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WPBeginner Spotlight 09: Latest WordPress Trends, New Plugin Features, and Industry Highlights

What’s New in WordPress: May 2025 Edition

There’s been a lot of exciting movement in the WordPress ecosystem this month! In this edition of WPBeginner Spotlight, we highlight major developments including new plugin launches, feature rollouts, and key takeaways from the global WordPress community.

From real-time SMS alerts with WPForms to the launch of a powerful new GDPR compliance plugin—WPConsent—this update is packed with tools and tips for creators, developers, and site owners. Plus, we spotlight the latest WordPress industry events and integrations you should know about.

Whether you’re managing a blog or running a WooCommerce store, staying up to date with these tools can make your WordPress journey smarter and more efficient.

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WPForms Launches SMS & WhatsApp Notifications for Instant User Engagement

WPForms has rolled out a powerful new feature: the WPForms Twilio Addon, which allows users to send instant SMS and WhatsApp notifications to form submitters. This is a game-changer for businesses aiming to improve customer engagement and communication.

Key Benefits:

Send real-time updates via SMS or WhatsApp after form submissions
Use conditional logic to tailor messages by user preferences
Personalize notifications with dynamic tags (e.g., name, order info, appointment time)
Combine email + SMS notifications for maximum reach
Simple setup—no technical skills required

This feature is available to WPForms Plus, Pro, and Elite users. Whether you’re confirming bookings, sending reminders, or offering support, this update makes communication easier and more effective.

👉 Learn more about WPForms here

Introducing WPConsent — The Ultimate Cookie Consent and Privacy Compliance Plugin

Say goodbye to confusing cookie management! WPConsent is a newly launched WordPress plugin designed to help site owners comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations effortlessly.

What Makes WPConsent Unique:

Automatically detects and blocks third-party scripts (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, etc.) until user consent is given
No manual setup required—scripts are managed automatically
Fully customizable cookie banners to match your site’s branding
Built-in geolocation targeting shows banners only to users in regions with strict privacy laws
Shortcodes to easily display your cookie policy page

A free version of WPConsent is available, making it accessible for small websites and growing blogs. For advanced controls and detailed consent logs, the premium version is a solid upgrade.

Focus Keyphrase: Cookie consent plugin for WordPress

More Plugin Updates and Industry News

AIOSEO (All in One SEO) is rolling out smart keyword tracking, helping users better monitor and optimize their content rankings.
Uncanny Automator adds powerful new integrations to automate actions across WordPress, WooCommerce, BuddyPress, and more.
WooCommerce gets a rebrand, including updated branding elements and interface improvements for better usability and visual consistency.

These updates continue to make WordPress a dynamic and flexible platform for creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes.