It’s quite surreal to type that WPBeginner turns 15 years old today!
Time flies when you’re having fun especially with such an amazing community of website owners, small businesses, and web professionals. YOU ARE the best part of WPBeginner!
Like every year, I will take a few minutes to share all the major things that are happening in the business as well as my personal life.
But more importantly, to celebrate this big milestone, we’re doing a HUGE birthday giveaway with over $50,000+ in prizes. There will be 215 lucky winners!
Since this is a long article, you can easily skip to the section you’re most interested in:
My Personal Updates
As many of you know, I have been using WordPress since I was 16 years old, and I started WPBeginner in 2009 when I was in college at age 19.
Ever since then, I’ve been fully committed to the WordPress community, and WordPress plays a huge role both in my life as well as my family’s life.
My son Solomon is now 7 years old, and we attended WordCamp Europe together last month in Turin, Italy. The event was a lot of fun, and it was really cool to see Solomon attend the presentations, chat with sponsors, and really embrace the community.
We as a family are continuing our travels around the world, exploring new cultures, and meeting local WPBeginner readers.
Here are some photos from our travels:
One of the best parts about running a fully remote online company is the flexibility it offers us. We have team members in over 50 countries now, and my goal is to visit at least few more countries this year. Side note: yes we’re hiring.
Also if you didn’t get a chance to read my 2023 recap, I highly recommend checking it because I shared lessons learned from last year.
WPBeginner Updates
We have had quite an amazing year at WPBeginner, and I’m really proud of all the things we’ve been able to accomplish.
Of course, none of this would be possible without your continued support, so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Here are some of the big updates that happened on WPBeginner in the last 12 months:
1. We Launched WPBeginner Pro Services
One of the top requests we got from our reader survey was to offer affordable WordPress development and website management services.
Well, I heard you loud and clear, and this year we launched WPBeginner Pro Services.
Our Pro Services offer affordable WordPress development and website management for businesses of all sizes.
Here are all the professional WordPress services we have added for you:
- Custom WordPress Design & Development: Looking for a custom website design? Stop wasting time on Upwork and other marketplaces. Let our expert team build your dream website for you.
- WordPress site maintenance: Struggling to manage your WordPress website? Let our WordPress experts handle the technical side for you, so you can focus on what really matters – growing your online business.
- WordPress speed optimization: A one-second delay in your page loading times can reduce your conversions by 7%. We’ll audit your site for speed and make it faster.
- Hacked site repair: If your website ever get hacked, you can hire us to remove any malicious code, clean up the hack, and restore your WordPress site in no time.
Ready to bring your dream WordPress project to life? Find out more about our professional WordPress services.
2. We Launched WPBeginner Solution Center
A lot of our readers rely on us for expert recommendation on the best WordPress plugins, web tools, and themes for specific use-cases.
This year, we launched the WPBeginner Solution Center where we’re writing detailed reviews of the best business tools for your website, and along with our expert review, you can also read reviews from actual users too.
Here are a few premium WordPress product reviews on WPBeginner:
- WPForms Review: a detailed review of the most beginner friendly form plugin that’s used by over 6 million users.
- Hostinger Review: a thorough review of one of the fastest growing WordPress Hosting companies.
- Divi Review: detailed analysis of one of the most popular multipurpose theme and page builder.
- MemberPress Review: expert analysis on the most popular WordPress membership and course plugin that’s helping creators earn over $1 billion dollars each year.
If you own a WordPress theme or plugin and want to get it listed on WPBeginner’s Solution Center? Simply submit an application form and our team will be happy to consider your product or service.
Also if you find a plugin in the list that you’re using on your website, add your review to help other readers.
3. Contributing to WordPress and Open Source
At WPBeginner, we have always been big supporters of open source.
As part of our Five for the Future commitment, we now sponsor 9 WordPress core contributors. These people spend 194 hours every single week helping to make WordPress the best content management system on the planet.
We also released a free Search & Replace Everything plugin on WordPress.org that makes it easy to do bulk updates on your WordPress site.
This is very helpful especially if you want to update a link on every page, change an image that’s used in multiple areas, or make bulk changes when you’re moving your site.
4. Global Sponsor for All WordPress Community Events
WPBeginner joined the WordPress global community sponsorship program in 2024. That means we’re sponsoring every WordCamp on the planet!
With our global sponsorship, WordCamps across the globe can spend substantially less time worrying about fundraising and focus more on bringing the best WordPress content for local WordPress communities.
