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Are you a WordPress developer and you just want to keep developing and designing custom websites for your clients, without worrying about the war waging with the WordPress overlords? Lucky for you, this WordPress blog is here to help. Whether you rely on WP Engine, WordPress.com, or WordPress.org.

42.7% of the internet is literally powered by WordPress right now. So it’s important we can confidently keep developing for this platform. We have put this guide together to help you.

In short, yes you should keep developing with WordPress!

But there are some considerations. Read on…


If you use WordPress.org

You are visiting here for the open-source core files to download & self-host.
You are most likely a developer or designer or business owner.

  • This will not be disappearing. This is the original WordPress entity.
    Using WordPress.org to download a new WordPress instance and setup yourself.

    Using wordpress.org to download and self-host your own website

  • Open-source core is actively maintained by nearly 300 contributors globally, with very frequent updates
  • Continue to develop your own self-run WordPress instances (for yourself, and clients, businesses, etc) as normal.
  • It may be advisable to avoid WP Engine plugins as they are under fire.

What to do:

  • Keep on downloading your WordPress.org Core files and setting up WP as required for yourself & clients
  • You will be able to customize anything as you still need, for your own websites.
    • You will be able to keep customizing your own frameworks, plugins, themes, and other as required (just be careful in ever re-selling or re-using any other companies properties however!)

Remember it is your own files & website.

You can freely develop and modify as you wish!

  • If you use WP Engine themes, services, or plugins – you can manually install only onto your site, freely.
  • If you use other non-WordPress plugin hosted plugins or themes, you can still install these onto your site, freely.

Note, a new major Plugin: ‘Secure Custom Fields

This new plugin looks to be replacing the formerly used Advanced Custom Fields (which was originally developed & maintained by Elliot Condon in Australia, years later acquired by WP Engine).

  • We will likely need to keep using the new plugin (‘SCF’ aka Secure Custom Fields)
  • The ACF plugin from WP Engine may be usable, if keeps receiving updates also, we will write about this separately.

If you use WPEngine

Screenshot

Due to a conflict between WP Engine and Automattic, WP Engine has lost access to resources on WordPress.org, meaning users can no longer install or update plugins and themes directly from the WordPress dashboard. This affects both WP Engine and its related service, Flywheel, creating potential issues with site security and plugin management.

What Should You Do?

  1. Manual Updates:
    Since automatic plugin and theme updates are blocked, you’ll need to download them from trusted sources and manually upload them to your site. This adds some overhead, but it’s essential to keep your site secure and functional.

    Screenshot of a website showing WP Engine error message to do with WordPress.org

    Users reported issues of WP Engine plugins not able to update as per normal.

  2. Alternative Hosting:
    If the disruption is too impactful, you might consider migrating to other hosts like Pantheon.io or Kinsta, which offer similar managed hosting for WordPress without the same access issues.
  3. Security Monitoring:
    Stay vigilant with monitoring tools and ensure your site is regularly scanned for vulnerabilities, especially since the inability to auto-update increases security risks.
  4. Stay Informed:
    Follow developments closely as WP Engine and Automattic may reach an agreement. Keeping up-to-date will help you avoid disruptions if the situation evolves further.
  5. Review Your Plugin Ecosystem:
    Evaluate whether plugins managed by WP Engine (like Advanced Custom Fields) will be affected and explore alternatives if necessary.

With the right adjustments, you can minimize disruptions, but keeping proactive is key. If the conflict persists, shifting your hosting strategy might be the best long-term solution.

At IVP Digital we offer secure & lightning-fast cloud web hosting based in Australian data centres. We can also help audit & organise your website plugins & platform to avoid issues.

 


If you use WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a managed hosting service, meaning Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com) takes care of hosting, backups, security, and updates, but with some limitations in terms of customization and file access.

Here are some tips to navigate these limitations and avoid service issues like those seen with WP Engine:

  1. Staying within the Hosted WordPress Platform & Understanding Limitations
    • Ensure you have a clear idea of platform restrictions—especially with lower-tier WordPress.com plans, which may limit which themes and plugins are available.
    • WordPress.com limits access to core files and advanced customization (like modifying wp-config.php or installing custom plugins).
    • If you need deep control (for example, for ERP or CRM integrations), consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan or migrating to WordPress.org on your own hosting. This is what IVP digital specializes in for our bespoke clients.
  2. Backup Your Content Regularly

    • While WordPress.com handles backups, it’s still smart to export your site’s data periodically. You can use the built-in export tool to download your content as XML. This way, you can switch hosts or migrate if needed without losing data.
  3. Choose Plugins & Integrations Wisely

    • Stay within the official WordPress.com-supported ecosystem. Use plugins and themes available directly on the platform to avoid compatibility or access issues that might arise if other services (like WP Engine) are banned from WordPress.org.
  4. Monitor Platform Updates & Policies

    • Keep up with Automattic’s announcements and changes in their terms of service. Recent disputes—like the one with WP Engine—show that third-party platforms can face unexpected restrictions, so being informed ensures you can plan proactively.
  5. Consider Moving to WordPress.org for High Customization Needs
    • If your business or project requires custom code, complex integrations, or unique plugins/themes, you might outgrow WordPress.com. In such cases, migrating to a self-hosted WordPress.org site would allow complete control over files, performance, and development.
    • Speak to us at IVP Digital for more on how to get WordPress site self hosted securely and safely!

 

By staying within the boundaries of the WordPress.com ecosystem, keeping backups, and monitoring developments, users can avoid disruptions similar to what WP Engine customers are experiencing.

If you foresee needing more flexibility and control, exploring WordPress.org (self-hosted) might be a wise long-term strategy.

Speak to us at IVP Digital for more on how to get WordPress site self hosted securely and safely!

 

Have any questions or comments? Drop us a line in the comments or at [email protected].

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