WP Engine

Great WordPress^® experiences don’t just happen out of the box—it takes a mix of the right tools and features to build robust, performant site environments.

We’re committed to helping our users get the most out of their digital experiences at WP Engine. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a robust new set of features designed to provide a deeper understanding of site and account performance and give our customers actionable data at their fingertips.

These account-level and site-level metrics help our users better understand the performance of their current sites, identify poor-performing pages, compare important metrics, and make more informed decisions regarding future optimizations and opportunities.

Whether you’re a developer, site owner, marketer, or executive, read on to learn how these insights can help you make data-driven decisions faster than ever!

What’s new in the User Portal?

WP Engine already offers several features that help our users gain insights into account usage and performance across their site instances on our hosting platform. The following new additions provide even more granular oversight so you can confidently hone your experiences. 

Here’s a quick overview of what’s new in the WP Engine User Portal.

Performance scores: A quick, color-coded performance pulse check

Many tools can monitor the overall status of the sites you manage. 

Updates to the Performance tab within the WP Engine User Portal make it easier than ever for WP Engine customers to understand overall performance across their account, spot issues at a glance, and take decisive action on opportunities for improvement.

Google Lighthouse Scores at the top of the Performance page provide a familiar external perspective for site performance and user experience, and are made readily available to view on a per-environment basis as you dive deeper.

The main view under the Performance tab is an overview of Google Lighthouse scores across all environments tied to an account on our hosting platform. From there, users can click into individual site environments for more granular insights.

Site-level insights: See what’s happening, when it happens

By clicking on an individual site instance in your Performance tab, users get even more details about the performance of each site hosted with WP Engine.

Along with site-specific Google Lighthouse Scores, the WP Engine site performance score is a proprietary measurement that compares its performance and reliability metrics across all sites on WP Engine’s hosting platform.

We’ve also introduced these additional metrics, so you can dive deeper into each site you manage through an easily accessible overview of performance on a site-by-site basis.

• Reports over time: See how your Google Lighthouse Scores have fluctuated over a specific time frame.
• Average latency over time: Understand how quickly your site loads.
• Page views during busiest hour: View daily and peak-hour traffic to anticipate resource needs or identify unusual activity.
• Error rates (%): See how often your site visitors encounter errors so that you can investigate the root cause.
• Cache hit ratio: Learn how often your site’s content is served via fast, cached delivery.
• Slow pages: Pinpoint which pages are lagging and require further optimization.

Each of these metrics is designed to help you understand how a site is performing and identify opportunities for improvement.

Exportable site-level reports

Need to brief your leadership team or collaborate with client stakeholders who don’t log into the WP Engine User Portal every day? No problem.

New exportable site summary reports deliver key metrics in a clean, executive-friendly format—perfect for monthly updates, board meetings, or quick wins with clients.

Head to the Reports tab under the Insights section to generate a new report. Simply decide which metrics you want to include or exclude from your report, give it a title, and you’ll get an instant PDF report about a specific site tied to your WP Engine account.

Account-level metrics: Understanding usage and trends

Beyond individual sites, it’s essential to see how your entire account is performing. 

New metrics in the Plan overview section of the Usage tab can help track important account activity, including details on storage usage, sites and environment types, bandwidth usage, and billable visits.

You can also view Usage by environment to see where storage and bandwidth are used most across your account.

In the Trends section, you can view how storage and bandwidth have been used over a specific date range, filtering by environment type, site type, and storage or bandwidth type.

Finally, in the Extensions tab, you can view and manage existing licenses for product extensions like Global Edge Security and Smart Plugin Manager, allowing users to assign unused licenses to any available sites.

Each of these metrics is designed to help you get a better handle on your hosting resources, understand what’s being used, and see what’s at risk of overuse.

Why it matters

We introduced these tools to help our customers:

• Make decisions faster because precise data and visual cues help you prioritize issues.
• Improve site performance, so you can identify bottlenecks before they affect users.
• Share insights easily by exporting quick reports to loop in your team or clients.
• Stay proactive, not reactive, thanks to simple performance monitoring!

Check it out in the WP Engine User Portal!

These new insights are now available to all customers on all plan types!

Log in to your WP Engine dashboard to explore these powerful new tools and elevate how you manage your digital experiences.

In 2010, one WordPress®[1] user set out to make sites faster, more secure, and easier to scale. This was the founding idea behind WP Engine, a company built on a belief in the power of the open web and the creators responsible for it. 

“We didn’t want to build just another hosting company—we wanted to build the best foundation for builders who choose the WordPress platform,” recalled WP Engine Founder Jason Cohen. 

The company, which started from a small team and big dreams, has since grown into a leader in innovation, trusted by over two hundred thousand customers to power millions of websites around the world. One thing we’ve never lost sight of, though, is our why. It’s people—including creative professionals, digital innovators, web developers, entrepreneurs, and our own employees—who have made the last 15 years so remarkable.

“Our journey has always been about people—our team, our customers, and our community. Together, we’ve built something truly special,” said WP Engine CEO Heather Brunner. 

Come along as we revisit some of the milestones that defined WP Engine’s past 15 years—from our business growth, products, and innovations, to the customers and employees who made it all possible—and share a glimpse of what we envision for our future.

A timeline of business transformation

The story of WP Engine began in 2010 when Jason Cohen sat down at his kitchen table to set his vision to pen and paper. By May of that year, WP Engine had its first 30 customers, and by the next year, Cohen would hire WP Engine’s first four employees.

The company had outgrown its first office by 2013, so the company expanded into its current headquarters in downtown Austin to support its fast-growing team. 

That same year, WP Engine CEO Heather Brunner joined the team. In one of her first official actions, she and Cohen led a team-wide codification and signing of WP Engine’s Core Values. By the next year, WP Engine was serving more than 20,000 customers.

An era of expansion

In 2015, WP Engine expanded across the Atlantic, opening a London office to better serve a rapidly growing international customer base and strengthen our presence in Europe. At that time, the company was already supporting more than 40,000 global customers.

By 2016, that number would grow to 50,000, and WP Engine would open its second European office—this time in Limerick, Ireland—with the Brisbane, Australia office to open the following year.

That momentum continued into 2018 with the strategic acquisition of StudioPress, which brought the powerful Genesis Framework into the WP Engine ecosystem. The next year, WP Engine welcomed Flywheel—a fellow hosting innovator out of Omaha, Nebraska—and Perfect Dashboard—a Kraków, Poland-based technology company—into the family, opening offices in both cities.

In 2022, the company acquired Delicious Brains, making it the official steward of one of the WordPress® community’s most beloved tools: Advanced Custom Fields. Just two years later, our friends at Nitropack joined the team, bringing powerful new site performance optimizations to WP Engine.

Now, in 2025, we get the opportunity to celebrate 15 years of business transformation with a clear vision for the future that’s stronger, bolder, and more innovative than ever. 

Built for builders with a commitment to the open web

For customers who choose WP Engine, innovation is the expectation. From our earliest days, we’ve focused on building and maintaining tools and technologies that make WordPress® sites faster, more secure, and more flexible. That focus has driven the creation of breakthrough products and enhancements that have reshaped what’s possible on WordPress®.

Our early innovations laid the groundwork for continued improvements to the platform. EverCache™, Content Performance, and DevKit were some of WP Engine’s early signature features, helping to unlock faster page speeds, provide better insights into content performance, and build better developer workflows as we reimagined what managed hosting can offer. 

In 2016, we rolled out foundational platform improvements, including the introduction of free SSL certificates, which made secure connections accessible to all our customers. We launched the web’s first PHP Compatibility Checker, empowering developers to modernize their codebases with confidence. WP Engine also introduced one-tap payments and, by 2017, had expanded its data center availability with 17 new data centers across nine countries. 

By 2018, WP Engine was evolving quickly. We made StudioPress and the Genesis Framework available to customers at no cost and introduced Global Edge Security to strengthen site defenses. To ensure our teams were leaning into feedback from customers and that WP Engine remained a responsible steward of the tools we’ve adopted, we also launched our first-ever product community survey that year. 

Innovation at the speed of creation

Our commitment to intelligent automation took center stage in 2019 with the release of Smart Plugin Manager, helping customers keep their sites up to date and secure. 

By 2022, we launched Site Monitoring, and in 2023, we strengthened payment security for eCommerce customers through the Stripe Connect integration. WP Engine’s continued stewardship of community-loved tools would resurface yet again with the launch of the ACF Annual Survey in 2023, which directly engaged current ACF users to guide future development.

More recently, our focus has turned toward deepening performance and workflow optimizations. In 2024, we launched Performance Insights to help customers fine-tune their experiences, introduced Dynamic Plugin Loading for smarter performance management, and enabled Edge Page Full Cache to serve pages even faster. 

