n\n\n\nWoo says: https://woocommerce.com/document/adding-product-images-and-galleries/
\n\n\n\nProduct Thumbnail plugin tip: https://iconicwp.com/products/woothumbs/
\n\n\n\nYou have to think about your customers here. What were they searching for, and why? What\u2019s the context of this purchase? Get those search terms and pleasure points out there and visible.
\n\n\n\nDescribe your products in such a way that they appeal to potential buyers. How? Try the Problem/Agitate/Solve formula. Or use the Attention/Interest/Desire/Action model. How about the Feature/Advantage/Benefit angle? Don\u2019t just list features – list advantages and benefits.
\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s an example: selling an online social media course. FAB!
\n\n\n\nFeature: Comprehensive online course covering the latest social media trends and best practices.
\n\n\n\nAdvantage: Stay ahead of the changing social media landscape with weekly, 30-minute lessons.
\n\n\n\nBenefit: Maintain a strong social media presence leading to increased lead generation and sales.
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce: https://woocommerce.com/posts/how-to-write-product-descriptions/
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce SEO plugin tip: https://yoast.com/wordpress/plugins/yoast-woocommerce-seo/
\n\n\n\nOffer your customers the ability to customize their purchases by providing options for size, color, or other product attributes. You\u2019re enhancing their shopping experience and increasing the chance of a sale. Don\u2019t make your customers look for customization options. Get those options front and center.
\n\n\n\nHow? Use the WooCommerce Custom Fields for Variations plugin. The plugin allows you to display additional static data on specific variations. WooCommerce custom fields allow you to do two things: you can add extra product options and additional data to specific variations.
\n\n\n\nWoo says: https://woocommerce.com/document/variable-product/
\n\n\n\nAdvanced WooCommerce product variations: https://woocommerce.com/document/advanced-product-variation/
\n\n\n\nPersonalization is a powerful tool in creating a unique shopping experience. By tailoring the customer journey to individual preferences and behaviors, you\u2019re building stronger connections with your audience and fostering brand loyalty \u2013 all the while making the shopping experience better.
\n\n\n\nPersonalization is crucial. Shoppers have too many choices. Walmart has 83 types of ketchup! Is that helpful? Probably not. If you can excel at personalization, you\u2019ll differentiate yourself. It\u2019s better to offer unique value propositions that your competitors have difficulty replicating. Stand out from the crowd.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOver three-quarters of consumers (76 per cent) said that receiving personalized communications was a key factor in prompting their consideration of a brand, and 78 per cent said such content made them more likely to repurchase.\u201d
\nMcKinsey.com
Utilize WooCommerce integrations that analyze customer browsing and purchase history to provide personalized product recommendations. This can help customers discover new items they might be interested in leading to increased sales and satisfaction.
\n\n\n\nWoo suggests: https://woocommerce.com/products/product-recommendations/
\n\n\n\nThis guide lists some of the most common, high-performing product recommendation strategies that you can implement with WooCommerce Product Recommendations: https://woocommerce.com/document/product-recommendations/recommendation-strategies/
\n\n\n\nAllow customers to personalize their account settings, such as preferred payment methods, shipping addresses, and communication preferences. This level of control can make them feel more invested in your store and more likely to return.
\n\n\n\nCustomize My Account for WooCommerce: https://woocommerce.com/document/customize-my-account-for-woocommerce/
\n\n\n\nEnable users to personalize their My Account page with the WooCommerce Customize My Account page plugin: https://woocommerce.com/document/customize-my-account-page-user-dashboard-for-woocommerce/
\n\n\n\nWoo suggests the full-featured My Account page with the Custom My Account Dashboard for WooCommerce extension: https://woocommerce.com/products/custom-my-account-dashboard-for-woocommerce/
\n\n\n\nThe dashboard customizer extension allows you to add features such as custom endpoints, user avatars, and banners. You can also change the layout of the page and display information in tables.
\n\n\n\nDo you want to know where the real money is? It\u2019s sitting in abandoned carts. Carts that never made it to the checkout are currently valued at 4 trillion dollars (Hotjar.com). Don\u2019t leave that money on the table.
\n\n\n\nSet up automated abandoned cart email reminders to gently nudge customers who have left items in their cart without completing the purchase. This can be an effective way to re-engage potential customers and recover lost sales.
\n\n\n\nRead what Woo has to say about how you can reduce your abandoned carts: https://woocommerce.com/posts/fewer-abandoned-carts-more-sales-nine-proven-strategies/
\n\n\n\nWoo suggests: https://woocommerce.com/document/abandoned-cart-recovery/. The AutomateWoo extension excels at sending abandoned cart emails for WooCommerce. It can identify returning registered users even when they’re not logged in, while also tracking guest customers.
