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AI Powered WordPress

AI-Powered WordPress Just Got Better!

Creating a website and generating unique, tailored content has never been easier, thanks to WHC’s AI-powered WordPress. Powered by OpenAI, this cutting-edge tool empowers Canadians to create websites faster, smarter, and more efficiently than ever before.

Launched in July 2024, it’s available for free with Managed WordPress Hosting and Web Hosting services! And WHC didn’t stop there: our latest updates make it even more powerful and user-friendly. 

Let’s explore what’s new, what’s coming, and how it can supercharge your online space!

Reimagining Website Creation with AI

AI-powered WordPress combines the flexibility of WordPress with advanced artificial intelligence tools designed to simplify every stage of your website journey. Whether you're launching a blog, building an online store, or crafting a professional portfolio, these features empower you to do more in less time.

Here’s what AI-powered WordPress brings to the table:

  • Generate a website effortlessly in 60 seconds: Answer a few simple questions about your project, and watch your website come to life in seconds—no coding required!
  • Create content easily: Generate high-quality text and images, from blog posts to product descriptions, to banners or entire pages. All within your WordPress dashboard.
  • Get a personal assistant within WordPress: Navigate complex WordPress tasks with ease using AI guidance directly in your dashboard.

What’s new in Version 1.15?

The latest version of AI-powered WordPress introduces exciting new features that make building and managing websites even more seamless:

1. Single-Page Website Option

Create a simple, single-page WordPress site in minutes, perfect for users who need to get online quickly.

WordPress AI

2. AI-powered page recipes

Save time with AI page “recipes,” which tailor sections and structure to each site's type and goals, ensuring relevance and user-specific recommendations.

WordPress AI

3. Integrated Contact Forms

Engage visitors effortlessly with customizable, ready-to-use contact forms.

WordPress AI

4. Optimized for Accessibility

Enhanced features and interfaces ensure your website is inclusive and user-friendly.

What’s coming in Version 1.16?

Exciting enhancements are coming in mid-December 2024 with Version 1.16, bringing even more seamless website creation and management updates like:

  • Better Website Creation Flow: The first screen now starts with a more personalized experience. Simply describe your business type in detail instead of selecting from pre-made categories, ensuring the generated content and site design perfectly align with what you need.
  • Improved User Interface: The updated UI streamlines the onboarding process, making it easier than ever to start your website journey.
  • Expanded Design Library: Discover a richer collection of pre-built templates and block patterns tailored to your industry or project type. 

Why build your website on WordPress with AI?

By integrating artificial intelligence with the power of WordPress, WHC empowers everyone to create professional-grade websites, whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned developer. Here’s how:

  • It’s Affordable: AI-powered WordPress is included for free with your hosting—no hidden costs!
  • It’s Flexible: Enjoy the freedom of WordPress’s open-source platform combined with the intuitive power of AI.
  • We’re Sustainable: Host your site on eco-friendly servers powered by renewable energy.
  • We’re Local & Trusted: Built on WHC’s Canadian Cloud, our hosting solutions are tailored for Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs.

Ready to get the most out of these new features?

Already with WHC? AI-powered WordPress is free to set up with your hosting

New here? Get started with Managed WordPress Hosting today, where AI-powered WordPress is included for free.

Building a stunning website has never been easier. Let’s create something amazing online, together!

Domain Name Structure

Domain Names: Where Does Your Money Go?

Buying a domain name means more than just securing your identity online. It’s also an investment in your future. But how much should you expect to pay, and why? Why does a domain cost what it does? 

Let’s break it down and uncover exactly where your money goes when registering a domain name with WHC or any other provider.

Domain Pricing Breakdown

 
Domain structure

Registry

 
Domain registry structure
 

The majority of your payment goes to the registry, which manages the domain extension (or Top Level Domain / TLD). Registries maintain the database of all domain names under their extension, ensuring availability and functionality. This fee varies depending on the extension or even the specific domain. Some premium domains are significantly pricier than standard registrations. For international suppliers, there may be extra fees for currency conversion and cross border payments.

