The Hidden Risks of Outdated Code
Failing to update your themes and plugins can result in:
- Security vulnerabilities
- Broken functionality
- Compatibility issues with new WordPress versions
- Performance slowdowns
Updates often include security patches, bug fixes, and new features that keep your site running smoothly and safely.
How to Safely Update Your Site:
- Backup Before Updating
Always take a full site backup (files + database) using plugins like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault. - Update in Stages
Avoid updating everything at once. Start with plugins, then themes, and lastly the WordPress core. - Use a Staging Site
If you’re managing a busy or business-critical site, test updates on a staging environment before applying them live. - Monitor After Updates
Check your site visually and test key functions (forms, checkouts, etc.) after each update.
Final Tip:
Turn on automatic updates for trusted plugins and themes, but always monitor them. For more control, consider using a plugin like Easy Updates Manager.