\n\n\n\nFind out more: https://woocommerce.com/document/automatewoo/abandoned-cart/
\n\n\n\nThis is where you can lose a lot of your business. No one likes waiting in line, and no one likes clicking seven times to buy their product. The longer customers take to complete their purchase, the more likely they are to abandon their shopping cart. That\u2019s lost revenue.
\n\n\n\nThe checkout process is the critical touchpoint in the customer journey. Optimizing it can significantly improve the overall shopping experience \u2013 and save you lost sales.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cA complicated checkout process deters 17% of shoppers. Checkout flows with too many form fields, too many steps or a confusing setup drive almost one in five customers away from their online shopping carts.\u201d
\nHotjar.com
Ensure your checkout process is intuitive, straightforward, and easy to navigate. Check out in as few steps as possible. No one likes to click ten times. Minimize the number of steps required to complete a purchase and provide clear instructions and progress indicators to guide customers through the process. Your customers will thank you.
\n\n\n\nHere are two ways you can optimize your checkout in WooCommerce:
\n\n\n\nTailor your checkout to fit customers\u2019 needs in WooCommerce. The extension allows you to add, remove or edit fields to best suit your store. Check out the extension here: https://woocommerce.com/products/woocommerce-checkout-field-editor/
\n\n\n\nYou can create one-page checkouts easily with the WooCommerce One Page Checkout extension: https://woocommerce.com/products/woocommerce-one-page-checkout/
\n\n\n\n\u201cCustomers can add or remove products from their cart and complete payment without leaving the page and waiting for a new page to load.\u201d Woo
\n\n\n\nProvide a variety of payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment gateways. Don\u2019t forget PayPal and Venmo. Options cater to the preferences of your customer base and reduce friction during the checkout process. Translation: People just want to shop \u2013 so let them. Fun fact: in Fallout, bottle caps are used for currency. Be flexible.
\n\n\n\nAccording to Statista, PayPal topped the charts of the most used online payment in the USA, followed by Apple Pay, Venmo, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay. Traditional merchant accounts are becoming a thing of the past.
\n\n\n\nWoo Payments allows you to accept major credit and debit cards as well as popular local payment methods on your WooCommerce site. You can also boost sales with the Buy Now, Pay Later option of accepting Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm.
\n\n\n\nWoo suggests: https://woocommerce.com/products/woopayments/
\n\n\n\nOrder and delivery tracking is essential, and not just so you can monitor your system. Customers want to track the status of their orders from processing to delivery. Provide timely updates and shipping notifications to keep them informed and build trust in your brand.
\n\n\n\nReminder: notifications for each step of the process are probably too many. However, if your customers want to be informed about each step, build that into the system. For most customers, the ideal is probably \u201corder received, order shipped, order arriving on \u2014.”
\n\n\n\nWoo suggests: https://woocommerce.com/products/order-tracking-for-woocommerce/ and https://woocommerce.com/products/shipment-tracking/
\n\n\n\nYou may be completely new to WooCommerce. WooCommerce is a plugin that allows you to add eCommerce (an online store) to your WordPress website. We\u2019ve listed three links below that will help you get a foot on the ladder.
\n\n\n\nRocket.net offers not only Managed WordPress hosting, but also Managed WooCommerce hosting.
\n\n\n\nHow to build an online store Using WooCommerce
\n\n\n\nHow to personalize your online store
\n\n\n\nLooking for extensions? Visit the WooCommerce Marketplace
\n\n\n\nYou may be an old hand at WooCommerce, and you may already be enjoying our supersonic WooCommerce hosting. If not, then please give us a call to see how we can support your shop. If you are already onboard, you may like to check out other WooCommerce articles we\u2019ve written.
\n\n\n\nThe Top 10 Best WooCommerce Plugins for Your WordPress Online Shop
\n\n\n\nOptimizing Your WooCommerce Button Color for Conversions
\n\n\n\nTop Winning WooCommerce Email Marketing Plays
\n\n\n\nTop 3 WooCommerce Pre-Launch Social Media Tips to Explode Sales
\n\n\n\nWhy Instagram Social Selling Drives WooCommerce Success
\n\n\n\n5 Tips to Optimize Your WooCommerce Store for SEO
\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Styling And Design Tips For Managed WordPress Hosting
\n\n\n\nWant white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you.
\n\n\n\nStreamline your workflow by choosing a reliable,\u00a0performant platform\u00a0for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you\u2019d like to get going.
