On May 12, 2016, GoDaddy announced that GoDaddy Acquires WP Curve, bringing the startup’s WordPress-focused support team and customer base into its growing portfolio. The acquisition enhances GoDaddy’s services by integrating unlimited small-site fixes and maintenance into its WordPress support framework.
WP Curve’s Fast-Growing Support Model
WP Curve, founded in 2013 by Dan Norris and Alex McClafferty in Australia, built a subscription-based service offering unlimited small WordPress tasks for a flat monthly fee. Before the acquisition, WP Curve:
- Handled over 105,000 jobs related to security, design tweaks, performance, and SEO
- Served more than 1,000 paying customers
- Employed a team of around 39 experts, focused on delivering rapid support
GoDaddy purchased the company, its assets, customer base, and “a few dozen” team members. Founder Alex McClafferty joined GoDaddy to lead the integration, while Dan Norris exited after the transition
What GoDaddy Gains from WP Curve
The acquisition helps GoDaddy achieve key objectives:
- Round‑the‑clock WordPress support for tasks like plugin updates, backups, and CSS fixes
- Bridges the gap between basic GoDaddy customer care and full custom development offered via GoDaddy Pro
- Incorporates WordPress expertise, leveraging WP Curve’s proven support model and skilled team
GoDaddy sees this as a step toward offering a one-stop shop for WordPress professionals, complementing its earlier ManageWP acquisition.
Benefits for Customers and the WordPress Ecosystem
Current WP Curve subscribers transitioned into GoDaddy accounts with minimal disruption. They continue accessing the same service tiers and support team. Future benefits include:
- 24/7 access to WordPress experts backed by GoDaddy’s support infrastructure
- Seamless migration from standalone WP Curve to integrated support within GoDaddy’s dashboard
- Potential feature integration into GoDaddy hosting and its Pro platform
GoDaddy aims to train its wider support staff using WP Curve’s approach, spreading WordPress-specific expertise throughout its support centers.
Leading GoDaddy’s WordPress Services
Post-acquisition, Alex McClafferty heads the WP Curve team within GoDaddy, ensuring a smooth integration of processes, talent, and customer expectations. Kevin Pigman, GoDaddy’s SVP of Global Customer Care, emphasized the service’s fit within the GoDaddy Pro strategy, aiming to provide “best-in‑class, 24×7 WordPress support.”
This initiative aligns with GoDaddy’s goal of supporting WordPress users at every stage, whether they need simple fixes or full-scale development. It also highlights GoDaddy’s commitment to expanding its WordPress ecosystem with dedicated experts, proactive maintenance options, and more robust services tailored to freelancers, agencies, and small businesses.
Blending Host and Support Expertise
GoDaddy’s acquisition of WP Curve cements its position in the WordPress ecosystem. It moves closer to offering a full-service platform for WordPress users by combining hosting, site maintenance, and expert support under one umbrella. This integration allows GoDaddy to streamline user experience, reduce friction for non-technical users, and better serve agencies and freelancers managing multiple sites.
Key integration benefits:
- Unified billing for hosting and ongoing support
- Centralized access to maintenance, performance, and security services
- Opportunities to innovate in hosting plans with built-in support tiers
- Improved onboarding for new WordPress customers seeking end-to-end assistance
- Increased scalability for businesses needing both infrastructure and technical upkeep
Supporting a Growing WordPress Market
With one-third of its sites and half of its new domains running WordPress, GoDaddy’s investment in WP Curve reflects its strategic importance. Enhancing WordPress support improves user retention and attracts professionals seeking reliable managed services.
By adding WP Curve’s team and support model, GoDaddy shows its commitment to improving WordPress experiences for beginners and pros alike.
Crafting a Better WordPress Journey
GoDaddy’s acquisition of WP Curve signals a commitment to offering quality, accessible, and expert-level support for WordPress customers. By integrating dedicated maintenance services, GoDaddy aims to simplify site management and elevate user confidence.
Looking ahead, expect:
- Enhanced GoDaddy support shaped by WP Curve’s practices
- Expansion of WordPress service offerings across hosting plans
- Strengthened trust among site owners who need real support, not just hosting
Learn more about this acquisition and other WordPress industry moves.