WordPress vs. WP Engine: How it Impacts Digital Marketers in Australia?
Table of Contents
- How WP Engine vs WordPress Impacts the Community?
- Impact of WP Engine vs WordPress on Australian Marketers
- Temporary Fix By WP Engine for Its Customers?
- How the Temporary Fix Works by WP Engine?
- Implications for WP Engine Users in Australia
- Essential Tips for Australians Hosting on WP Engine
- Will the WP Engine vs. WordPress Issue Get Resolved Anytime Soon?
- What are the Options for WordPress Users in Australia?
- Website Security Plan by WP Creative
- Conclusion
- How are you Managing WPEngine vs WordPress Situation?
- Hire the #1 WordPress Development Agency in Australia
As you all know, there’s some serious tension brewing between WordPress and WP Engine.
Here’s what went down:
WP Engine is one of the leading hosting providers for WordPress. However, they’ve recently faced some criticism. Matt Mullenweg, the CEO of WordPress and Automattic, has openly called them out for not contributing to the WordPress ecosystem in any meaningful way and using the ‘WP’ trademark for own benefit.
He called out WP Engine, labelling it a “cancer to WordPress.” His frustration stems from WP Engine disabling revision history for users, which he argues is just a way to cut costs.
In response, WP Engine sent a cease-and-desist letter to Matt. Not one to back down, he fired back by sending his own cease-and-desist letter, and banned WPEngine from using WordPress resources. This in turn impacted all WPEngine customers as they were left out of automatic updates provided for WordPress Core, WordPress themes, and WordPress plugins.
This has sparked conversations within the community about the role hosting companies should play in supporting open-source platforms like WordPress.
In this post, we’ll explore the implications of the ongoing conflict between WordPress and WP Engine for digital marketers in Australia. We’ll also discuss preventive measures to ensure that similar issues don’t adversely affect your business’s bottom line in the future.
How WP Engine vs WordPress Impacts the Community?
The biggest impact here will be on WP Engine customers, who will no longer be able to update their WordPress core, themes, or plugins automatically. Previously, WordPress users had the convenience of applying updates automatically or manually through the dashboard—no need for FTP or cPanel.
WordPress core alone receives around 20 updates annually, with plugin updates coming in quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on the plugin. Themes typically see updates once or twice a year. All these updates are crucial for security and functionality.
Now, with WordPress banning WP Engine, customers using WP Engine will have to find alternative methods to handle updates. This change is going to make things more complicated for them, as they’ll no longer enjoy the ease of automatic updates through WordPress itself.
Impact of WP Engine vs WordPress on Australian Marketers
WP Engine has over 200,000 customers globally, with around 8% of them based in Australia. WPEngine hosts over a million websites, and about 40% of these are on dedicated plans. WP Engine also works with over 5,000 agency partners in Australia alone.
This means that roughly 10-15% of WP Engine’s customer base is located in or around Australia, making the recent ban a significant disruption for businesses and agencies in this region. With automatic updates no longer available, these users will face additional complexity in maintaining their WordPress sites.
Temporary Fix By WP Engine for Its Customers?
For now, WP Engine has implemented a temporary solution that enables its customers to update plugins, themes, and the WordPress core automatically, without requiring any manual actions. However, it is now recommended that customers create a restore point before making any updates so that if anything goes wrong, they can easily revert their websites to their previous state.
Update: Plugins are getting updated normally on WP Engine customer websites for now.
This is what WP Engine has to say about the issue:
“We are pleased to report that our solution has been fully deployed and regular workflow practices have been restored to our customers around the globe.”
How the Temporary Fix Works by WP Engine?
Many WP Engine users are saying that a temporary solution is to use proxy servers to connect with WordPress. However, this is only a short-term fix because WordPress.org is identifying these proxy reversals and shutting them down one by one, which has caused issues over the past three to four days. How reliable this fix will be is something we can only determine after at least a month of seeing how it functions in practice. This is something we’ll have to monitor over time.
Implications for WP Engine Users in Australia
Here’s a list of issues that Australian marketers are likely to face due to the recent changes between WordPress and WP Engine:
- Increased Costs and Complexity
The cost of maintaining a WordPress website in Australia is set to rise, largely because most WP Engine customers rely on partner agencies for website management. With automatic updates no longer available, agencies and website owners will need to handle updates manually or look for unofficial workarounds.
What used to take minutes—like updating plugins or themes—will now take hours. This adds a significant amount of time and effort to what was once a straightforward task. Given that many WP Engine customers are website owners working with agencies, these additional hours will directly translate into higher maintenance costs.
Currently, the average monthly rate for WordPress maintenance in Australia is around $300-500. If a typical update process takes three to four hours, that could add $150 to $200 in additional costs for each update cycle. Over the course of a year, this increase will become a significant expense for businesses and agencies, as more time and resources will be required to keep websites updated and secure.