\n\n\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t![\"New](\"https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/24325690/1a05c086-0fa2-499c-baab-4e29d61b5d26.png\" "\\"Top")
\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n",
"content_text": "A million dollars is spent online every minute. At least. Do you have some skin in the game? If you\u2019re reading this article, you probably do \u2013 or plan to. Online shopping is a big deal \u2013 and it\u2019s not just for the big players. You don\u2019t need a Shopify account to sell online. You can sell things online using your WordPress websites with the free and easy WooCommerce plugin.\n\n\n\nToday, making money has never been easier. What do you want to sell today? You can sell that eBook you wrote. You can sell your client\u2019s entire line of cat toys. You can even sell your agency services with an online booking form. You don\u2019t even need to accept credit cards \u2013 you can just add PayPal.\n\n\n\nIs having a plugin and a blog enough to make money these days? Probably not. Customers are done with \u201csatisfaction.\u201d They are over \u201conline shopping.\u201d Gone are the days even when free shipping got you sales. Today, customers want to be delighted. Customers want an online shopping experience. So, are you ready to impress?\n\n\n\nPlug in WooCommerce and Excite Your Customers\n\n\n\nBuilding an online store sounds daunting, but it\u2019s not. You don\u2019t even need to code. WordPress and WooCommerce can help you create a memorable and personalized shopping experience \u2013 both of which are crucial for standing out in a crowded marketplace.\n\n\n\nThink about the last article you wrote or the website you built. Was it \u201cworking\u201d enough? No. Content has to be tailored for an audience. It has to rank for keywords. It has to be more than good. The same for websites \u2013 and, the same for your online shop.\n\n\n\nAs a WordPress agency owner or niche online store salesperson, you need to transform your WooCommerce store into a true reflection of your brand and your customers’ preferences. And, you can do it!\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve got 3 ways you can customize your WooCommerce store and deliver a unique shopping experience that will keep your customers coming back.\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Customization Store Tip 1: Enhance Your Product Presentation\n\n\n\nProduct presentation is even more important online than offline. Why? You can\u2019t touch what you\u2019re about to buy. It\u2019s all about tangibility.\n\n\n\nTangibility helps customers examine the material, texture, fit, workmanship, and quality of products, which are considered important for purchase decisions.\n\n\n\nWhen products are offered online, they become more intangible, which can lead to greater difficulty in evaluation, higher perceived effort, higher risk perceptions, and lower customer engagement. Plus, our attention spans are shorter! We\u2019re scrolling, not walking.\n\n\n\nTo overcome the intangibility constraint of online shopping, you need richer product presentation formats like 360-spin rotation tools and virtual mirrors, which can enhance the perceived tangibility of your products.\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s All About Your Product Pages\n\n\n\nProduct pages can take different approaches, from a direct display of the product and its benefits to more elaborate, interactive pages that provide an authentic experience for the user. Remember: the most captivating product pages don’t require complex programming and WordPress offers thousands of plugins and themes that can support whatever you want to build.\n\n\n\nWooCommerce enables you to create unique product pages that fit you and your customers.\n\n\n\n1.1 Utilize Compelling Product Images\n\n\n\nHigh-quality, professional-looking product images make a significant impact on your customers’ purchasing decisions. Invest in a good camera or work with a photographer to capture visuals that showcase your products from multiple angles.\n\n\n\nUse real product images for your store \u2013 not AI images. AI images are great to pep up your blog content but not ideal for shopping decisions.\n\n\n\nWoo says: https://woocommerce.com/document/adding-product-images-and-galleries/\n\n\n\nProduct Thumbnail plugin tip: https://iconicwp.com/products/woothumbs/\n\n\n\n1.2 Implement Engaging Product Descriptions\n\n\n\nYou have to think about your customers here. What were they searching for, and why? What\u2019s the context of this purchase? Get those search terms and pleasure points out there and visible.\n\n\n\nDescribe your products in such a way that they appeal to potential buyers. How? Try the Problem/Agitate/Solve formula. Or use the Attention/Interest/Desire/Action model. How about the Feature/Advantage/Benefit angle? Don\u2019t just list features – list advantages and benefits.\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s an example: selling an online social media course. FAB!\n\n\n\nFeature: Comprehensive online course covering the latest social media trends and best practices.\n\n\n\nAdvantage: Stay ahead of the changing social media landscape with weekly, 30-minute lessons.