“As we continue to chart a course for the future, our product teams are leaning into customer feedback and identifying where we can use our expertise to make the most impact for them,” said WP Engine Chief Technology Officer Ramadass Prabhakar.

“Our goal is not to build products, but to build products with a purpose—products that make a difference as we all build the future of the web together.”

From essential security to cutting-edge performance, WP Engine has never stopped evolving, because our customers never stop building.

Powered by people, invested in opportunity

Since Jason Cohen onboarded our very first customers, one truth has remained constant: our greatest impact isn’t found in the tools we build, but in the people who build them and the people we build them for. 

Whether it’s the agencies and brands that trust our platform to power their digital experiences or the employees who drive our innovation forward every day, people have always been at the center of our story. That commitment is evident both in the vibrant culture we’ve built internally and the strong partnerships we’ve nurtured over the years.

In 2016, we made a public pledge to employee equity by joining the White House Equal Pay Pledge and launched 24/7/365 live chat support—two bold statements showing WP Engine’s commitment to both our employees and our customers. 

That same year, we began our long-standing partnership with the Webby Awards. What began as a small sponsorship would eventually evolve into Crafted With Code, a full-scale storytelling series dedicated to highlighting Webby-recognized websites built on WordPress® and the creators who bring them to life.

In 2017, we launched our Agency Partner Program to better support the creative professionals and agencies who rely on WP Engine to deliver for their clients. We were also honored as Company of the Year by the International Business Awards—a recognition that underscored our dual commitment to innovation and integrity. 2017 also marked the launch of our first employee resource group (ERG), Sheroes—now known as Roar—to champion women in tech and amplify their voices in the workplace.

Our investment in people has only deepened in the years since. Since 2017, WP Engine has earned nearly 40 Great Place to Work certifications and introduced several new ERGs, continuing to foster a workplace culture rooted in purpose and belonging. 

Externally, WP Engine continues to support the community that supports us. We’ve launched and sustained meaningful initiatives, from DE{CODE}, our annual virtual conference, to our recent presence at events like PressConf, Color Code, and CloudFest. Last year, we also introduced the Agency Partner Awards to recognize the creative excellence of the partners building extraordinary digital experiences on our platform.

In celebration of our 15th anniversary, we thought it was high time to recommit to the values that have strengthened us. This week, WP Engine’s more than 1,000 employees across the globe digitally signed our Core Values statement, harkening back to our Core Values codification back in 2013.

This re-commitment to our values has realigned and reenergized our team members, galvanizing a global movement of WP Engine employees to continue pursuing progress and working towards a better, brighter future for the WordPress® community and the web.

Through every effort we make, every event we support, every product we build, WP Engine aims to support a business model where people come first, always.

Expanding our vision and embracing the future

Fifteen years ago, WP Engine opened its doors with a bold idea with a clear purpose: to empower builders on the open web through world-class technology, tireless support, and a deep commitment to people. Today, that purpose is stronger than ever. 

Our journey has been shaped by the developers, creators, agencies, and teammates who’ve helped us grow, not just as a company, but as a community.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with immense gratitude for everyone who’s trusted us to be part of their digital journey,” said Brunner.

“But more importantly, we look ahead, because while 15 years is a moment worth marking, our eyes are focused on what’s next—on continuing to support a web that’s faster, safer, more creative, and more open than ever before.”

Stay up to date on everything happening at WP Engine by following us on BlueSky, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

^{[1] The WordPress® trademark is the intellectual property of the WordPress Foundation. WP Engine is not endorsed or owned by, or affiliated with, the WordPress Foundation.}

At WP Engine, cultivating a world-class workplace culture is a foundational part of who we are. Since earning our first Great Place to Work^® certification in 2017, we’ve received more than 40 individual recognitions from the global authority on workplace culture, spanning various continents, specialties, and milestones.

Most recently, on May 22, WP Engine Poland was certified as a Great Place to Work, and WP Engine Ireland earned placement on the Best Workplaces in Tech list.

Read on to learn more about Great Place to Work and explore a detailed history of WP Engine’s Great Place to Work journey, including past certifications the company has earned.

A globally recognized culture of excellence

Great Place to Work certifications are awarded to organizations that demonstrate high-trust, high-performing workplace cultures as measured by employee feedback provided through its proprietary Trust Index™ Survey.

Employees use the questionnaire to share their honest opinions on important areas impacting workplace culture, like leadership credibility, respect for differences, fairness in hiring and promotion, pride in their work, and camaraderie amongst team members—all of which form the foundation of the Great Place to Work Trust Model™.

Since our first certification in 2017, WP Engine has been recognized across several of our global hub locations, with honors ranging from general workplace certification to placement on specialized lists, including Best Workplaces for Caregivers, for Women, in Tech, for Health and Wellbeing, and more.

These certifications reflect our ongoing investment in fostering excellent employee experiences that center around personal and professional growth, an inclusive culture, and the individual well-being of each employee, no matter their role, region, or function.

Certification highlights

We’re proud of the consistent excellence demonstrated by our teams across the globe. Here’s a snapshot of WP Engine’s most notable Great Place to Work certifications to date.

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

How certification works

Each of these certifications was earned after a deep analysis of both employee feedback and a culture audit submitted by WP Engine, the results of which are benchmarked against similar-sized organizations to determine Best Workplace lists.

Employee survey

Employees complete the Trust Index™ Survey, an anonymous questionnaire designed to assess perceptions of leadership, trust in the organization, support for employees, and connectedness to company culture.

Culture audit

With their entries, companies must also submit information about organizational programs, practices, and values to help Great Place to Work understand the tangible culture efforts of each entrant.

Benchmarking and recognition

Survey and audit results are benchmarked against other certified companies, and top-performing organizations may earn additional placement on Best Workplace lists related to industry, region, or demographic focus.

Maintaining a culture of excellence

WP Engine remains committed to creating a workplace where every employee can thrive—whether they’re contributing from Austin, Kraków, Limerick, London, Omaha, Brisbane, or remotely from their desks around the world. 

As our team continues to grow and evolve, so does our commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, high-trust workplace culture. Each new certification is both a validation of our efforts and a reminder of the value our people bring to our success.

If you’re looking for a workplace where innovation and culture go hand in hand, explore our open roles—we’re always looking for talented individuals to help shape the future of WP Engine.

Stay tuned to this page as we continue to update it with each new Great Place to Work recognition our team earns!

AUSTIN, Texas—MAY 21, 2025— WP Engine, a global web enablement company providing premium products and solutions for websites built on WordPress[1], today announced the release of a comprehensive new research report: “The Total Cost of Your Company Website: A Data-Driven Guide for Digital Leaders.” Based on a survey of more than 1,700 digital decision-makers across the U.S., U.K., and Australia, the report reveals that businesses using WordPress experience up to 44% cost savings compared to those relying on proprietary CMS platforms.

The research arrives at a pivotal time as 68% of businesses plan to increase their CMS budgets in 2025, reflecting the growing strategic importance of their digital presence. In addition, the findings also reveal that organizations are facing longer CMS evaluation cycles, tighter budgets, and increased pressure to prove ROI and reduce long-term costs. As companies navigate these challenges, the true Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), including infrastructure, development, licensing, security, and scalability, is entering a new era of scrutiny and strategic prioritization. The WP Engine survey reveals how decision-makers can align their digital platforms with organizational goals while minimizing cost burdens and maximizing ROI.

“Digital experiences have evolved from marketing touchpoints to mission-critical business assets,” said Jason Teichman, Chief Operating Officer of WP Engine. “Yet many companies still underestimate the long-term costs associated with their CMS and infrastructure choices. This report empowers digital leaders with data they need to make smarter, more sustainable decisions.”

Key findings of the report include:

• $2.6 million/year: The average annual CMS cost for medium-to-large and enterprise organizations — including licensing, hosting, development, and third-party tools.
• Up to 44% savings: WordPress offers a significantly lower TCO compared to proprietary platforms.
• 11-month average evaluation cycle: Enterprises are taking longer to evaluate CMS solutions, with the U.K. seeing the slowest pace at nearly 12 months.
• Hybrid CMS strategies are on the rise: A growing number of organizations are using multiple CMS platforms, with WordPress leading as the most popular secondary CMS due to its cost-effectiveness and agility.
• Top concerns vary by region: In the U.S. and Australia, security is the top barrier, while maintenance and management concerns dominate in the U.K.

The report also explores how open-source solutions like WordPress are redefining enterprise digital strategies, with companies successfully integrating WordPress into composable, cost-efficient ecosystems that support rapid scaling and flexibility.

“This guide is a strategic framework for understanding how every digital decision impacts long-term performance and cost efficiency,” said Teichman. “At WP Engine, we’re committed to helping businesses thrive through smarter infrastructure, open-source flexibility, and enterprise-grade managed hosting.”

To learn more about WP Engine, visit wpengine.com.