- Reliability and Performance Concerns
The primary reason many have stuck with WordPress over platforms like Webflow, Framer, or others is the security and performance that WordPress offered, which set it apart. However, with WP Engine now banned by WordPress, that reliability has taken a hit.
This change removes the convenience and assurance that users relied on, particularly those hosting with WP Engine, which has been known for its strong integration with WordPress. As a result, the impact will ripple through all websites associated with WP Engine. Businesses that once trusted the platform for automatic updates and seamless performance will now face a more cumbersome process, forcing them to reconsider how they manage their sites—or even question their platform choice altogether.
- Challenges in Plugin Management
The most critical reason people choose WordPress is its vast plugin ecosystem. Installing a WordPress plugin has always been simple: users could go to the “Plugins” section, click “Add New,” search for the desired plugin, and install it with a click. Once installed, activating the plugin made it immediately available for use.
However, for WP Engine users, things have drastically changed. They can no longer download and install plugins directly through WordPress. Now, they’ll need to use FTP tools like FileZilla or go through cPanel’s File Manager to manually upload plugins to the wp-content/plugins directory.
This process involves downloading plugins either from the official WordPress.org plugin library or from the developer’s website. But if a plugin isn’t available in the WordPress directory, or downloading it directly isn’t allowed, users will have to resort to downloading it from the developer’s website.
Here’s where the real challenge arises: if the developer’s site no longer exists or is inaccessible, users are left with risky third-party sources. These sites often carry viruses, malware, spam, or even keyloggers that can compromise sensitive information. This poses a serious security risk for WPEngine customers in Australia, as plugin management becomes more difficult and exposes websites to potential threats.
Essential Tips for Australians Hosting on WP Engine
To assist WP Engine customers in navigating the current challenges caused by the WordPress-WP Engine issue, we’ve developed a few strategies designed to help them overcome these obstacles effectively:
- Having a Process Documentation
While it may seem obvious, many websites hosted on WPEngine don’t have proper process documentation in place. When we talk about process documentation, we mean a step-by-step guide that outlines everything required to regularly update the website—plugins, themes, and core. Before the issue between WP Engine and WordPress, this was easy to do directly from the dashboard.
Now, with this option no longer available, teams need a clear document that lays out the entire process. This is especially important because, in many cases, it won’t be the development teams handling these tasks—often because they don’t exist at the company. Instead, marketing managers or marketing teams will be responsible for these updates. Without proper documentation, it can become chaotic and lead to missed updates, security risks, or downtime. Having a solid, well-documented process will ensure these tasks are handled smoothly, even by non-technical team members.
- Regular Security Audits
Website security has become even more critical following the issue between WordPress and WP Engine, especially now that security updates are no longer managed by WordPress itself. Previously, WordPress provided regular security updates for websites, and most were applied automatically, leaving little room for concern.
However, with these automatic updates no longer available, it’s now up to the website management teams to take security into their own hands. Development teams will need to implement regular security checks and updates to ensure everything is functioning properly and that websites remain protected from vulnerabilities. Without these proactive measures, sites could be left exposed to potential threats, making security a top priority moving forward.
- Get Approved Plugins Only
Companies should establish a document that lists websites offering plugins from authentic sources, even if they are third-party providers. This is essential, especially when direct downloads from WordPress.org are not an option.
Having a whitelisted plugin directory will help ensure that the plugins sourced are secure and free from vulnerabilities. If companies cannot download plugins directly from WordPress.org, they should consider partnering with trusted agencies or reputable third-party plugin providers. This way, they can acquire the right plugins without the risk of code modifications or security issues.
- Doing Automatic Backups
While WP Engine typically handles automatic backups by providing backups every 24 hours, it’s still essential for companies to ensure they have access to these backups and can restore them without incurring additional costs.
Establishing a backup verification process will not only give peace of mind but also ensure that, in the event of a website issue, businesses can quickly restore their sites without unnecessary delays or expenses.
- Training Teams for Awareness
As a standard operating procedure, it’s crucial to train teams on the current issues, particularly those in marketing roles at Australian startups and businesses that regularly manage WordPress dashboards. Many team members may not be aware of the ongoing situation, so organizing team meetings or webinars to raise awareness is a vital step.
These training sessions can help familiarise the marketing team with the implications of the WordPress & WPEngine issue, ensuring they understand how to navigate the platform safely and effectively.
- Getting Help from WordPress Development Agencies
Last but not least, it’s important to acknowledge that what once took about a minute to update a plugin now demands 3 to 4 hours due to the necessity for multiple security checks, code edits, and navigating through WordPress files. This additional workload can significantly impact other priorities within the business.