\n\n\n\nBenefit: Maintain a strong social media presence leading to increased lead generation and sales.\n\n\n\nWooCommerce: https://woocommerce.com/posts/how-to-write-product-descriptions/\n\n\n\nWooCommerce SEO plugin tip: https://yoast.com/wordpress/plugins/yoast-woocommerce-seo/\n\n\n\n1.3 Leverage Product Variations and Customization\n\n\n\nOffer your customers the ability to customize their purchases by providing options for size, color, or other product attributes. You\u2019re enhancing their shopping experience and increasing the chance of a sale. Don\u2019t make your customers look for customization options. Get those options front and center.\n\n\n\nHow? Use the WooCommerce Custom Fields for Variations plugin. The plugin allows you to display additional static data on specific variations. WooCommerce custom fields allow you to do two things: you can add extra product options and additional data to specific variations.\n\n\n\nWoo says: https://woocommerce.com/document/variable-product/\n\n\n\nAdvanced WooCommerce product variations: https://woocommerce.com/document/advanced-product-variation/\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Customization Store Tip 2: Personalize the Customer Journey\n\n\n\nPersonalization is a powerful tool in creating a unique shopping experience. By tailoring the customer journey to individual preferences and behaviors, you\u2019re building stronger connections with your audience and fostering brand loyalty \u2013 all the while making the shopping experience better.\n\n\n\nPersonalization is crucial. Shoppers have too many choices. Walmart has 83 types of ketchup! Is that helpful? Probably not. If you can excel at personalization, you\u2019ll differentiate yourself. It\u2019s better to offer unique value propositions that your competitors have difficulty replicating. Stand out from the crowd.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOver three-quarters of consumers (76 per cent) said that receiving personalized communications was a key factor in prompting their consideration of a brand, and 78 per cent said such content made them more likely to repurchase.\u201d\nMcKinsey.com\n\n\n\n2.1 Implement Personalized Recommendations\n\n\n\nUtilize WooCommerce integrations that analyze customer browsing and purchase history to provide personalized product recommendations. This can help customers discover new items they might be interested in leading to increased sales and satisfaction.\n\n\n\nWoo suggests: https://woocommerce.com/products/product-recommendations/\n\n\n\nThis guide lists some of the most common, high-performing product recommendation strategies that you can implement with WooCommerce Product Recommendations: https://woocommerce.com/document/product-recommendations/recommendation-strategies/\n\n\n\n2.2 Offer Customizable Account Settings\n\n\n\nAllow customers to personalize their account settings, such as preferred payment methods, shipping addresses, and communication preferences. This level of control can make them feel more invested in your store and more likely to return.\n\n\n\nCustomize My Account for WooCommerce: https://woocommerce.com/document/customize-my-account-for-woocommerce/\n\n\n\nEnable users to personalize their My Account page with the WooCommerce Customize My Account page plugin: https://woocommerce.com/document/customize-my-account-page-user-dashboard-for-woocommerce/\n\n\n\nWoo suggests the full-featured My Account page with the Custom My Account Dashboard for WooCommerce extension: https://woocommerce.com/products/custom-my-account-dashboard-for-woocommerce/\n\n\n\nThe dashboard customizer extension allows you to add features such as custom endpoints, user avatars, and banners. You can also change the layout of the page and display information in tables.\n\n\n\n2.3 Leverage Abandoned Cart Reminders\n\n\n\nDo you want to know where the real money is? It\u2019s sitting in abandoned carts. Carts that never made it to the checkout are currently valued at 4 trillion dollars (Hotjar.com). Don\u2019t leave that money on the table.\n\n\n\nSet up automated abandoned cart email reminders to gently nudge customers who have left items in their cart without completing the purchase. This can be an effective way to re-engage potential customers and recover lost sales.\n\n\n\nRead what Woo has to say about how you can reduce your abandoned carts: https://woocommerce.com/posts/fewer-abandoned-carts-more-sales-nine-proven-strategies/\n\n\n\nWoo suggests: https://woocommerce.com/document/abandoned-cart-recovery/. The AutomateWoo extension excels at sending abandoned cart emails for WooCommerce. It can identify returning registered users even when they’re not logged in, while also tracking guest customers.\n\n\n\nFind out more: https://woocommerce.com/document/automatewoo/abandoned-cart/\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Customization Store Tip 3: Enhance the Checkout Experience\n\n\n\nThis is where you can lose a lot of your business. No one likes waiting in line, and no one likes clicking seven times to buy their product. The longer customers take to complete their purchase, the more likely they are to abandon their shopping cart. That\u2019s lost revenue.\n\n\n\nThe checkout process is the critical touchpoint in the customer journey. Optimizing it can significantly improve the overall shopping experience \u2013 and save you lost sales.