About WP Engine

WP Engine empowers companies and agencies of all sizes to build, power, manage, and optimize their WordPress websites and applications with confidence. Serving 1.5 million customers across 150+ countries, the global technology company provides premium, enterprise-grade solutions, tools, and services, including specialized platforms for WordPress, industry-tailored eCommerce and agency solution suites, and developer-centric tools like Local, Advanced Custom Fields, and more. WP Engine’s innovative technology and industry-leading expertise are why 8% of the web visits a WP Engine-powered site daily. Learn more at wpengine.com.

^{[1] The WordPress® trademark is the intellectual property of the WordPress Foundation. WP Engine is not endorsed or owned by, or affiliated with, the WordPress Foundation.}

WP Engine’s mission to power confidence online relies on the dedication and expertise of more than 1,000 global employees. 

The combined effort of our entire team—from the WordPress support specialists troubleshooting technical challenges to the engineers driving innovation across our tools and technologies to the passionate professionals pouring their talents into our Agency Partner Program—ensures the continued growth and success of WP Engine and our customers alike.

Our Meet the Experts series shines a light on the individuals who bring this mission to life through their work every day. 

In this feature, we’re excited to introduce Liam Gladdy, a Senior Software Engineer living in Bristol whose work is pivotal to improving the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin and maintaining our internal APIs and services.

Say hello to Liam!

Meet Liam Gladdy, a seasoned developer with a passion for WordPress who’s been using WP Engine for many years—even before becoming part of our team. 

He’s a self-professed “open-source nerd” who spends just as much time working on open-source projects outside work as he does when he’s clocked in. When he’s not coding, you can find Liam…well, at home, currently. 

“I recently bought my first house, so I’m in a crash course for all the household maintenance tasks I’ve never had to worry about before,” he jokes. 

“I can tell I’m going to become obsessive over how good my lawn looks!”

Liam’s career journey

Liam’s career started at an agency where he was first introduced to WP Engine, as the company chose us as the foundation for many of their clients’ WordPress sites. 

He joined Delicious Brains in 2021 as one of the two lead developers building Advanced Custom Fields, one of WordPress’s most popular plugins. When WP Engine acquired Delicious Brains in 2022, he found himself at home with a company that values deep technical expertise and community contribution.

As a Senior Software Engineer, Liam brings more than 12 years of hands-on experience with ACF to his role. Most of his daily responsibilities focus on enhancing ACF—a colossal project spanning more than 150,000 lines of code—and he has taken on additional work optimizing our internal APIs and services to ensure WP Engine sites stay up-to-date and secure.

Throughout his career, Liam has learned that building software for others requires more than just technical know-how; it demands a holistic view of how users interact with technology. 

“It’s easy to build something in isolation and think it’s perfect,” he says, “but while your code may work exactly as you want, users will almost certainly want to use it in different ways you’ve not considered.”

Working closely with the exceptional user-experience experts and product designers on the ACF team has helped him embrace a collaborative approach that factors both functionality and usability into every new update.

When asked what he loves most about working at WP Engine, Liam is quick to point to the people. He recalls that transitioning from the small team at Delicious Brains to a larger organization was initially daunting, but that the genuine respect and trust he felt—from the colleagues he collaborates with daily all the way up to CEO Heather Brunner—quickly put him at ease. 

“The support and open dialogue here make me confident to share my views on any project,” he says, 

“Despite working remotely, our culture of support and communication helps keep everyone connected.”

Words of wisdom: Pick your battles

One of the best pieces of advice Liam ever received was to “pick his battles” by practicing the art of collaboration. 

He spent much of his early career working solo, which meant he got used to doing things his own way. Transitioning to a collaborative environment taught him the value of trusting others’ methods and engaging in constructive debate—essential lessons that guide his work to this day.

“When I joined Delicious Brains, I was suddenly surrounded by experts in the field who all had their own way of working. I quickly learned that to work to be a team, I had to put trust in the team,” he says.

“Then, on the occasions when you do need to push back on something, your team trusts that you’re coming from a place of bettering the product—not just pushing to get your own way.”

For aspiring experts in any kind of technology, and specifically for those with a passion for open-source projects, Liam has some advice. Specifically, he recommends taking the time to look to the future and explore modern technologies. 

“Follow the trends and stay ahead of what’s coming next,” says Liam. 

“Headless is becoming more important to many enterprises, and WordPress is an excellent CMS to use as a backend for a headless project. So, if you’re interested in future-proofing your skills, it’s worth understanding tools like Next.js and Faust.js.”

Powered by people

Liam’s extensive expertise and commitment to continuous learning make him an invaluable asset to WP Engine and his work on ACF contributes to a richer experience for all WordPress users. If you’re considering a career at WP Engine, Liam has encouragement for anyone to take the leap!

“We have such a wide range of engineering roles at WP Engine because of the breadth of the systems and services we work with, so there’s really a role for everyone,” he says.

Want to find out more about what it’s like to work at WP Engine? Visit our careers site to explore current openings and check out our blog for more inspiring stories from WP Engine’s experts!

At WP Engine, we understand that our success is tied directly to the successes of our customers—when they win, we win. That dedication to customer success has been recognized with a best-in-class award for the second time this year. 

WP Engine’s Customer Experience (CX) team has been named a 2025 TITAN Business Award winner for Customer Service Department/Team of the Year!

Earning a TITAN Award is a prestigious achievement—and one that speaks directly to the outstanding service our CX team provides every single day.

“Our customers rely on us to deliver fast, knowledgeable support and advice, and this recognition validates the passion and expertise our service team brings to each and every interaction,” said Slade Cozart, WP Engine VP of Customer Experience. 

“I’m beyond proud of this team and grateful for the incredible work they do to put our core value of being Customer Inspired into action every time they engage with our customers.”

Read on to learn more about the TITAN Business Awards and WP Engine’s long history of CX excellence.

What are the TITAN Business Awards?

The TITAN Business Awards honor the world’s best across industries, spotlighting the entrepreneurs and organizations that are shaping the future of business through innovation, leadership, and impact.

Administered by the International Awards Association (IAA), TITAN Business Awards submissions go through a blind judging process conducted by a panel of distinguished senior-level executives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs to ensure every award is earned based on merit alone.

Excellence that speaks volumes

This recognition from the TITAN Business Awards is one of several major accolades our CX team has received in recent years. As evidenced by our multiple Stevie^® Awards for Customer Service, WP Engine continually raises the bar in managed hosting support for WordPress.

WP Engine’s CX department, with over 200 service and WordPress specialists across eight countries and specialized teams, created a compelling submission that solidified our spot as the Service Team of the Year for 2025.

Highlights from WP Engine’s submission include:

• 75% of WP Engine’s support chats are answered within 10 seconds.
• WP Engine’s CX team has a 99% first-contact resolution rate.
• The CX team also boasts a 96% customer satisfaction rate year-over-year.
• In one year, the CX team tackled:
  • 658,000+ live chats 
  • 67,000+ phone calls
  • 100,000+ support tickets

This honor, which was chosen from more than 5,000 entries from over 60 countries, places WP Engine among global industry leaders like HP, Microsoft, and eBay. 

Whether through one-on-one troubleshooting, around-the-clock availability, or proactive guidance that helps our customers grow, our CX team brings expertise and empathy to every customer interaction. This latest award underscores the powerful impact of their work.

Always improving, always customer-inspired

Winning a TITAN Award is a proud moment—but it’s not a finish line. WP Engine’s CX team remains committed to elevating the customer experience, exploring new ways to support our users, and ensuring that every customer receives world-class service.

To our customers: Thank you for choosing WP Engine and trusting us with your digital experiences. To our CX team: Congratulations on yet another well-deserved recognition!

Want to work with an award-winning team? Explore our careers page for open roles and join us in delivering exceptional experiences every day!

At WP Engine, we believe great digital experiences start with great creators. That’s why WP Engine is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Color Code.

On May 3, this bold new event will bring together digital creatives across design, development, and marketing disciplines for a fresh take on collaborative learning and inspiration.

Rooted in community and shaped by a passion for creativity and innovation, Color Code is more than just a conference—it’s a movement, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it! 

Read on to learn more about Color Code and how to connect with WP Engine while we’re there.

What is Color Code? 

Color Code was founded by Ben Dunkle, Ron Brennan, and Tim Bouchard: three longtime local organizers who envisioned a more inclusive and forward-thinking conference experience.

After years of success hosting local events, the trio launched Color Code as an independent, self-funded conference. Their mission? To create marquee gatherings that uplift and empower creatives across platforms with real-world value and thoughtful, future-ready content.

Color Code is built to grow, with a unique operational model that reinvests in the community by funding future events, speaker stipends, and expansion into new cities. The result is a conference experience that’s high in energy, low on pretense, and deeply committed to the people who power the open web.