Technology Provider

 
Domain provider structure
 

Behind every domain name lies a network of backend technologies and software that ensure seamless functionality and reliability. Registrars like WHC rely on robust infrastructure provided by technology providers to power essential services such as DNS (Domain Name System) management, domain search tools, and control panels. While investing in high-quality backend technology is a significant cost for registrars, it’s critical to delivering customers a smooth, dependable experience.

ICANN Fees

 
Domain ICANN structure
 

ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a global organization that helps manage and coordinate the domain name system through community consensus. ICANN collects a small fixed fee per domain to ensure the stability and security of the internet’s infrastructure. While this fee is a minor part of your domain cost, it plays a crucial role in the broader internet ecosystem. ICANN-accredited registrars such as WHC also pay quarterly and annual fees to maintain their accreditation.

Payment Processor

 
Domain payment structure
 

Each time a customer pays with a credit card, registrars (like any merchant) face transaction fees. They also pay for payment gateways, which securely process these payments, and face additional costs for handling disputes (known as chargebacks), refunds, and fraud prevention. Even alternative payment methods, like PayPal, come with similar fees. These costs add up and are an important part of running a domain registrar.

Registrar

 
Domain registrar structure
 

A registrar like WHC simplifies domain registration and management, helping individuals and businesses establish their online presence. Beyond domain ownership, they offer services to ensure domains are properly configured and maintained.

Running a registrar involves significant costs, including infrastructure (servers, data centers, networks), security (SSL, DDoS protection, compliance with ICANN and privacy regulations), and 24/7 customer support. Additionally, registrars face accreditation fees, software licensing, and continuous service improvements, along with general expenses like salaries, office space, and marketing. This makes operating a registrar both complex and costly.

But wait, there’s more!

And, of course, there are taxes! But those are pretty hard to forget. 🙂

3 Common Misconceptions About Domain Pricing

  1. "Why Are Domain Prices Different Across Registrars?" 

    Domain prices vary because each registrar sets its own pricing based on factors like their business model, the value-added services they provide, and their quality of customer support. Some registrars offer lower base prices but may charge more for extras like WHOIS privacy or DNS management, while others include these features in their packages, making their upfront prices higher but more comprehensive.

  2. "Why Did My Domain Name Price Increase?" 

    Domain name prices can increase due to several factors, such as rising registry fees, which are set by the organization that manages the domain extensions (like .com or .net). Changes in ICANN fees, which apply to all domain names, or higher payment processing costs can also contribute to price hikes. These external factors affect what registrars need to charge to cover their expenses.

  3. "Does WHC Keep All the Money?" 

    No, WHC only keeps a portion of the total domain registration fee. Much of the cost goes to external entities like the domain registries, which manage the domain extensions, ICANN, which governs domain regulations, and payment processors which handle transactions. This is why domain pricing isn't entirely in WHC’s control.

Pricing Transparency

Our Commitment to Fair Pricing

WHC is dedicated to offering competitive pricing without sacrificing top-quality services. By balancing affordable rates with high standards in security, customer support, and reliability, WHC ensures that customers get excellent value without compromising on essential features.

Where WHC Adds Value

In addition to competitive pricing, WHC includes a variety of value-added services with domain registration, enhancing the overall domain ownership experience.

These services include:

  • Domain Protection, acts as a security shield for your domain names, helping to prevent unauthorized changes, accidental errors, or malicious threats.
  • Domain Privacy, which hides personal contact details from public view to protect against spam and identity theft.
  • Domain Forwarding, Email Forwarding and DNS Management allow better control over how the domain connects to websites.
  • SSL Certificates encrypt data to make websites more secure. While these services come with additional costs, they are often essential for protecting privacy, securing sensitive information, and ensuring a professional online presence.

While domain registration comes with fixed fees, WHC covers much of these costs upfront to offer a discounted first-year rate. It’s our way of helping our customers establish their online presence with less financial stress, so they can focus on building their website and achieving their goals.

Choosing the Right Domain at the Right Price

Consider the Total Cost of Ownership

When comparing domain prices across providers, it's important to consider the full range of services offered. Some registrars may appear cheaper upfront while charging more for essential features like privacy protection, DNS management, or renewal fees.

Look for Promotions and Discounts

Keep an eye out for promotional offers and discounts from registrars, which can significantly reduce initial costs. However, make sure to check renewal rates and long-term pricing to avoid surprises when the initial offer expires.

