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Update WordPress

6 reasons to update WordPress

In the fast-paced world of website management, keeping your WordPress site up-to-date is more than just good practice—it's essential. 

Doing your WordPress updates regularly means having the peace of mind that your site is healthy and safe. Here’s why the reverse could have catastrophic consequences for your online presence. 

Why is it so important?

WordPress continually evolves, bringing new features, improvements and security patches with each update. In 2023, while over 75% of WordPress sites used version 6, nearly 25% were still on older versions, exposing them to security risks and completely missing out on new features. 

Regular updates ensure your website remains secure, performant, and compatible with the latest web standards. 

Here are 6 reasons why you should update to the latest WordPress version asap:

1. Keep a good website reputation (it’s important!)

Outdated websites are more vulnerable to being infected by malware allowing online criminals to use your website in order to mass-attack high-level websites such as financial institutions, streaming sites like Netflix, social media platforms such as Facebook, etc. This could quickly get you blacklisted by Google Safe Browsing, by most anti-virus software or by major browsers. 

2. Enhance your website security

Security is a top priority in website management and anywhere online, really. By updating WordPress, you equip your site with the latest security patches, significantly reducing the risk of hacking or data breaches. WordPress's open-source nature makes it a target for hackers, but updates include vital fixes for known vulnerabilities, ensuring your site's safety.

3. Get access to new features

Regular updates provide access to the latest WordPress features and functionalities, enhancing your website’s capabilities and offering more customization options. Each update brings advancements like the Gutenberg block editor and the Site Health tool, which are continuously refined to enhance your website experience.

4. Boost your website’s speed

Running your website on an older version of WordPress will likely slow it down. Each new version of WordPress brings performance improvements that enhance your website's speed and user experience. This is crucial as website speed directly impacts visitor behaviour. 

In fact, 40% of visitors will leave if it takes more than 3 seconds for an e-commerce website to load. Faster websites not only offer a better user experience but also rank higher in search engine results, making updates crucial for your site's SEO success.

5. Resolve bugs and issues

Updates are vital for fixing bugs that may occur in major releases, enhancing your site's stability and functionality. Even minor WordPress releases focus on resolving specific issues, which is essential for a seamless user experience.

Proof that this is crucial, WordPress forums often suggest updating as the first step in troubleshooting bugs, emphasizing the importance of running the latest version for a bug-free experience.

6. Maintain compatibility

Updating all WordPress components (themes, plugins, WordPress core) regularly ensures they’re all from the same “generation’ and compatible. Updating some components more often than others may lead to incompatibilities and break your website.

If you have a complex website that uses several plugins, we recommend waiting a few weeks before upgrading as major upgrades may break some plugins/themes. 

How to update your WordPress site

When you’re ready to upgrade, you can do so from either your WordPress dashboard or cPanel. You can follow a pretty straightforward process and do it yourself or reach out to your webmaster or web developer. 

Ensure you have a working backup before making any changes. This way, you can quickly revert to your previous installation if any problems occur.

If you use one of our Pro Managed WordPress plans, you can create a staging site to test out the new version. This will create a copy of your live website in a separate staging environment for testing (that won’t affect your production site).

What to consider before updating

Even though updating WordPress is critical, it's important to proceed with caution as there are potential risks. Consider these essential points before starting the process:

  • Plugin/Theme Incompatibility: Be aware that not all plugins or themes may be compatible with the newest WordPress update. This mismatch can sometimes cause issues with your website's functionality.
  • Watch Out for Bugs: Remember, new updates might bring their own set of bugs. These are generally addressed in subsequent updates, but it's something to be mindful of.
  • Importance of Backups: Always back up your site before implementing any updates. This step is your safety net, allowing you to restore your site to its previous state if any problems occur.
  • Utilize a Staging Site for Testing: Particularly for complex websites with numerous plugins, testing updates on a staging site first is highly recommended. This approach helps identify and resolve issues before they impact your live site.

How to know when there’s an update

Keeping track of every new WordPress release can be a challenge but there are several ways to stay informed:

However, there’s a simpler and more streamlined solution: make sure to open our monthly newsletter! We send these at the end of every month and if there's a new WordPress update or anything important regarding your hosting or your website, you'll find it right there.