Find WP Engine at Color Code

WP Engine will be on-site at Color Code 2025, engaging with attendees, handing out exclusive swag, and sparking meaningful conversations about the future of online creativity and innovation.

Our team is looking forward to connecting with creatives, developers, and digital thinkers to discuss how we can support your work on WordPress, whether you’re designing bold user experiences or optimizing performance behind the scenes.

Schedule of events

The conference offers three specialized talk tracks. The Digital track focuses on content just for UI design and development professionals; the Creative track will focus on content just for design and marketing; and the Flex track offers a mix of both, sharing content relevant to design, development, and marketing disciplines.

No matter which track you choose, the day will end with a session led by two of WP Engine’s own! 

Join Natalie Munger and Rebecca Wood-Spagnoli as they explore Nielsen’s Top 10 Heuristics and how Heuristic Evaluations help refine designs by focusing on fundamentals and efficiency.

See you in Buffalo!

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker, a first-time attendee, or someone just curious about what’s next for creative digital work, Color Code is the place to be.

We can’t wait to connect with you—stop by, grab some swag, and let’s talk about how WP Engine can help you build bolder, faster, and more secure web experiences.

Visit the Color Code website to learn more and register today!

The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the web, and this year’s winners are setting a new standard for online innovation.

More than 500 individual projects were nominated or honored by the 29th annual Webby Awards, and every year, the number of recognized sites that are built on WordPress and WP Engine continues to grow.

In 2024, just 17.5% of Webby-nominated or honored sites were built on WordPress. This year, nearly 30% of all sites nominated for or honored by The Webby Awards were built on WordPress, with 43% of those WordPress projects choosing WP Engine as the foundation for their digital experiences. 

“Sites recognized by The Webby Awards are an incredible representation of what’s possible when you combine the right tools, messaging, and creative power, and we’re so proud of our customers who have been honored and nominated across multiple categories,” said WP Engine Director of Brand Regina Yuan.

“WP Engine remains committed to building a managed hosting platform that empowers developers and agencies across the globe to build more imaginative, more innovative experiences.”

Read on to learn a little more about The Webby Awards and to explore some of the WP Engine-powered sites that won Webby Awards this year!

What are The Webby Awards?

The Webby Awards honor excellence on the internet, including websites, apps, videos, podcasts, advertising campaigns, social media, and more. Established in 1996, the awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), and winners are celebrated for creativity, innovation, and impact in digital media.

Each year, individuals and organizations submit entries, which are then reviewed by IADAS. Winners in each category are chosen by two methods: The Academy selects a Webby Winner, and a public vote is held to determine the winner of a People’s Voice Award. 

Here are a few of the projects hosted on WP Engine’s platform that earned Webby Awards this year!

Brooklyn Org is an organization offering a new model for community philanthropy. It brings together the Brooklyn community—including residents, businesses, and nonprofits—to invest in work that elevates Brooklyn’s people, neighborhoods, and communities.

The website, created by Teal Media, will help Brooklyn Org advance its mission, attract new backers, and make an impact across multiple focus areas, from family and youth support to housing and justice reform.

The site earned a 2025 Webby Award for Websites and Mobile Sites in the community category.

The sweet-treat makers at Gelato la Boca have been packing a flavorful punch across the Dallas area, and the company’s website is every bit as bold and indulgent as the gelato it serves.

Matchbox Studio found the sweet spot between beauty and functionality, showcasing bright colors and an engaging scroll experience alongside robust functionality for online ordering and delivery.

Earning a Webby Award for Websites and Mobile Sites in the food and drink category, the site will allow the company to serve up a digital experience as delightful as its gelato.

Bourbon was born in the Bluegrass State, and Kentucky is still responsible for creating roughly 95% of the world’s bourbon. Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a project that brings together the best distillers across the commonwealth to promote and protect the future of Kentucky bourbon.

The digital experience built by experts at Lewis Communications offers a hub where bourbon enthusiasts visiting the state can find the best bourbon, and distilleries can combine their efforts, build relationships, and promote growth across the bourbon industry.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail website earned a Webby Award for Websites and Mobile Sites in the travel and lifestyle category.

Founded in 1928, VCUarts—a public, nonprofit four-year art and design school—has consistently ranked as one of the country’s top visual arts and design institutions. 

Agency experts at Fastspot designed a digital experience that puts artistry to the fore, showcasing campus life, important research opportunities, and upcoming news and events in a way that’s attractive and appealing to potential students.

The site earned the Webby Award for Websites and Mobile Sites in the school and university category.

Celebrate web excellence with WP Engine and The Webbys!

Congratulations to all the designers, developers, and creatives who were nominated for a Webby Award this year—you’re setting the bar for the future of online experiences. Check out The Webby Awards website to explore all the nominated, honored, and winning sites!

When you’re ready to switch to the premier platform for powering innovative experiences on WordPress, talk with WP Engine about plans and pricing.

WP Engine’s mission to power confidence online relies on the dedication and expertise of more than 1,000 global employees.

The combined effort of our whole team—from the support specialists solving technical challenges to the engineers driving performance and innovation across our fully managed hosting platform to the passionate professionals supporting our agency partners and everyone in between—ensures continued growth and success for WP Engine and our customers alike.

Our Meet the Experts series highlights some of the people who bring this mission to life, showcasing their roles, areas of expertise, and invaluable contributions to WP Engine and our customers, as well as advice for other aspiring professionals in their fields.

In this feature, we’re excited to introduce you to Alexandria Martinez, a technical support specialist based in Poplar Grove, Illinois.

Say hello to Alexandria!

Meet Alexandria Martinez, a vital member of our support team who brings a mix of technical skill, collaborative energy, and people-first enthusiasm to every customer interaction.

Her WP Engine journey began through an unexpected connection: World of Warcraft. A friend she met while gaming often spoke passionately about the culture and purpose he found at WP Engine, and it left a lasting impression.

“It really spoke volumes that, without being asked, he would always talk so highly about working here,” Alexandria recalls.

“I’d been looking for a company that truly valued and appreciated its people—not just as employees, but as individuals. Hearing the way he talked about WP Engine made it seem like the kind of place I wanted to be.”

When she’s not helping customers or mentoring colleagues, Alexandria can often be found crocheting, building Legos, or adventuring through games like World of Warcraft, Stardew Valley, and Valheim. A self-professed Harry Potter fan, she also treasures time with her husband and 9-year-old daughter.

Alexandria’s career journey

Her career path hasn’t been without challenges. Before joining WP Engine, Alexandria had previous experience in support roles but had never worked in a field this technical.

“It was intimidating at first,” she admits. 

“WordPress was completely new to me, but I’ve always loved helping people. My mentors, as well as the WordPress community as a whole, have been instrumental to my growth in this role.”

Alexandria started her support career at WP Engine in 2022. Since then, she’s moved quickly through the ranks, and her expertise now touches just about every part of the platform.

“My area of expertise is…well, everything!” she jokes. 

“One of the best parts of my role is the opportunity to support all kinds of issues—whether it’s headless, SSL, or general troubleshooting.”

In an industry that evolves rapidly, Alexandria relies on a blend of internal support and self-driven learning to stay sharp.

“Our managers do a great job sharing tools and resources to keep us informed, and I take full advantage of tools like LinkedIn Learning and industry blogs to keep learning,” she says.

While Alexandria works remotely, she says the sense of community at WP Engine has never felt distant.

“My favorite thing about WP Engine is the people,” she shares. 

“Even working remotely, there’s real camaraderie here. I’ve made lifelong friends—people I chat with every day, collaborate with, even exchange care packages with across the globe!”

To that end, Alexandria is an active member of WP Engine’s Virtual Americas Council, where she helps shape events and experiences for remote employees across the U.S.

“We’re always looking for ways to bring our people together and make our remote-first work environment feel more vibrant and connected,” she says.

Words of wisdom: Embrace opportunities to learn new skills

With technical complexity often comes unpredictability, and that’s where Alexandria thrives.

“Every interaction is different—the only constant is that we’re solving problems,” she explains. 

Alexandria attributes much of her success to her adaptability and hunger for growth—a mindset passed down from her mother.

“My mom always said, ‘The more tools you have in your toolbelt, the better,’ and that’s something I’ve carried with me,” she says. 

“I’m constantly volunteering for new projects, because you never know when a new skill will help you solve the next tough issue.”

Alexandria’s biggest advice for those looking to advance their careers? Don’t let fear hold you back.

“You’ll fail 100% of the things you don’t try,” she says. 

“Even if you fail, you’ve learned something new. Just go for it.”

Powered by people

Alexandria’s passion for people, constant curiosity, and drive to grow make her an invaluable part of WP Engine’s Support team. People like her are the reason we’re able to power confidence online every single day.

Want to find out more about what it’s like to work at WP Engine? Explore our current openings and check out our blog for more inspiring stories from WP Engine’s experts!