5. New Acquisitions, Investments, and Product Launches
In 2018, I created the WPBeginner Growth Fund as a way to invest in awesome WordPress-focused companies that are solving the problems that you, our readers, want us to help with.
In the last 12 months, we’ve made several big acquisitions and investments in the ecosystem:
- In October, Seahawk Media joined the WPBeginner Growth Fund. This premier WordPress agency provides development, design, maintenance, migration, support, and other world-class services to 1,000+ brands including DreamHost and GoDaddy. Here’s the full background story.
- Remember Envira Gallery and Soliloquy? Long-term readers will know that I built these product, but had to sell them at the end of 2017. I’m excited to welcome them back home. Along with that, we also acquired NextGEN Gallery and the Photocrati theme.
- We completely revamped WP Charitable, so it’s easier than ever to launch and run successful donation & fundraising campaigns. The plugin comes with a visual campaign builder, and all the powerful features like recurring donations, peer to peer fundraising (aka crowdfunding), actionable reports, and more. Here’s the full background story.
- We launched SEOBoost, a powerful content optimization tool that helps you use A.I. and NLP to grow your organic traffic and SEO rankings.
- We acquired LowFruits, an SEO tool that helps you find keyword ideas that are easy to rank for. This way you can start writing the right content that will bring traffic faster.
- We acquired Beacon.by, a professional lead magnet creator to help you generate more leads from your website. This tool helps you turn your blog posts into eBooks or design beautiful eBooks from scratch.
- We launched a free Chrome extension called All in One SEO Analyzer by AIOSEO. This allows you to perform an in-depth SEO audit of any page with a single click. Here’s the full background story.
- We also took an investment stake in Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Akismet, and more.
I’m really proud of how far we’ve come with the Growth Fund, and it’s really amazing to see the impact our companies are making both in the WordPress ecosystem as well as the larger open web.
Want me to invest in your business? Learn more about the WPBeginner growth fund.
Company / Product Updates
A lot of new readers ask me how do we make money at WPBeginner, when we give away all our WordPress tutorials for free?
Yes, we have a huge library of WordPress video courses that are completely free for everyone.
WPBeginner is funded 100% through the support of our readers like you.
My various companies develop premium WordPress plugins to help you grow your website. These plugins are built with the same beginner-friendly approach you know and love from WPBeginner, and they have powerful features to take your website to the next level.
When you buy a license for any of my premium plugins, you’re not only helping make your website better, but you’re also helping support WPBeginner and our mission.
My company, Awesome Motive, now has over 330+ team members across the world, and all of us are committed to help you build a better website!
Here’s a list of our plugins that you should check out. Collectively, they’re being used on over 25 million websites. Your support means a lot to us whether you use the free version or purchase a premium license — we are here to serve.
| Plugin | Description | Free version |
|---|---|---|
| OptinMonster | Powerful conversion optimization software that helps convert abandoning visitors into subscribers & customers. | Download |
| WPForms | Trusted by over 6 million websites, WPForms is the world’s most beginner-friendly WordPress form builder. | Download |
| Duplicator | Backup your entire WordPress site, including databases, themes, plugins, & settings – all with a few clicks. | Download |
| AIOSEO | The original and most powerful WordPress SEO plugin used by 3 million+ sites to boost traffic & rankings. | Download |
| MonsterInsights | The most popular Google Analytics plugin that helps you make data-driven decisions. | Download |
| WP Mail SMTP | The #1 plugin that ensures your emails arrive safely in the recipient’s inbox, and not in the spam folder. | Download |
| SeedProd | The ultimate drag and drop website builder to create custom WordPress themes and landing pages. | Download |
| Smash Balloon | Seamlessly integrate your social media feeds with WordPress. Used by 1.7 million websites. | Download |
| PushEngage | Powerful push notification software. Add a new traffic & revenue channel to your site. | Download |
| SearchWP | Trusted by 30,000+ website owners, SearchWP lets you customize WordPress search form and search results. | No |
| Easy Digital Downloads | Top rated WordPress plugin for easily selling digital products and subscriptions. | Download |
| AffiliateWP | Launch your own self-hosted affiliate program in minutes to grow your eCommerce revenue. | No |
| WP Simple Pay | Accept payments online without a shopping cart. Supports credit cards, ACH bank debit, Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc. | Download |
| Sugar Calendar | Powerful event calendar management plugin built for churches, conferences, and more. | Download |
| WP Charitable | WordPress donation and fundraising plugin that helps you raise more money. Trusted by 10,000+ non-profit orgs. | Download |
| WPCode | Add custom code to your site without editing your theme files. It can replace dozens of existing WordPress plugins. | Download |
| Thrive Themes | A powerful suite of conversion-focused tools that can transform your website into an online business platform. | No |
| Envira Gallery | Create beautiful photo and video galleries with this easy-to-use drag-and-drop gallery builder. | Download |
| User Feedback | See what your users are really thinking through smart website surveys. Trusted by 200,000 websites. | Download |
WPBeginner 15th Birthday Giveaway
To celebrate the 15th birthday of WPBeginner, we’re running our biggest ever giveaway!