Updating WordPress: Auto vs. Manual

In the world of WordPress updates, think of it like this: go ahead and auto-update the little stuff, but for the big changes and fussy plugins, it's better to roll up your sleeves and update manually. Here are our handy suggestions to show you exactly what fits where!

  • Minor and Major Versions: Auto-update is recommended for minor versions. For major versions, manual testing is advised before updating.
  • Plugins: Auto-update is recommended for plugins that are reputable & trustworthy.
  • Plugins with Dependencies: Auto-update is not recommended for plugins with dependencies (e.g. WooCommerce).
  • Custom Themes: Auto-update is not advised for custom themes, especially those with child themes.

Act Now: Elevate Your Online Presence

It's time to take action and check if your WordPress site is up to date. If not, do so and embrace the latest features and security enhancements. You'll secure your site, be able to accomplish more. It’s a win-win.

Updating your WordPress is a crucial step in your journey to digital excellence. Should you have any questions, our support team is always ready to assist. 

Last words: Out with the old, in with the new WordPress update.

Have yourself a good WordPress update day!

Divi vs Elementor: Which WordPress page builder is better?

When it comes to creating websites, a content management system (CMS) is usually a must. And in terms of CMS, WordPress is undoubtedly the international leader. Obviously, to be able to create a WordPress site that packs a punch, you need to know how to use the right tools. It's also no secret: there are plenty of tools, plugins and builders available for making a WordPress site, but unfortunately, not all of them work. In this article, we present two tried-and-tested themes: Divi and Elementor. When it comes to building a dynamic site with ease, a page builder is the way to go. But which one to choose? Let's take a look at the following comparison.
Logo Divi

Divi Builder

First of all, it's important to remember that Divi, like the Pro version of Elementor, is much more than a page builder. It's also a theme and a theme builder, making it a one-stop-shop for users looking to create dynamic websites. This also, by the way, makes it one of the most popular WordPress themes in the world.
Page builder: a tool for creating attractive website layouts, without coding. Theme: a set of files that determines the look and layout of a WordPress site. Theme builder: a tool that lets you create your own WordPress theme without having to write any code. In a nutshell, a page builder is used to create individual layouts, a theme governs the overall look of the site, and a theme builder offers in-depth customization of the WordPress theme as a whole.
In this article, we'll focus on the page builder.

Features

Despite all the options on offer, the Divi builder has a rather intuitive interface, and allows you to create highly dynamic pages. Not only does it boast an extensive library of templates to help you design these pages, but it's also easy to use, thanks to its drag-and-drop functionality. The possibilities are almost endless. Screenshot of the Divi interface where the user can insert a module

Pros

  • Advanced block page customization makes for unique sites
  • Design options are highly flexible
  • Mobile compatibility is easy to set up
  • The option of working in Front-End mode means you can see the changes you've made in real time
  • The integrated page templates, available in the library, make it super easy to get started
  • Single license payment is ideal if you have several websites
  • Very efficient customer support, available 24/7 via chat, where the technician can actually take over the site to help make changes; in addition, Divi offers an extensive database of video tutorials

Cons

  • The price tag is quite high, as you'll have to spend over $250 for the license; however, this is a one-off payment and you'll have lifetime access to build as many sites as you like
  • The learning curve can be steep for beginners, especially with so many customization options
  • Customer support is only available in English
  • Divi-designed sites slow down considerably if you don't optimize images and content
Logo Elementor

Elementor

Elementor is a prominent page builder for WordPress, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options. Ideal for both beginners and experts, it simplifies website creation, enabling users to design responsive, visually appealing sites with minimal effort. Let's delve into the features that make Elementor a great builder for WordPress website creation.

Features

Like Divi, Elementor offers an intuitive interface, despite the many options available. This page builder also lets you create dynamic sites thanks to its drag-and-drop functionality. It offers a variety of tools for tailoring your site to your needs. Screenshot of the Elementor interface where the user can insert a block

Pros

  • The free version of Elementor may be adequate for building basic sites
  • Like Divi, it can work in Front-End mode, allowing you to preview, in real time, how your site will appear to users
  • Elementor offers a mobile-specific editing mode, allowing users to check and adjust the appearance of their site for phones and tablets
  • There are fewer options than with Divi, which makes Elementor much more intuitive and concrete, whether you're a beginner or an expert
  • Customer support is available by e-mail and chat 24/7, as are a host of articles, videos and frequently asked questions (FAQ) that answer many basic queries.