Today marks the conclusion of WP Engine’s sixth annual DE{CODE}, our global virtual conference designed for developers, agencies, and marketers who are driving innovation in both the technology and business of WordPress. DE{CODE} 2025 brought together attendees from 114 countries across multiple time zones, who tuned in for 12 insightful sessions spanning 3 dedicated tracks. This global participation and engagement made DE{CODE} 2025 our most successful event yet!

Guided by a commitment to community and innovation, 40 speakers took the virtual stage to share expert insights on everything from artificial intelligence to accessibility, content strategies, and cutting-edge WordPress development practices.

Missed the event or want to revisit a favorite talk? Check out the full DE{CODE} 2025 playlist on our YouTube channel!

A new era of collaboration and community

WP Engine Chairwoman and CEO Heather Brunner kicked off the event with a welcome message that underscored the theme of this year’s conference: The power of community. 

She shared her excitement about the growth of the WordPress ecosystem and how we’re all part of the most successful group project in the history of technology before introducing the keynote presenters of the day: AI thought leader Jeremiah Owyang and CEO of Humane Intelligence Dr. Rumman Chowdhury.

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The keynote tackled some of the most urgent and exciting questions facing digital professionals today. Presenters discussed ethical questions surrounding the use of AI, how its current use is already affecting content strategies, and how AI agents will change the landscape of the web over the next 5 to 10 years.

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A quick product showcase shared some of the exciting innovations WP Engine is cooking up this year before attendees split into sessions specifically designed for some of the most important roles in the WordPress community.

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Breakout sessions for the whole community

Breakout sessions allowed attendees to dive deeper into targeted tracks for developers, agencies, and marketers.

Here are a few highlights from some of the most-attended sessions:

Vetting AI in 2025: What’s hype, what’s help?

Developers have been hit with a barrage of new AI tools, each promising to supercharge site performance and fast-track digital success. 

In this session, WP Engine Senior Product Manager Luke Patterson sat down with experts to sift through the buzzwords to identify which tools are delivering real-world value for developers looking to scale, streamline, or optimize WordPress sites.

From chaos to control: Taming the block editor for efficiency and design integrity

The WordPress Block Editor can be a game-changer—or a bit of a wild west. 

In this session, ACF experts Rob Stinson and Iain Poulson explore ways you can use Advanced Custom Fields to control and streamline the editing experience for faster builds, consistent design, and fewer client missteps.

SEO and AI: Did AI just eat my search traffic?

This session explores how AI is reshaping the SEO landscape, from the risk of your content being repurposed without credit to the challenge of losing traffic to AI-generated summaries.

Presenters cover practical strategies to help your brand stand out in AI-driven results, secure proper attribution, and continue driving traffic back to your website.

A community in bloom

DE{CODE} 2025 was a celebration of the continued growth, innovation, and resilience of the WordPress community. 

As new technologies continue to redefine how we build and market online, this year’s event underscored the fact that people power is what will continue to drive the community forward.

Thank you to all the people power that made DE{CODE} 2025 our most successful event yet—but the conversation doesn’t end here.

Head to our YouTube channel to watch all sessions on demand and continue learning at your own pace.

WP Engine Ireland has once again secured a place on the Great Place to Work Ireland® list of Best Workplaces for Health and Wellbeing for 2025, reaffirming its dedication to fostering an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

Each year, Great Place to Work releases additional, unranked lists of Great Place to Work-certified companies to highlight specific businesses that go above and beyond to support their employees. The Health and Wellbeing list focuses on overall employee wellness, with a particular emphasis on companies with robust physical and mental health initiatives.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized once again as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces for Health and Wellbeing,” said WP Engine Talent Acquisition Manager and Ireland Site Lead Darren O’Dwyer. 

“At WP Engine, we believe that a culture of wellness is directly tied to the success of our teams. By investing in resources that support our employees on a personal level, we create a workplace where people feel more valued, more engaged, and more empowered.”

Read on to learn more about Great Place to Work’s ranked and unranked Best Workplaces lists and WP Engine Ireland’s storied history as a Great Place to Work!

WP Engine Ireland’s Great Place to Work journey

WP Engine Ireland first earned Great Place to Work Certification in 2019, just three years after opening its Limerick office. 

This latest achievement marks the seventh consecutive year of general certification and the second consecutive year on the Health and Wellbeing list, highlighting the company’s continued presence among Ireland’s top employers.

In previous years, WP Engine Ireland has been named to several specialized Great Place to Work lists, including Best Workplaces for Women (2023) and Best Workplaces in Tech (2021–2024).

Ireland’s Best Workplaces for Health & Wellbeing

Each year, Great Place to Work identifies the top companies in Ireland and around the world by assessing key factors that contribute to employee satisfaction. 

Once certified as a Great Place to Work, companies are qualified for inclusion on supplemental unranked lists. These lists highlight companies dedicated to building stellar employee experiences within specific demographics (e.g. Best Workplaces for Women, Best Workplaces for Millennials, etc.), industries (e.g. Best Workplaces in Tech, Best Workplaces in Retail), or geographic locations (e.g. Best Workplaces in Texas, Best Workplaces in New York, etc.). 

The 70 organizations recognized on Ireland’s Best Workplaces for Health & Wellbeing list excel in several areas, including:

• Comprehensive health resources: Employees report robust physical and mental health resources, including access to wellness programs, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements.
• Employee support and engagement: Employees report high levels of support from their managers and feel empowered to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Commitment to career growth: Employees have clear pathways for professional development, allowing them to grow within the company while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

According to Great Place to Work data, 84% of employees at certified companies feel encouraged to balance their personal and professional lives.

Our team in Ireland as well as our WP Engine teams around the globe remain committed to ensuring that every employee has the support they need to succeed both at work and in their personal lives.

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, publishing more than 250 Best Workplace lists annually based on data from more than 20 million employees across 170 countries.

Organizations must be Great Place to Work Certified™ to qualify for inclusion on specialized lists such as Ireland’s Best Workplaces for Health & Wellbeing.

Join a certifiably great workplace!

A huge congratulations to our WP Engine Ireland team for earning this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to building a supportive workplace continues to lead the way for our teams as we refine a culture of inclusion and acceptance at WP Engine.

If you’re looking to join a company that prioritizes its people, explore our open roles and become part of a workplace that values health, wellness, and career growth.

WP Engine is thrilled to sponsor PressConf 2025, the conference for professionals driving the WordPress economy. 

As a leader in managed hosting for WordPress, we’re committed to supporting the creators, developers, and businesses that power the open web. We hope this event helps foster new connections that will drive innovation and create opportunities to elevate the entire WordPress community.

Read on to learn more about what you can expect at PressConf and how to connect with WP Engine leaders while we’re together.

What is PressConf?

PressConf is a place for the movers, shakers, and dreamers in the WordPress community. The conference brings together top developers, designers, product experts, educators, business leaders, agency professionals, and web innovators to collaborate, learn, and push the WordPress ecosystem forward. 

Because PressConf is entirely focused on WordPress, it’s the perfect place to connect with like-minded professionals and industry leaders as we collaboratively create the future of the web.

Stop by, say hi!

Our booth at PressConf will be buzzing with activity as our leaders engage with attendees and offer up some premium swag.

Representing WP Engine at the event are Vice President of Product Jeremy Pollock, Partner Account Manager John Householder, and Head of Community Brian Gardner.

Be sure to connect with us throughout the conference from April 23–26 to talk about what our teams are working on and how WP Engine can support your growth on the world’s most widely used CMS!

Schedule of events

One of the ways PressConf sets itself apart is its schedule of events—one talk track, one room, and everyone’s invited. The list of speakers is extensive—and even includes a few former DE{CODE} presenters like Amber Hinds.

These transparent, honest discussions are vital to WordPress’s continued growth as we all seize the opportunity to learn from the successes and struggles that have paved the path to where we are.

Our leaders are excited to nurture new relationships and spur conversations that make WordPress better for everyone.

See you at PressConf!

Whether we meet for the first time or we’re getting the chance to reconnect, we can’t wait to see you at PressConf. 

If you’re attending, be sure to stop by our booth, and learn more about PressConf by visiting their website!

AUSTIN, Texas—March 18, 2025—WP Engine today unveiled the agenda for DE{CODE} 2025, its annual conference connecting thousands of innovators to explore what’s working, what’s next, and what’s possible with WordPress^[1]. The free, virtual event will be held on April 15 (North America and APAC) and registration is open.