Assess the Importance of Added Features

Consider the value of extra features such as enhanced security or email forwarding. These services may not be essential for every website, but they can provide important benefits depending on the site's purpose and needs.

Final Words

When you purchase a domain, your money goes toward registry fees, ICANN charges, and payment processing costs. WHC retains only a portion, reinvesting it into top-tier services like customer support, DNS management, and domain privacy.


WHC is proudly committed to transparency, ensuring customers receive excellent value. Remember to stay informed when embarking on your online journey!

Domain Protection

Keep your domains secure with WHC’s Domain Protection

Your domain name isn’t just your online address. It’s your brand, your identity, and your connection to the online world. That’s why WHC is excited to introduce Domain Protection, a new feature adding an extra layer of security to your domains.

Here’s how it works and why it’s worth adding to your online toolkit.

What is Domain Protection?

Domain Protection acts as a security shield for your domain names, helping to prevent unauthorized changes, accidental errors, or malicious threats. With this feature in place, you can feel more confident that your domains are secure and your online presence stays uninterrupted.

Here’s what Domain Protection offers:

  • Enhanced Security: Risky actions like DNS updates or domain transfers now require explicit consent from the account owner.
  • Ownership Protection: Stop unauthorized changes to your contact details or domain ownership with a secure approval process.
  • Accidental Change Protection: Avoid unintended updates to critical settings like nameservers, zones, or email forwarders.
  • Domain Privacy: Keep your personal info out of public WHOIS databases to avoid spam calls and junk mail. Exceptions may apply.

Why Domain Protection matters

Your domain name is a reflection of your business and reputation. It’s your connection to customers, and losing control of it can lead to disruptions. Domain Protection combines two-factor authentication and secure approval prompts to safeguard your domains against unwanted changes.

  1. Prevent Downtime: DNS mistakes can bring operations to a halt. Domain Protection prevents unintended changes to critical DNS domain settings to keep that from happening.
  2. Guard Against Domain Theft: Protect yourself from unauthorized transfers or malicious attempts to hijack your domain. 
  3. Ensure Your Privacy: Keep your contact details hidden from public view.
  4. Focus On The Good Stuff: With extra security in place, you can concentrate on growing your online presence without worrying about potential risks.

Affordable security for your Domains

Adding Domain Protection is simple and cost-effective:

  • Cost: Just $9.99/year per domain, renewable with your domain.
  • Domain Club Perks: Domain Club members get even better rates, with free protection for Gold members!

Already using WHC’s Domain Privacy feature? You’ve been automatically upgraded to Domain Protection at no extra cost.

Ready to secure your domains?

Activating Domain Protection is quick and easy. Simply log in to your WHC Client Area and enable protection on the domains you’d like to secure.

Stay safe online, folks. 💻🍁 WHC is committed to helping Canadians succeed online, and Domain Protection is just one of the ways we’re making your online journey safer and easier.

Pro Services

Boost Your Online Success With WHC’s Pro Services

Today, we’re excited to launch a complete suite of expert solutions to help you succeed online: professional web design, tailored SEO strategies, and proactive site care and maintenance.


After 20 years of assisting clients with their hosting and domain needs, we’re now making it easier than ever to access expert, tailored support for your website and online strategy. Our team of web experts is here to handle all the technical details, while you focus on what you do best: growing your business.

WHC is here to help you get exactly where you need to be, faster:

  • Website design: Get a stunning website built or revamped to reflect your brand.
  • SEO services: Boost your rankings and attract more traffic with tailored strategies.
  • Care plans: Keep your site running smoothly, securely, and efficiently.

Why choose WHC’s Pro Services?

Your website is more than just a URL. It’s your brand, your reputation, and your growth engine. We know that not everyone has the bandwidth or know-how to achieve their online dreams. That’s where we step in. We’re here to help you save time, reduce stress, and deliver results. Here’s what makes us different:

  • White-glove service: We handle the heavy lifting while keeping you in control.
  • Easy collaboration: Our team works with you to bring your vision to life.
  • Tailored solutions: Every service is customized to fit your goals and needs.