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cA complicated checkout process deters 17% of shoppers. Checkout flows with too many form fields, too many steps or a confusing setup drive almost one in five customers away from their online shopping carts.\u201d\nHotjar.com\n\n\n\n3.1 Streamline the Checkout Flow\n\n\n\nEnsure your checkout process is intuitive, straightforward, and easy to navigate. Check out in as few steps as possible. No one likes to click ten times. Minimize the number of steps required to complete a purchase and provide clear instructions and progress indicators to guide customers through the process. Your customers will thank you. \n\n\n\nHere are two ways you can optimize your checkout in WooCommerce:\n\n\n\nTailor your checkout to fit customers\u2019 needs in WooCommerce. The extension allows you to add, remove or edit fields to best suit your store. Check out the extension here: https://woocommerce.com/products/woocommerce-checkout-field-editor/\n\n\n\nYou can create one-page checkouts easily with the WooCommerce One Page Checkout extension: https://woocommerce.com/products/woocommerce-one-page-checkout/\n\n\n\n\u201cCustomers can add or remove products from their cart and complete payment without leaving the page and waiting for a new page to load.\u201d Woo\n\n\n\n3.2 Offer Multiple Payment Options\n\n\n\nProvide a variety of payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment gateways. Don\u2019t forget PayPal and Venmo. Options cater to the preferences of your customer base and reduce friction during the checkout process. Translation: People just want to shop \u2013 so let them. Fun fact: in Fallout, bottle caps are used for currency. Be flexible. \n\n\n\nAccording to Statista, PayPal topped the charts of the most used online payment in the USA, followed by Apple Pay, Venmo, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay. Traditional merchant accounts are becoming a thing of the past.\n\n\n\nWoo Payments allows you to accept major credit and debit cards as well as popular local payment methods on your WooCommerce site. You can also boost sales with the Buy Now, Pay Later option of accepting Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm.\n\n\n\nWoo suggests: https://woocommerce.com/products/woopayments/\n\n\n\n3.3 Implement Order Tracking and Updates\n\n\n\nOrder and delivery tracking is essential, and not just so you can monitor your system. Customers want to track the status of their orders from processing to delivery. Provide timely updates and shipping notifications to keep them informed and build trust in your brand.\n\n\n\nReminder: notifications for each step of the process are probably too many. However, if your customers want to be informed about each step, build that into the system. For most customers, the ideal is probably \u201corder received, order shipped, order arriving on \u2014.”\n\n\n\nWoo suggests: https://woocommerce.com/products/order-tracking-for-woocommerce/ and https://woocommerce.com/products/shipment-tracking/\n\n\n\nAre You New to Woo?\n\n\n\nYou may be completely new to WooCommerce. WooCommerce is a plugin that allows you to add eCommerce (an online store) to your WordPress website. We\u2019ve listed three links below that will help you get a foot on the ladder.\n\n\n\nRocket.net offers not only Managed WordPress hosting, but also Managed WooCommerce hosting. \n\n\n\nHow to build an online store Using WooCommerce\n\n\n\nHow to personalize your online store\n\n\n\nLooking for extensions? Visit the WooCommerce Marketplace\n\n\n\nAre You an Experienced WooCommerce Seller?\n\n\n\nYou may be an old hand at WooCommerce, and you may already be enjoying our supersonic WooCommerce hosting. If not, then please give us a call to see how we can support your shop. If you are already onboard, you may like to check out other WooCommerce articles we\u2019ve written.\n\n\n\nThe Top 10 Best WooCommerce Plugins for Your WordPress Online Shop\n\n\n\nOptimizing Your WooCommerce Button Color for Conversions\n\n\n\nTop Winning WooCommerce Email Marketing Plays\n\n\n\nTop 3 WooCommerce Pre-Launch Social Media Tips to Explode Sales\n\n\n\nWhy Instagram Social Selling Drives WooCommerce Success\n\n\n\n5 Tips to Optimize Your WooCommerce Store for SEO\n\n\n\nWooCommerce Styling And Design Tips For Managed WordPress Hosting\n\n\n\nWe\u2019d Love to Show You What the Fastest WordPress Hosting Means for Your WooCommerce Online Shop!\n\n\n\nWant white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you. \n\n\n\nStreamline your workflow by choosing a reliable,\u00a0performant platform\u00a0for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you\u2019d like to get going.",
"date_published": "2024-05-22T13:50:59+00:00",
"date_modified": "2024-05-22T14:03:48+00:00",
"authors": [
{
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
}
],
"author": {
"name": "Jeff Trumble",
"url": "https://rocket.net/author/jeff-trumble/",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8bd1daa25bd1ce58afd607da007b6210?s=512&d=mm&r=g"
},
"image": "https://rocket.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WooCommerce-Customizations.png",
"tags": [
"WordPress Hosting"
]
}
]
}