Now in its sixth year, the event has expanded its content to be more inclusive of all roles responsible for building digital experiences. This includes brand marketers and agency leaders, in addition to developers, fostering a more connected and innovative WordPress community. This year’s agenda features dedicated tracks for developers, agencies, and marketers, including: 

• Industry-leading keynote speakers, including Jeremiah Owyang, AI thought leader and founder of Llama Lounge AI events and Brooks Scaling Ventures, and Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science Envoy and Chief Executive Officer of Humane Intelligence.
• New product launches unveiling WP Engine’s latest AI advancements, including intelligent search, personalized recommendations, and hosted Vector database for WordPress. 
• Breakout sessions from developers, agencies and brands featuring industry leaders from Google, Elastic, True Knowledge Agency, Equalize Digital, StrategiQ, Promethean Research, Big Bite Creative, Etumos, Illustrate Digital, Americaneagle.com, and Hubspot.

DE{CODE} 2025 represents a pivotal gathering, where we open the doors wider to learn from and make each other better. As we gather the brightest minds in web development and services, we’re not just sharing knowledge; we’re shaping the future together,” said WP Engine Chief Executive Officer and Chairwoman Heather Brunner, who will be opening the conference. “This event embodies WP Engine’s commitment to empowering creatives and developers, and fostering a culture of innovation that propels the open web forward.”

The conference has become a mainstay for developers, marketers, and agencies who want to keep up with the latest trends and best practices in modern web development. This year’s breakout tracks will empower attendees to:  

• Explore practical, high-ROI AI applications for WordPress that cut through the hype and showcase the most promising ways developers can enhance their content with AI. 
• Uncover high-performing agency strategies to win new business, retain top talent, optimize margins, and navigate digital transformation in an ever-evolving market.  
• Improve custom developer workflows that streamline editorial processes, and optimize media management for modern newsrooms. 

To register for the conference and learn more about what to expect at DE{CODE} 2025, visit: https://events.wpengine.com/event/DECODE2025/home 

About WP Engine

WP Engine empowers companies and agencies of all sizes to build, power, manage, and optimize their WordPress websites and applications with confidence. Serving 1.5 million customers across 150+ countries, the global technology company provides premium, enterprise-grade solutions, tools, and services, including specialized platforms for WordPress, industry-tailored eCommerce and agency solution suites, and developer-centric tools like Local, Advanced Custom Fields, and more. Learn more at wpengine.com.

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^[1] The WordPress® trademark is the intellectual property of the WordPress Foundation. WP Engine is not endorsed or owned by, or affiliated with, the WordPress Foundation.       

Contacts

WP Engine

[email protected]

WP Engine’s mission to power confidence online relies on the dedication and expertise of more than 1,000 global employees.

The combined effort of our whole team—from the support specialists solving technical challenges to the engineers driving performance and innovation across our fully managed hosting platform to the passionate professionals supporting our agency partners and everyone in between—ensures continued growth and success for WP Engine and our customers alike.

Our Meet the Experts series highlights some of the people who bring this mission to life, showcasing their roles, areas of expertise, and invaluable contributions to WP Engine and our customers, as well as their advice for other aspiring professionals in their fields.

In this feature, we’ll introduce you to Clay Youngkin, a Senior Customer Experience Operations Specialist based in Buda, Texas.

Say hello to Clay!

Meet Clay Youngkin, WP Engine’s system administrator for Gainsight—a tool used by multiple teams to help track information related to dedicated plan accounts on WP Engine. He’s a vital member of the Customer Experience Operations team.

Clay’s WP Engine journey began in 2015 when a colleague from his previous job at a sub shop encouraged him to apply for a Support Tech role. 

Driven by a desire to expand his career opportunities, Clay jumped at the chance to join WP Engine—a decision that would shape his professional growth over the next decade.

“I really resonate with our core value Built for Growth, because that’s how I felt when joining the team here,” says Clay.

“I started as an L1 Support Tech and have moved up into a System Administrator role—that’s quite the growth if you ask me!”

When he’s not helping to retain and improve experiences for our amazing customers, Clay enjoys playing video games, good food, and spending time outdoors.

Clay’s career journey

Starting as an L1 Support Tech, Clay built his expertise in customer solutions before rising to his current role as Senior Customer Experience Operations Specialist. 

Clay’s role involves managing Gainsight workflows that integrate data from platforms like Slack and Zendesk, surfacing risk indicators that denote a customer may be unhappy or at risk of churning. These plans help WP Engine teams proactively manage customer concerns and provide the best possible experience to customers who may be struggling.

“For the most part, I’m responsible for all additions, updates, upgrades, and system migrations, which can make time management difficult,” says Clay. 

“It’s really important for me to set proper expectations for the completion of requests.” 

In addition to Gainsight, Clay also taps into his skills in SQL and Zapier to fulfill system requests and maintain seamless integrations. Like so many WP Engine employees, his skills come not from a specific degree or set of training sessions, but from hands-on experience.

“Improving my skills comes from doing the work,” he says. 

“There’s nothing like experience to keep your skills honed.”

Words of wisdom: Manage your time

As the sole Gainsight administrator at WP Engine, Clay faces the unique challenge of finding balance, even during a barrage of requests.

“Time management is key,” Clay says. “I try to set clear expectations for request timelines so I can prioritize effectively and keep things running smoothly.”

Because he’s the only person with the skills and expertise to take on many of the tasks his role requires, Clay emphasizes the importance of recognizing limits. 

Early in his career, he struggled with overcommitting and trying to tackle every request immediately. Over time, he learned that prioritization is key to his success.

“One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is ‘Put on your oxygen mask first,’” Clay explains. 

“If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t effectively support your team or your customers. Taking breaks, establishing boundaries, and communicating when you need more time are all crucial skills.”

For aspiring tech professionals who hope to specialize in a specific tool or skill set, Clay recommends focusing on adaptability. 

“Don’t worry about knowing everything right away,” he advises. 

“For example, my specialty is Gainsight, but every company uses Gainsight differently. Your best skill will be learning how to adapt your knowledge to meet your organization’s specific needs.”

Powered by people

Clay’s dedication and expertise help ensure WP Engine continues to provide outstanding support and proactive solutions for our dedicated account holders. Every day, hundreds of people around the world are also using their time and talents to elevate WP Engine and our products and services.

Want to find out more about what it’s like to work at WP Engine? Visit our careers site to explore current openings, and keep up with our blog for more inspiring stories from WP Engine’s experts!

WP Engine’s new agency plans are designed to be perfect for your agency today with the flexibility and scalability to meet client demands of tomorrow.

Here at WP Engine we’re lucky enough to work with some of the most innovative agencies in the world. In fact, over 11,000 of them are members of our Agency Partner Program. We love empowering our agencies as they build incredible digital experiences for clients and brands of all sizes all over the world.

Because of these relationships, we’re always looking for ways to empower agencies to grow their capabilities and their business. That can come in the form of new features, competitive commissions for referrals, or resources and content to better pitch clients. Today it takes the form of new agency plans for agencies to sell to their clients.

One thing we continuously hear from our agency partners—in order to stay competitive they are continuously focused on working smarter and more efficiently. At the same time, they need to be able to offer robust solutions and services with predictable costs and consistent requirements. We heard this over and over from our agency customers and knew we had a key role to play.

More than just re-bundled hosting

Every hosting provider with any name recognition offers agency plans. Often these are nothing more than bundles of their services and features with a bulk discount. Depending on the provider, this can lead to agencies hosting their clients next to “noisy neighbors” (sites which overuse shared server resources). Or worse, it leaves agencies managing hosting resources manually to give their clients the reliability, performance, and security they need. 

But we’re committed to offering something better. Our modern, containerized, distributed infrastructure, designed for agencies, eliminates the possibility of “noisy neighbors.” This means WP Engine agency plans provide consistent resources for every client site. 

Our new plan structure also provides fully integrated features and add-ons for every client on your account, leading to far less à la carte feature management. In short, our new agency plans ensure you can build better sites faster and leave the rest to us.

Ready right now, built to grow with you

When your business includes building, hosting, and maintaining sites, there’s no such thing as a set-it-and-forget-it plan. You know from the moment you sign up for hosting that your business will outgrow the plan you’re buying today (or at least you hope it does!). 

Our new agency plans are built for the reality of your agency’s growth and success. Not only does the infrastructure scale as you add sites, your plan capabilities scale as you tackle more complex projects.

Predictable pricing and capabilities

Agency profitability often rises and falls based on the ability to create recurring revenue streams and achieve consistent costs. Our new plans offer predictable per-site pricing plus management, reporting, and maintenance features that apply to every client site. This means your agency can confidently offer WP Engine hosting with maintenance automation and efficient tooling, helping increase your profitability.

Includes the support and expertise you need

When your client needs an answer, they often want it yesterday. Not to mention your devs who don’t always work nine to five. Good news! With our agency plans, we’re always ready with an answer. Every WP Engine customer has access to our award-winning support 24/7/365. And, depending on your plan level, you’ll have access to higher-tier support or even a Technical Account Manager who can help you plan out complex builds before you even pitch them.

Delight your clients, empower your devs, and improve ROI

No matter your agency’s size or, more importantly, the size of your clients, WP Engine’s new agency plans are built from the ground up to meet your business where it’s at and then grow with you. 

