New Addressfinder Plugin version for WooCommerce released

What does this mean?

Plugin users can now collect more accurate data including email addresses and phone numbers in their WooCommerce forms and have more rules to ensure the data entered fits their business needs.

The version brings additional flexibility in what address autocomplete data is being collected. Additionally, the introduction of email verification and phone verification services directly in the plugin provides the ability to quickly verify data at the point of collection, stopping dirty data getting anywhere near databases. Easily customise these services with configurable settings that match your needs.

We also included updates for latest WordPress / WooCommerce versions and ensured plugin version 1.7.11 is compatible with both Block and Classic checkouts.

Email verification

Collecting accurate email address ensures you can contact your customers effectively for order updates, info and more. The Addressfinder WooCommerce email verification service verifies that an email address is correct and able to receive emails. Here’s how it works:

• Syntax check: Checks the email address is formatted correctly.
• Domain check: Checks it can send and receive emails.
• Server check: Checks the address exists and accepts incoming emails.
• Rules check: Checks the email address matches your filter settings.

The configuration settings in the plugin allow users to customise what email addresses to accept by setting the below accept/block rules:

• Public: Email address provided by a free email service provider, like Gmail, or Outlook
• Role: Shared email addresses such as; support@, info@, accounts@.
• Disposable: Temporary email addresses ie. Apple Hide My Email, throw-away email providers.
• Unverified: The email service provider hasn't confirm senders identity

Phone verification

Phone verification ensures you collect accurate phone numbers of your customer at checkout. Addressfinder’s WooCommerce service verifies a phone number's line type, the country it is registered in and that it is connected to the network. It performs three core checks on phone number sent for validation.

• Range checks: Checks number length and position to determine type and country.
• Connection checks: Checks the phone number is live and able to accept SMS and/or calls.
• Rule checks: Checks the phone number matches your filter settings.

Customise configuration settings in the plugin to set the below accept/block rules for verifying phone numbers

• Country: Phone numbers that are registered in certain countries.
• Line type: Line type options such as mobile numbers.
• Connection status: Phone numbers if the service is unverified.

Upgrading and installation

If you already have the Addressfinder WooCommerce Plugin installed, simply go to the Plugins > Installed Plugins page within the WordPress Admin and click 'update now' on the Addressfinder plugin.

If you are new to Addressfinder, find the marketplace listing here, signup for a free Addressfinder trial account and try out the service on your WooCommerce checkout.

Usage of the email and phone verification services are counted on a 'lookup' basis, similar to addresses where one lookup is used for each verified address, email or phone number returned.

Testing

We have thoroughly tested this new version as it contains a number of changes. We're happy with the results but as there are many variables, when it comes to WordPress & WooCommerce versions, as well as other plugins that have the potential to conflict with the Addressfinder service, we suggest you give it a good test on your site.

After you upgrade to v1.7.11, visit your checkout. Check that the Address Autocomplete service is searching and returning addresses that match your needs. Check that emails and phone numbers are being verified (or not if you have these services turned off) that everything else is working as you would expect.

Legacy plans and versions

This is especially important if you are using an old version of WordPress or WooCommerce or if you are on a legacy Addressfinder plan (which may not include access to some of the new plugin features).

If you have any questions about this WooCommerce version update, please don't hesitate to get in touch.