For the time being, we recommend hiring reputable development agencies that have the expertise to manage plugins and the WordPress core effectively, efficiently, and securely. By partnering with professionals, you can ensure that these critical updates are handled properly, allowing your team to focus on more pressing business tasks.
This approach will not only provide you with the peace of mind you need but also help offload the technical responsibilities, enabling your team to concentrate on what truly matters for your business.
Will the WP Engine vs. WordPress Issue Get Resolved Anytime Soon?
For the time being, there is no indication that the WP Engine vs. WordPress issue will be resolved anytime soon. WP Engine has clearly rejected the proposal from WordPress CEO Matt Mullenweg to pay an 8% royalty fee, and in response, WordPress is not prepared to lift the ban on the sources being used by WP Engine.
As a result, the issue is likely to persist. WP Engine is working on its own solution, but it will not be directly available on the WordPress dashboard. Consequently, users will need to choose between the solutions provided by WP Engine or manage the manual processes we’ve discussed.
What are the Options for WordPress Users in Australia?
WordPress users with websites hosted on WP Engine currently have two options:
- Migration to Another Hosting Provider: While this might seem like a solution, it’s a temporary fix that requires significant effort. Migrating a website, especially one that’s been tied to a specific hosting provider for years, can be quite a hassle. You’ll likely need to hire a WordPress development agency to ensure the process goes smoothly without losing data or traffic.
- Staying with WP Engine: The other option is to stick with WP Engine and hire a WordPress development partner to manage your website on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis.
There’s a chance a solution by WP Engine will be introduced soon to help streamline the plugins and theme updates.
Personally, I recommend this approach because we’ve seen firsthand how migrating a website can take a lot of time and potentially disrupt business operations. Plus, there’s no guarantee that if you switch to another hosting provider, WordPress won’t impose a ban on them too, given the current situation affecting all hosting providers using WordPress resources.
Lastly, while WPEngine is a solid choice, there are a few other hosting providers dedicated to WordPress, like DigitalOcean, Cloudways, and Liquid Web. Apart from these mentioned, other hosting options aren’t specifically tailored for WordPress, which means they might not provide the level of support that website development companies in Australia typically need for managed WordPress hosting.
Website Security Plan by WP Creative
We’ve noticed that, with all the turmoil between WP Engine, WordPress, and other challenges, marketers in Australia are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their websites while running their businesses. That’s why it’s the right time to introduce a plan that addresses all of these needs.
We’re offering a $1,000 per month Website Security plan that ensures your website has the best security, technical issues are resolved regularly, and your plugins, themes, and WordPress core are kept updated.
Your database will be maintained and optimized, and we’ll handle regular backups so that your website is always in top condition and you never lose any data.
If you have become a collateral damage in-between WP Engine vs WordPress rift and are looking for a cost-effective, premium solution, this website security plan is exactly what you need.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict between WordPress and WP Engine has significant implications for digital marketers in Australia, particularly those relying on WP Engine for hosting. With the loss of automatic updates and the added complexities in managing WordPress sites, marketers face increased costs, potential reliability issues, and challenges in plugin management.
As WPEngine customers navigate this landscape, implementing strategies such as process documentation, regular security audits, and maintaining a list of approved plugins will be crucial. Training teams on these changes and potentially engaging WordPress development agencies for assistance can help mitigate some of the burden and keep websites secure.
Given that there’s no clear resolution in sight for the WP Engine vs. WordPress dispute, it’s vital for Australian businesses to weigh their options carefully. Whether choosing to stay with WP Engine or considering migration to another hosting provider, the key is to prioritise adaptability and security in an ever-evolving digital environment. By staying informed and prepared, marketers can effectively manage their WordPress sites and continue to drive business growth despite these challenges.
How are you Managing WPEngine vs WordPress Situation?
If you’re a WPEngine customer facing the challenges discussed in the article, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. How are you managing the situation now that plugin updates, theme updates, and WordPress core updates are no longer available?
Are you considering migrating to another hosting provider, or do you plan to stay with WP Engine and handle manual updates yourself? Perhaps you’ve decided to hire a WordPress development agency to manage these tasks for you?
Feel free to share your response in the comments below or reach out directly through our contact page.
Read More: How to Update Your WordPress Plugins Manually?
Hire the #1 WordPress Development Agency in Australia
The situation between WPEngine and WordPress is undoubtedly frustrating for WPEngine customers, who have found themselves caught in the crossfire. Unfortunately, many have become scapegoats in this conflict, facing challenges that were never intended.
At WP Creative, we understand the difficulties you’re experiencing, and we’re here to help. We offer our services to all WP Engine customers who are stuck in this situation. If you need assistance maintaining and managing your website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly. Our team is ready to provide the support you need to navigate these challenges and ensure your website runs smoothly.