Cons

  • The free version of Elementor will plateau rather quickly; to access many of the advanced features, you'll need to pay for the much more comprehensive Pro version
  • Even with the Pro license, the number of sites you can design is limited: $199 per year, for instance, will allow for a maximum of 25 sites
  • As with Divi, customer support is only available in English

Comparison table

The following table summarizes the tools' key features.
DIVI BUILDER ELEMENTOR
User interface Divi Builder is intuitive, but requires a steep learning curve due to the complexity and diversity of its options. Elementor's interface is intuitive and suitable for beginners and more seasoned users alike.
Price Divi Builder offers a one-time payment for lifetime access. Although the initial cost is high, it can pay off in the long run, especially if you create several sites. Elementor offers a free version, but functionality is limited. The paid Pro version is more affordable for those planning to create a single site.
Creative flexibility Divi Builder offers flexibility and wide-ranging design options. Thanks to advanced customization, you'll be able to create a unique site. Elementor also offers great flexibility, with simplified options to suit both beginners and experienced users.
Themes Divi is a WordPress theme in itself, as well as a page builder. It lets you design a site from A to Z, without adding an external theme. There's a basic theme designed for Elementor called Hello Elementor. You can start with this theme or choose from a range of free or paid themes.
Template library Offers a wide choice of pre-designed templates to suit different business sectors. Offers a vast library of templates available for customization.
Performance Sites designed with Divi offer stable performance, but are reputedly slower. Optimizing images and content is essential to maintain fast loading times. Similarly, with optimized images and content, Elementor delivers solid, fast performance – even with the most advanced features.
Adaptive (Responsive) design Divi offers adaptive design options to ensure your site is responsive across different devices. Like Divi, Elementor offers features to optimize adaptive design. It's even possible to see changes in real time.
We consider the two builders equivalent in terms of the following:
  • Mobile compatibility
  • Real-time site editing (Front-end)
  • Block page customization
  • Customer support

In the end, do I go for Divi or Elementor?

Ultimately, we're not going to recommend one tool over the other. However, we suggest you try out the free versions of Divi and Elementor to familiarize yourself with both. After that, you'll find it much easier to decide. As you can see, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, even though the two builders are very similar. Perhaps you'll choose to look at other page builders? Here's a non-exhaustive list of other tools you can use to create your site’s layout: Obviously, these aren't our first choices; if you've got the budget, we suggest you concentrate on Divi and Elementor. We'd also love to hear from you. Are you on Team Divi or Team Elementor?

WordPress 6.4 “Shirley” is here

On November 7, 2023, WordPress introduced its third major update of the year — WordPress 6.4, affectionately named "Shirley" in honor of the jazz virtuoso Shirley Horn. Inspired by Shirley's musical finesse, this new version blends sophistication with usability. Bringing you a new default theme, major enhancements and many new features for a better, more seamless website creation experience. Let’s take a look at what’s new with WordPress 6.4.
As usual, if you have a complex website that uses several plugins, we recommend waiting at least a few weeks before upgrading to 6.4. Major upgrades may break some plugins/themes.

What’s new with WordPress 6.4?

WordPress 6.4 arrives with exciting updates that make building your website easier than ever. Expect improved templates that make designing your site straightforward, enhanced writing tools for effortless creation of content, and expanded features that empower you with greater creative control. Whether you're building your first website without any coding knowledge or you’re a seasoned developer who builds websites from scratch, WordPress 6.4 makes the process more user-friendly and efficient. Let’s unpack all this…

Twenty Twenty-Four: A sexy new default theme

WordPress 6.4 welcomes Twenty Twenty-Four as its new default theme, and we love it at WHC! This versatile and adaptable theme is designed to meet diverse needs, offering more than 35 templates and patterns ideal for bloggers, artists, and business owners. Curious? Experience how flexible the theme is on the live demo website. Switch through different site demos for Entrepreneurs, Bloggers and Photographers in the top right menu to see how Twenty Twenty-Four can transform to suit different website styles. Try it for yourself or get a visual feel of Twenty Twenty Four below. Screenshot of the new Twenty Twenty-Four WordPress theme