We are giving away premium plugin licenses worth over $50,000, to 215 lucky winners.
So, what kind of goodies are we giving away? Here’s the complete list:
WPForms, MonsterInsights, OptinMonster, AIOSEO, SeedProd, WP Mail SMTP, Smash Balloon, WPCode, Duplicator, UserFeedback, WP Charitable, Funnelkit, Smart Slider, WP SMS Pro, WP Statistics, PublishPress, Simple Author Box, WP Login Lockdown, Hostinger, SiteGround, FooPlugins, Themify Builder, Elementor, ManageWP, EWWW Image Optimizer, HeroThemes, ThemeIsle Hyve, Bluehost, GreenGeeks, WP Rocket, Really Simple SSL, LearnDash, Wishlist Member, MemberPress, WC Vendors, Wholesale Suite, Advanced Coupons, Visser Labs, AdTribes, Weglot, WP Engine, Omnisend, WPML, Solid Backups, and Solid Security.
Thank You, Everyone
I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us in this journey. I really do appreciate all of your retweets, personal emails, content suggestions, and the interactions at the events.
I also want to say special thank you to everyone who’s using our plugins because that enables us to keep bringing more free tutorials on WPBeginner.
You all are AMAZING and without you, there is no WPBeginner.
I look forward to another solid year ahead of us.
Syed Balkhi
Founder of WPBeginner
Edward Swierczewski
Congrats on your 15th year anniversary!
Kenneth
Thank you for what you’ve been doing for the past 15 years. I have learnt so much from your articles about WordPress since I found WPBeginner in 2018.
Rob
Time flies when you’re having fun!
Sabbir Hossain
Love WpBeginner
Sayyed Shariq
Congratulations on completing 15 years! Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge
Moinuddin Waheed
This is truly a wonderful milestone in wordpress journey.
This success is not merely wpbeginners’ but the whole wordpress community.
I really appreciate the commendable work done by wpbeginner and team to empower the wordpress community and give handhold support and wonderful free resources to wordpress users.
I wish many more successful years ahead.
Cheers!
Yunus Rahman
Congratulations on 15 years of providing outstanding WordPress support and plugins. I love your products, even though I’ve only used a few of them.
Justine
Wow, 15 years! Congrats!!! Your site is on of my favorites to visit over the years! Keep up the great work, and thank you!
Niranjan Sharma
Congratulations to WPBeginner on 15 years of empowering the WordPress community! Your dedication to making web development accessible and enjoyable has truly made a difference. Here’s to many more years of success and innovation!
Congratulations on the BuddyBoss acquisition!
Erika L
Happy 15 years!!! Thank you for sharing valuable knowledge on WP!!
Edwine Ogada
Congrats! Your web presents is very valuable
MUHAMMED ABID KP
Thanks for the awesome tutorials and helping blogs!
Joanne Bundey
Brilliant giveaway…how do I get help with my website as I’m totally stumped
WPBeginner Support
It would depend on the help you’re needing, our article below has the main recommendations we have for getting support for your site, we also have our Facebook group and our contact page if the help you’re needing is not covered in the article
https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/how-to-properly-ask-for-wordpress-support-and-get-it/
Admin
Charlotte May
Congratulations. I get so much useful information from Syed and keep all his newsletters as “you never know when you might need it”.
Odi
Congratulations.
And thank you for making my life and job easy with your tutorials.
Thank you !
Rahul Rao
Thank you so much! We’ve been connected since 2015
Allan Mantaring
wow, congratulations
Janoshke
Congratulations on your 15th anniversary!!!
Ever since I started my career as WordPress developer and professional user, this blog has been my No1 stop for any info and guide in my work. Your info is always accurate and up-to-date and you deserve to be THE BEST blog related to WordPress.
