WordPress and Plugin Updates
Updates and maintenance for WordPress websites
Every time WordPress releases an update, it fixes security vulnerabilities, fixes bugs, adds new features, and essentially improves the foundation that supports your WordPress site.
Therefore, if you leave your website with pending WordPress or plugin updates, it means your site isn’t secure and you’re missing out on these potential benefits.
Why get help
While WordPress has made it easy to perform these updates yourself, the frustrating thing is that often when you update WordPress or a plugin, something can break as a result, and this can be due to a variety of complex reasons that are beyond the understanding of a non-technical user.
The update process
I first take a backup of your website, then set up a separate copy of it which is disconnected from the live one (called a Staging Site), and carry out the updates there. If all goes well then I carry out the same process on the live site, however, if something goes wrong staging I first resolve it there before anything is changed on live.
That way we minimise the risk of downtime on the live website.
Updating plugins
Initially, I create a backup of your website, followed by establishing a separate, disconnected version known as a Staging Site, where I perform the updates.
If everything works smoothly, I replicate the process on the live site. However, if any issues arise during staging, I address them there first before making any changes to the live site.
This approach helps us reduce the risk of downtime on the live website.
Updating your PHP version
Many website owners are unaware of this crucial aspect, yet it is essential for success.
The PHP version used by your web hosting can significantly impact your website’s performance. As plugins receive updates and new WordPress versions are launched, compatibility with older PHP versions diminishes.
Consequently, it’s important to regularly update your PHP directly through your web hosting account, rather than relying solely on WordPress.