An easier writing process

WordPress 6.4 smooths out the writing process with several bug fixes and Core Editor Improvements like new keyboard shortcuts, smarter list integrations, and refined hyperlink controls. The updated toolbar for Navigation, List, and Quote Blocks streamlines your workflow, making content creation more efficient and enjoyable. Screenshot of the new toolbar in WordPress

A more intuitive Command Palette

The Command Palette is a powerful tool that first appeared in WordPress 6.3. It accelerates your building process, allowing you to find features swiftly and apply block-specific actions with ease. In this version, the Command Palette has been revamped with a sleek design and additional commands. You can find the command palette at the top of the Site Editor. Or simply press either ⌘+k on your Mac, or CTRL+K on your Windows keyboard. Screenshot of the refreshed Command Palette in WordPress

Create, organize and filter Patterns

Patterns allow you to copy/paste beautiful pre-designed layouts to any WordPress site. The power of patterns is unleashed further in WordPress 6.4, allowing you to categorize and filter them effortlessly. Find the perfect pattern with ease, thanks to the advanced filtering options in the inserter. Screenshot of the Site Editor's patterns in WordPress

More design tools

WordPress 6.4 brings new design tools to improve your website’s look. Add background pictures to sections for special effects and use placeholders to keep image sizes just right. Also, you can now easily add buttons to menus without needing to code.

Additional Features

  • Better performance: This update boosts speed with over 100 performance improvements. Key upgrades enhance theme loading, smarter script handling, and optimized data fetching for a smoother experience.
  • Enhanced accessibility: Every release is committed to making WordPress accessible to everyone, and this one does not disappoint: List View updates, Navigation block labels, better admin UI button positioning, and clearer Site Health announcements.
  • Images that stand out: Lightbox functionality means that your visitors can now enjoy full-screen, interactive images in one click.
  • Streamline Group Blocks: Easily rename Group blocks, like "Hero Area," to tidy up and track content sections in List View. multiple blocks, and an interface that’s now embedded into the title bar.
  • Quick Image Previews: Spot images swiftly with new previews for Gallery and Image blocks directly in List View.
  • Portable Patterns: Transfer your custom patterns between sites with ease using the JSON import/export feature in the Site Editor.
  • Dynamic Block Placement: This one will make developers’ lives easier with the ability to insert blocks dynamically with Block Hooks, offering site-wide block management while maintaining user control over content.
  • PHP support: PHP 8.1 or 8.2 are recommended for use with WordPress 6.4
Curious to learn more? Check out the official 6.4 release notes for additional info about this release.

Upgrading to WordPress 6.4

WordPress 6.4 is available on our Web Hosting and Managed WordPress plans.
If you have a complex website that uses several plugins, we recommend holding off for a few weeks before upgrading, as major upgrades may break some plugins/themes. When you’re ready to upgrade, you can do so from either your WordPress dashboard or cPanel. See Manually Update WordPress and WordPress Plugins for more information. If you use one of our Pro Managed WordPress plans, you can create a staging site to test out the new version. This will create a copy of your live website in a separate staging environment for testing (that won’t affect your production site).
Ensure you have a working backup before making any changes. This way, you can quickly revert to your previous installation if any problems occur.

Until next time

We hope this article gave you some insight into the exciting new changes WordPress 6.4 brings. Want to see what’s coming ahead in future versions? Check out what’s planned for 6.5! If you have any questions about how the upgrade may affect you, reach out to our friendly support team. We’ll be happy to assist!
GPTW-2023-2024

WHC is a Great Place to Work®… once again!

We're thrilled to announce that WHC has been certified as a Great Place to Work… for the 4th year in a row! 

And this doesn’t happen overnight – it's the result of a consistent commitment to fostering an uplifting and empowering workplace and prioritizing the well-being of our employees. Let us take a few minutes to explain the secret sauce of how WHC achieves this year after year.

What is GPTW

Great Place to Work® evaluates companies based on five criteria: Credibility, Respect, Pride, Fairness and Camaraderie. Employees fill out a Trust Index survey and based on those results and benchmark comparisons, organizations are certified and recognized for creating positive work environments.