Thank you very much and keep up the great work!
Kaizur Ahmed
Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone. Over the years, WPBeginner has become an invaluable resource for WordPress users worldwide, offering insights, tips, and tutorials that empower millions to build and grow their websites. I anticipate many more years of innovation and success!
Sunil Suresh
Congrats on completing 15 years with WordPress support & plugins.
Love your products (though I have used just a few of them).
Ray Carbone
I’ve ‘fooled around’ with SP for years and just need some design help to launch my blog.
Thank you.
kzain
Congratulations to WP Beginners and thank you for providing so much value to the wordpress community. That is so much to win for sure i will try my best to do all things good from me.
Hutch
Yahoo! Thank you!
Nils
Congrats and thanks for all that information.
Majd Zahra
Thank you for your great tutorials
uzoma ichetaonye
wow. this is very fantastic. Giving back to your readers in form of premium plugins is very rewarding
I sincerely hope to be among the 215 winners as i give it a try.
Big shoutout to the founder of wpbeginner, Syed Balkhi.
Big congratulations also to wpbeginner for this 15 year anniversary. Its being a long journey all the way.
Louise Souter
This is a great giveaway!
WPBeginner is my go-to resource when I have problems with my website.
zio
Congratulations on your 15th anniversary!
I am in my 14th year of WordPress.
Illyaas Sowunmi
Thank you very much!
Dayo Olobayo
WPBeginner has been my go-to source for all things WordPress for as long as I can remember. The team’s commitment to providing clear, concise, and actionable information is unparalleled. I’m grateful for the countless hours of frustration saved thanks to your troubleshooting guides and plugin recommendations. Cheers to 15 more years of success!
William Rogers
Thanks for hanging in there – Happy 15th Birthday – May you have many, many more!
Anurag Khandelwal
it’s always an amazing help using wpbeginner for sorting out my wp doubts..
Abbas Ali
Wow, happy birthday, hip hip hip, hurray. I am so happy for you guys.
Editorial Staff
Thank you Abbas
Admin
MV
Congrats and good luck to everyone joining the GIVEAWAY contest.
WPBeginner was instrumental when I started learning how to use WP and now I am using WP to earn a living.
Bees
Congratulations on the 15th birthday of WPBeginner.
Kzain
Wow this is an amazing giveaway going to enter right away thank you so much for offering these all wp beginner always the best
Barry Desautels
Congratulations Syed and all Team Members on your 15th Anniversary. All the Best for the next 15 years.
Owen Kane
Happy fifteenth Birthday/Anniversary
Latanya
Happy birthday! Love that Wordpress is so supportive and generous.
Jack Miller
Hi Syed,
Thank you for such great information and products. You cut through all the hype and explain things in a simple format that makes learning much more enjoyable.
Mrteesurez
You are indeed a blessing to the WordPress community for your dedication on supporting and contributing to Wordpress growth.
This is an excellent post that briefly highlighted all what you have achieved so far.
Maria
Thanks for this opportunity!
Frank zakaria Mwaluko
Wpbeginner has guided me for long time since 2017 up to now thank you very much
Isaac
It’s great to see wpbeginner doing so well
Fajri
ah I forgot to ask you team, regarding this giveaway.
Is it possible if the giveaway is for lifetime plan? I see most of the plugin are subscription model. thanks
Editorial Staff
The giveaway is only for 1 year licenses of the Pro plugins (not lifetime).
Admin
Mrteesurez
If the giveaway is only for 1 year licenses of the Pro plugins, what will then happen to the plugin and site after the licensed has expired. Will plugins continue to work or how ?
Editorial Staff
You will have the option to renew the license. The value the plugins bring to the website / business far outweighs the cost.
Fajri
happy birthday wpbeginner family!
thanks for this amazing birthday event. it will be nice for me to try some of your pro version plugin since i have already use several of it, and overall, it was amazing feature and development as always.
Paco
Congratulations. Stay strong!
Shailendra Chinchalkar
Congratulation on completing 15 years!
steflp
Hi
For your 10th anniversary , I win only one t-shirt ( black)
I hope I will win bigger one this time !
Jiří Vaněk
In the previous giveaway, when you were 14 years old, I won WP Forms and I still use it to this day. I’ll try my luck again this year. I wish you lots of luck and success in your personal life and in your work here on the website and beyond. You’re a great team and you do excellent work.