From new infrastructure designed specifically for you to resell to included tools and automation that help you develop and manage complex sites at scale, these new plans were built with agency input for agencies. And did we mention they come with an uptime guarantee as high as 99.99% depending on your plan level? Well they do. Performance, security, and reliability, built specifically for your business, and ready for you today.

Head over to our agency plans page to explore these new offerings on your own, or, if you’re ready to dive in, connect with one of our agency experts today!

At WP Engine, being Customer-Inspired is more than just a core value—it’s a commitment that drives everything we do. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that our Customer Experience (CX) team has earned a Gold Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Services!

This Gold distinction is the highest honor awarded in the category and marks yet another milestone in WP Engine’s history of excellence in customer support. Since earning our first Stevie in 2015, we’ve amassed more than a dozen Stevie Awards, solidifying our place as an industry leader in exceptional customer service.

“Each Stevie Award we earn is a testament to the incredible dedication and passion of our customer experience team and a reflection of their tireless commitment to our core value of being Customer Inspired,” said WP Engine VP of Customer Experience Slade Cozart.

“Our team is absolutely amazing. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s next as we continue to set the bar for excellence through every customer interaction.”

Read on to learn about The Stevie Awards and WP Engine’s track record of success in the realms of customer experience and support. 

What are The Stevie^® Awards?

The Stevie^® Awards is an organization overseeing nine global business recognition programs, including the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service for which WP Engine won Gold. 

Established in 2002, the Stevie Awards receive more than 12,000 nominations annually across its nine programs as they honor top companies worldwide, making a Stevie one of the most prestigious markers of exceptional organizations on a global scale.

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service recognize organizations that deliver extraordinary customer service and sales solutions. This year’s competition was fierce, with entries from more than 2,100 companies across 45 countries and territories.

Winners were selected by 176 expert judges who evaluated entries based on innovation, impact, and effectiveness. To earn Gold in such a competitive environment is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and relentless Customer-Inspired approach of our incredible CX team.

Our Customer Experience experts work 24/7/365 around the globe to ensure our customers receive the best possible support, and they continue to set the bar high for what customer service should be.

A history of excellence in service

WP Engine has received multiple Stevie Awards across various categories over the last decade, reflecting our continued commitment to excellent customer service.

In 2015, WP Engine earned its first Bronze Stevie Award for customer experience. We then secured a Silver Stevie Award in 2016 for Customer Service Department of the Year in the Computer Software category as well as a Gold Stevie Award in the same category the following year.

In the years since, The Stevie Awards have continued to roll in for our incredible CX team. We earned another Gold Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year in 2018, another Silver Stevie in 2019, and two more Silver Stevie Awards in 2021: one for Customer Service Success in Technology Industries and another for Customer Service Department of the Year in Computer Software. WP Engine was honored with yet another Silver Stevie Award for Sales & Customer Service in 2023. 

These consistent accolades from The Stevie Awards highlight WP Engine’s dedication to delivering exceptional customer service and solidify our team as an example of excellence, even when considered within a field of our exceptional cohorts.

We’ll continue to raise the bar for our customers

Our team is honored to receive this Gold Stevie Award, but we’re not stopping here—we’re deeply committed to customer satisfaction and support excellence. Our customers’ success is our success, and we will continue to innovate, improve, and deliver the best possible managed hosting experience.

Thank you to our incredible customers for trusting us with your websites, and to our CX team for your unwavering commitment to excellence. This Gold Stevie is yours!

Want to be part of an award-winning customer experience team? Check out our careers page for open roles.

WP Engine Ireland has once again been recognized as one of the country’s Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture.

This marks WP Engine Ireland’s fifth consecutive year as a certified company, further solidifying our reputation for fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

“Since opening our Limerick office in 2016, our goal has been twofold: growth and success for our customers, and retention and happiness for our own employees,” said WP Engine VP of Product and Limerick Site Leader Haidee McMahon.

“While it’s easy to see customer growth, it can be more difficult to quantify a successful workplace culture. This latest recognition reflects our success as we continuously build a culture in which our team members truly feel valued.”

Read on to learn more about Great Place to Work, the selection process for certified companies, and the numerous accolades WP Engine has received over the years.

How WP Engine Ireland earned great workplace recognition

WP Engine Ireland was officially certified following an independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work Ireland.

To achieve certification, companies must survey their employees and submit the anonymous results to Great Place to Work for analysis. The organization benchmarks the results of the Trust Index Survey™ against industry peers, identifying the top performers based on trust, workplace fairness, and overall employee experience.

After earning general certification, companies can receive additional certifications for excellence in employee experience for specific industries, demographics, or regions.

Being Great Place to Work-certified places WP Engine Ireland among a distinguished group of companies that prioritize exceptional workplace culture. This year, WP Engine ranked 16 out of 40 certified companies in the medium-sized business category, reflecting our continuous efforts to enhance employee experiences.

What is Great Place to Work?

Great Place to Work began with a book published in 1984, titled The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America. In the more than 40 years since the organization has surveyed thousands of employers worldwide to become the most trusted authority on workplace culture. The company now identifies businesses that cultivate strong, people-first workplaces across more than 170 countries and regions.

According to the Great Place to Work Trust Model, Great Workplaces are those where employees:

1. Trust the people they work for.
2. Feel respected by their leaders and managers.
3. Experience a fair, positive, and inclusive workplace, regardless of their role or background.
4. Take genuine pride in their work.
5. Enjoy collaborating with their colleagues.

WP Engine Ireland is honored to once again be recognized for the team’s continued dedication to creating an inclusive and rewarding work environment. 

WP Engine’s great workplace journey

WP Engine earned its first certification from Great Place to Work in the United States in 2017. Since then, the company has amassed more than 35 individual certifications across its global offices, including recognitions across the UK, Ireland, Poland, and the United States as well as specialized certifications like Best Workplace in Tech, for Women, and for Wellness.

Last year, WP Engine received multiple Great Place to Work certifications, including recognition as one of the Best Workplaces in Texas, Best Workplaces in Poland, and Best Workplaces in Tech in Ireland. 

WP Engine Ireland is honored to earn recognition again this year, and now holds more than a dozen individual certifications from Great Place to Work.

Join a certifiably Great Place to Work!

Our teams extend their sincere gratitude to our Irish employees—like Raphaela, Neil, and Kimberley—for making this achievement possible. Your passion and commitment are what make WP Engine a truly Great Place to Work!

If you’re looking to be part of a dynamic and supportive global team, visit our careers page to explore exciting opportunities with WP Engine.

WP Engine has officially opened registration for DE{CODE} 2025!

This annual virtual event brings together industry leaders, innovative thinkers, and passionate developers to explore the latest advancements in WordPress technology and digital innovation.

Featuring expert-led sessions and cutting-edge insights, DE{CODE} attendees will learn how to enhance site performance, explore the latest in AI and headless WordPress, and gain actionable strategies to elevate their upcoming projects. This event is your gateway to the future of the web.

Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation, or read on to learn more about DE{CODE}.

What is DE{CODE}?

DE{CODE} is WP Engine’s flagship annual event, designed to provide practical, real-world knowledge for developers, marketers, and agencies building on WordPress.

Now in its sixth year, DE{CODE} has grown into a must-attend virtual gathering for WordPress professionals worldwide. Last year’s event drew more than 4,000 attendees from 86 countries as we engaged with industry leaders on the latest trends, tools, and topics in WordPress development.

This year, attendees can expect even more industry insights, success stories, technical deep dives, hands-on demos, and expert insights—all aimed at helping them build better, faster, and more scalable websites. Check out some of last year’s top-attended sessions to get an idea of what’s in store!

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What will I learn at DE{CODE}?

This year’s conference will focus on the topics and technologies shaping a new era of digital excellence, including:

• AI-powered development workflows. Discover how AI tools are streamlining WordPress site creation, content management, and performance optimization.
• Headless WordPress and WPGraphQL. Learn how to build lightning-fast, API-driven digital experiences using the latest advancements in headless architecture.
• Site performance and Core Web Vitals. Improve page speed and search rankings with proven best practices.
• Strategies for agencies building on WordPress. Maintain secure high-performing sites that foster long-lasting relationships with your clients.

Whether you’re a developer, agency leader, or brand marketer, DE{CODE} 2025 will equip you with the insights and tools needed to future-proof your WordPress projects.

What’s new at DE{CODE} 2025?

The most successful websites are built through collaboration, so this year, we’re expanding our content to be more inclusive of the individual roles responsible for building incredible digital experiences. This includes brand marketers, agency leaders, and developers, as they are all key collaborators in shaping digital experiences.

Marketers bring strategic insight, agencies drive creative vision, and developers bring ideas to life. By welcoming all these voices at DE{CODE}, we hope to foster a more connected and innovative WordPress community.