The WHC Culture

At the heart of our success is a vibrant and inclusive company culture. We believe that a workplace should be more than just a space to get work done. It should be a place where employees feel valued, supported, and connected. And it should be fun!

Our commitment to nurturing this culture is reflected in the following ways:

  • Transparency: We maintain open lines of communication, ensuring our team is informed about company developments, goals, and challenges.
  • Inclusivity: We champion diversity and inclusivity, fostering an environment where everyone's unique perspectives and backgrounds are respected and celebrated.
  • Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexible schedules and remote work options, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
  • Wellness Programs: We have an Employee Wellness Program that allows employees to leverage whatever equipment, experiences, or professionals and allow them to take some time for self-care.
  • Work-from-Anywhere: WHC allows employees to choose between working from the cozy and bright office or anywhere else that suits them best!
  • Thursday brunch at the Office: Every Thursday morning, our team gathers at the Montreal office to eat bagels (a Montréal staple) and we share anecdotes about our week that was.

The WHC Team

At WHC, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset. And their well-being is paramount. We go the extra mile to ensure they are happy and healthy. Curious to see the folks behind WHC? A video speaks volumes: 

Celebrating 20 years of WHC

Recently, we got the Canadian team together for a weekend in the Laurentians to celebrate our biggest milestone yet: 20 years in business! 

We're more than just a company; we're a lively and diverse group who believe work should be fun. Our vibrant workplace culture goes beyond the office. For us, it’s important to involve our team every step of the way and cherish individual milestones and celebrations as well. 

Great Place To Work - Today and Tomorrow

We're honored to be recognized as a Great Place to Work®, and remain committed to maintaining and enhancing our exceptional workplace environment. We look forward to reaching even greater heights in the future, together. Explore career opportunities at WHC and join us for an amazing journey!

SOC 2 Type 1 Certified

SOC 2 Certification for WHC: Elevating Your Online Security

We have some exciting news to share, and while it’s a proud moment for our team, it’s really all about YOU, our valued clients. 

In September 2023, WHC achieved the SOC 2 Type 1 certification. 

Let’s delve into why this certification should matter to every business and entrepreneur who trusts us with their online services.

What is SOC 2 Type 1 Certification

Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 is a rigorous auditing standard developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). This certification ensures that a service provider can securely manage and protect customer data. The Type 1 aspect of this certification verifies that our controls are designed effectively to meet these rigorous standards, as evaluated by an external auditor.

This approach also reinforces our continued alignment with other compliance standards in Canada, such as PIPEDA, CASL, and Quebec’s Law 25.

How This Certification Benefits You

  • Top-tier Security: With the SOC 2 Type 1 certification, you can rest easy knowing that your data, websites, and applications are in an environment that meets some of the industry's strictest security criteria.
  • Audited Compliance: Enterprise clients may have specific security compliance requirements requiring them to host their data within Canada and with providers backed with audited security certifications.
  • Consistent Service Reliability: This certification isn't just about protecting data. It’s about ensuring service availability and performance. In simpler terms, fewer downtimes, optimized website speeds, and smoother operations for your online platforms.
  • Improved Trust: Trust is paramount when choosing a service provider. Our SOC 2 Type 1 status serves as a badge of assurance, a tangible sign of our dedication to prioritizing your data's safety and the integrity of our services.
  • A Boost for Your Business: For many clients, showcasing security can be a competitive differentiator in their respective markets. By partnering with a SOC 2 certified provider like WHC, you’re demonstrating to your own customers and stakeholders that you’re serious about data security and integrity. 

Next Steps for SOC 2 Compliance at WHC

Achieving the SOC 2 Type 1 certification is a significant milestone, but our commitment to your data’s security doesn't end here. We always aim to elevate our standards, and in line with this commitment, WHC is now in the SOC 2 Type 2 evaluation period. 

While the Type 1 audit focuses on the design of controls at a specific point in time, a Type 2 audit dives deeper, evaluating the operational effectiveness of those controls over a defined review period. By this same time next year, we hope to update our certification credentials to further validate our unyielding dedication to maintaining the highest standards in data security and system reliability for you.

At the end of the day, this certification underscores our commitment to you. Every decision we make and every standard we achieve is driven by our dedication to providing you with the best. 

With the SOC 2 Type 1 certification, we aim to offer you not just a service, but peace of mind.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.