Think of these services as an extension of your team. From start to finish, we work closely with you to understand your goals and deliver solutions that align with your needs. Our team uses a dedicated virtual collaboration mode to ensure your input shapes the process in real time, supported by WHC’s intuitive tools that allow for streamlined communication and updates. Together, we’ll take your online presence to the next level.

Discover our services

Pixel-perfect website design

Your website is more than just a digital space. It represents your brand. Whether you’re launching a new website, refreshing an outdated design, or creating a custom online store, our web design team tailors each project to suit your unique needs.

What we do:

  • Custom build: Perfect for businesses ready to create a one-of-a-kind online home.
  • Redesign: Give your existing site a modern upgrade with better usability and visual appeal.
  • Online store: Sell your products or services with a seamless, user-friendly platform.

We prioritize collaboration throughout the design process, ensuring your ideas and feedback shape the final result.

SEO solutions to boost visibility

A stunning website is only effective if your audience can find it. Our tailored SEO strategies are designed to improve your search rankings, attract relevant traffic, and convert visitors into customers.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we create strategies aligned with your specific business goals, making sure the results are impactful and measurable.

Comprehensive care plans

Your website should work as hard as you do. That’s why our site care service offers proactive site maintenance that includes updates, backups, and security monitoring to ensure your site stays secure and efficient, day in and day out.

Here’s what we provide:

  • Routine updates and performance checks
  • Reliable backups for peace of mind
  • Advanced monitoring to prevent downtime or vulnerabilities

No technical expertise is required on your end. We handle the nitty-gritty so you can focus on running your business.

A message to agencies

To our valued agency partners: whether you’re a client or have referred clients, we truly appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us. It’s a meaningful collaboration we’ve built together over the years. That’s why we want to reassure you that our new services are here to complement your work, not compete with it.

Interested in collaborating with us? Reach out today.

Ready to get started?

Discover WHC’s suite of Pro Services today and see how we can help you succeed online and unlock your full potential. And remember, we’re here to do all the heavy lifting!

WordPress 6.7 Rollins

WordPress 6.7 “Rollins” Is Here!

The latest version of WordPress, 6.7 “Rollins,” has arrived, and it’s packed with game-changing updates. Named after innovative jazz legend Sonny Rollins, this release is all about smooth performance, vibrant creativity, and better accessibility. 

Whether you're building your first website or you’re a seasoned developer, WordPress 6.7 is here to make your workflow more efficient and intuitive.

What’s New?

Say Hey to Twenty Twenty-Five

WordPress 6.7

The Twenty Twenty-Five theme is a minimalist powerhouse designed for flexibility. Whether you’re running a personal blog or a complex site, this theme has you covered with customizable patterns, colour palettes, and design tools.

Zoom Out and Think Big

WordPress 6.7

The new Zoom Out feature lets you edit large sections of your site at once. Rearrange content, tweak layouts, and see the bigger picture—all without breaking a sweat. Easier design, on your own terms.

Custom Fields and Blocks Made Easy

WordPress 6.7

Dynamic content creation just got a major upgrade. A new, streamlined user interface connects custom fields with blocks, giving you the flexibility you need to build something awesome.

Typography, Your Way

WordPress 6.7

New to the Styles interface, WordPress 6.7’s enhanced typography tools let you create and customize font sizes that look great on any device and screen size.

Faster, Smarter, Better

WordPress 6.7 delivers on speed and performance. Expect quicker pattern loading, smoother previews, and better compatibility with the latest PHP versions. With over 65 accessibility improvements, you can rest assured that your site is welcoming to all users.

Upgrading to WordPress 6.7

You can upgrade to WordPress 6.7 from either your WordPress dashboard or cPanel. If you need help with your upgrade, our Manually Update WordPress and WordPress Plugins guide has more info!

Using 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, without affecting your production site.

Getting Started With WordPress

If you’re planning on installing WordPress from scratch, we’ve got you covered! Our installation guide will walk you through the most important steps in getting your WordPress site online.

Looking Forward

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, WordPress 6.7 “Rollins” has what you need to make your website better, faster, and more creative. Ready to dive in? Upgrade today and explore all the new possibilities!

For the full breakdown of features, check out the official release notes. And if you have any questions or need assistance with your update, our WHC support team is happy to help!