Register now for DE{CODE} 2025!

Don’t miss WP Engine’s largest virtual event of the year! Whether you’re building high-performance WordPress sites, exploring AI innovations, or optimizing for headless and eCommerce solutions, DE{CODE} 2025 has something for you.

If you can’t attend live, all sessions will be available in our resource library and on our YouTube channel after the event.

Save your seat today—registration is free!

CloudFest 2025 is just around the corner, and WP Engine is thrilled to be sponsoring the world’s largest cloud computing and internet infrastructure event! 

As a global web enablement company, we’re excited to connect with technology innovators, developers, and business leaders and showcase how WP Engine helps businesses build high-performing, secure, and scalable digital experiences on WordPress.

Whether you’re a longtime WordPress user or exploring cloud-based solutions more generally, CloudFest is the perfect opportunity to see the future of web technology in action.

Stop by, say hi!

As a sponsor of CloudFest 2025, WP Engine will have a few of our team members in attendance at this year’s conference.

Make sure to visit WP Engine at booth Z25 (in the WP Zone!) for exclusive swag and a chance to win some amazing prizes. We’ll be raffling off a PlayStation 5 as well as a few other premium giveaways—so don’t miss out!

Before your visit, sign up for a one-on-one consultation with a WP Engine team member to discuss how our managed cloud hosting can supercharge your WordPress sites with better speed, security, and scalability.

Schedule of events

CloudFest takes place March 17–20 in Rust, Germany, about 35 miles south of Strasbourg. Make sure you’re there to kick off the event, as March 17 is the event’s dedicated WP Day! 

From 2 to 6 p.m., you’ll have access to back-to-back sessions, panels, and networking time with some of the top builders and innovators in the WordPress ecosystem. The conference will also feature a dedicated WP Zone which will serve as a centralized area for WordPress community members to find one another and discuss topics specific to WordPress.

Then, from March 18–20, attendees will find their days jam-packed with informative, insightful sessions on a variety of topics relevant to technology infrastructure professionals. 

From security and efficiency to a fireside chat with the ghost of Albert Einstein, there will be something for everyone at CloudFest. In fact, one of WP Engine’s own will be sharing a short presentation; be sure to join Svilena Peneva from our Nitropack team at The Ring Stage for a talk titled Speed, Security & Scalability: The Pillars of an Independent Digital Strategy on Wednesday the 19 from 11:35–11:45! 

After the conference concludes, there are plenty of after-hours events for attendees as well. You can check out a full list of CloudFest’s legendary after-parties and concerts on their website.

What is CloudFest?

CloudFest is the premier global event for cloud computing, web hosting, and internet infrastructure, bringing together thousands of industry leaders at Europa-Park in Germany’s Black Forest. WHD Event GmbH, the company behind CloudFest, has built a fun, engaging event focused on technological innovation and community collaboration.

Featuring more than 200 exhibitors from around 70 different countries, this year’s conference is set to welcome more than 9,000 attendees from around the world.

Because WordPress powers more than 40% of the web, and WP Engine’s mission is to help businesses maximize their success with a fast, secure, and reliable cloud hosting platform for WordPress sites, we are honored to sponsor and attend CloudFest 2025. 

If you’re looking for the best cloud-based solutions for your business website or you’re looking to connect with the people behind those solutions, CloudFest is the place to be!

See you at CloudFest!

We can’t wait to connect with you at CloudFest 2025! Make sure to register today and mark your calendar to stop by booth Z25 for expert insights, exclusive swag, and a chance to win some awesome prizes.

Join us for a week of innovation, networking, and cutting-edge cloud technology—see you in Germany!

AUSTIN, Texas—FEB. 18, 2025—WP Engine, a global web enablement company providing premium products and solutions for websites built on WordPress, today announced the winners of its 2025 Agency Partner Awards, honoring members of the company’s Agency Partner Program designing and building best-in-class websites with WordPress.^[1]

With seven categories celebrating excellence in innovation, performance, community impact, and more, this year’s Agency Partner Awards builds on the inaugural event in 2024, bringing expanded categories and enhanced benefits for winning submissions. As WP Engine continues to bolster its support for agencies, the Agency Partner Awards showcase the forward-thinking solutions that are forging the future of the internet.

In addition to the Agency Partner Award site achievement winners, WP Engine also recognized standout agencies from across global regions—including Top Agency winners Americaneagle.com (North America), Illustrate Digital (EMEA), and Boylen (APAC), and Emerging Agency winners TracTru (North America), Property Jungle (EMEA), and EB Pearls (APAC)—underscoring the depth of innovation within its partner ecosystem.

“WP Engine is committed to championing the agencies that push developments for WordPress forward,” said Darcy Kurtz, Chief Marketing Officer for WP Engine. “The Agency Partner Awards highlight the incredible work of our agency partners, and this year’s winners exemplify the innovation, performance, and impact that will define the next generation of the web.”

WP Engine Agency Partner Awards 2025 Winners  

2025 Business Transformation Award: The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health by Spark Digital Agency 

The Florey, Australia’s leading brain research institute, partnered with Spark Digital Agency to replatform its website, delivering a modern, streamlined digital experience. The redesign improved usability for diverse audiences, enhanced functionality for scientists and students, and integrated essential tools like Eventbrite, MailChimp, and donation platforms.

The transformation resulted in improved user experience, increased visibility for researchers, and higher engagement, reflected in a 9.7% increase in page views and a 40.15% boost in donation form engagement. The migration to WordPress simplified content management, reducing reliance on IT support and allowing faster updates for high-impact initiatives.

2025 Committed to Give Back Award: David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) by StrategiQ

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) partnered with an award-winning transformation agency, StrategiQ, to overhaul its WordPress website. The goal was to create a stable, intuitive, mobile-first platform that would streamline donations, promote artwork sales, and increase endangered animal “adoptions” while enhancing visibility and engagement.

The redesigned site delivered tangible impacts: SEO improvements restored organic traffic, engagement time rose by 44%, and a surge in search rankings led to media inquiries from high-visibility outlets. StrategiQ’s integration of Vue.js apps and GoCardless API also simplified donations, increasing revenue and donor retention.

By combining strategic design with cutting-edge technology, StrategiQ helped DSWF better connect with donors, conservationists, and sponsors, advancing its mission to protect endangered species and their habitats across Africa and Asia.

2025 Future-ready Innovation Award: The New Home Company by Wpromote 

The New Home Company set out to transform its digital presence and fulfill evolving audience needs, and independent marketing agency Wpromote delivered a cutting-edge solution that redefined the digital homebuying experience, earning this year’s Future-ready Innovation Award.

Built on a headless WordPress architecture, the site ensures speed, scalability, and seamless cross-device performance. A custom ERP integration syncs real-time home pricing and availability, eliminating manual updates, while advanced search and filtering tools powered by Algolia help users refine their home search down to the neighborhood level. Interactive multimedia elements—including maps and video assets—further enhance engagement.

2025 Inclusive Design Award: Family Fund by Mixd 

Family Fund provides essential grants to families raising disabled or seriously ill children, and Mixd ensured their website reflects that mission, earning this year’s Inclusive Design Award.

Through a user-centered design process, Mixd developed a site that removes digital barriers. It uses Plain English, clear signposting, and intuitive navigation to help families easily access support. Prioritizing accessibility at every level, the site includes keyboard navigation, logical tab order, alt text, and optimized color contrast, earning it a perfect accessibility score of 100 on both desktop and mobile.

2025 Peak Performance Award: Freeman by WebDevStudios 

Speed, reliability, and seamless user experience define high-performing websites, and WebDevStudios delivered exactly that for Freeman, earning this year’s Peak Performance Award.

To improve site speed and design consistency, WebDevStudios rebuilt Freeman’s website on a WordPress Block theme, incorporating core and custom native blocks into the site structure. The transition streamlined content management while ensuring a cohesive design across pages. Performance enhancements—including Marketo integration for gated content, advanced CDN customization, and database optimization—propelled the site to a perfect Core Web Vitals performance score of 100.

Through its Agency Partner Program, WP Engine has worked with more than 10,000 active program members to launch more than 300,000 websites. Click here to read more about the APP. 

About WP Engine

WP Engine empowers companies and agencies of all sizes to build, power, manage, and optimize their WordPress websites and applications with confidence. Serving 1.5 million customers across 150+ countries, the global technology company provides premium, enterprise-grade solutions, tools, and services, including specialized platforms for WordPress, industry-tailored eCommerce and agency solution suites, and developer-centric tools like Local, Advanced Custom Fields, and more. WP Engine’s innovative technology and industry-leading expertise are why 8% of the web visits a WP Engine-powered site daily. Learn more at wpengine.com.

^{[1] The WordPress® trademark is the intellectual property of the WordPress Foundation. WP Engine is not endorsed or owned by, or affiliated with, the WordPress Foundation.}