Table of Contents
- Is Updating WordPress Plugins Necessary?
- The Most Important Question: How Often Should You Update Plugins?
- Best Practices for Updating WordPress Plugins
- What to Do If an Update Breaks Your Site
- Why Hire an Agency to Maintain and Update WordPress Plugins?
- Conclusion
- How WPPRO Helps with Plugin Updates?
WordPress is a powerful platform for website development, offering great flexibility. However, it requires regular maintenance, including timely updates to the theme, core framework, and plugins. In this article, we will explore how often you should update your WordPress plugins to ensure your site performs optimally.
Is Updating WordPress Plugins Necessary?
Many website owners wonder whether updating their WordPress plugins is necessary. The answer is a resounding yes. Just as you wouldn’t hold onto an outdated mobile phone, neglecting plugin updates can lead to security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and missed opportunities for new features.
Updates are essential for several reasons:
- Security: Plugins can be targets for hackers. Developers release updates to fix security loopholes, keeping your site safe.
- Compatibility: Frequent WordPress core updates necessitate plugin updates to ensure smooth functionality.
- Performance Improvements: Updates often enhance plugin performance, ensuring they operate efficiently.
- Bug Fixes: Regular updates address bugs, minimising downtime and enhancing user experience.
The Most Important Question: How Often Should You Update Plugins?
The straightforward answer is monthly.
1. Check for Updates At Least Monthly
Check for updates monthly to ensure everything on your site functions smoothly and securely. Regular updates minimise security risks, optimise performance, and rectify bugs.
2. Disable Automatic Updates for Plugins
It’s advisable to disable automatic updates. While they seem convenient, they can lead to issues if a plugin isn’t compatible with a new WordPress core update.
3. Monthly Plugin Audit for Optimisation
Conduct a monthly audit of your plugins to ensure they’re regularly updated by their developers. If they aren’t, consider finding alternatives.
4. Always Backup Website Before an Update
Always back up your website before making updates. This practice allows you to restore your site if an update causes issues. It’s best to update on a staging site first to avoid affecting your live website.
5. Consider Hiring a WordPress Maintenance Agency
Hiring a maintenance agency can save you time and prevent potential issues, especially for high-traffic websites. They typically offer services that include auditing and updating plugins on a staging site first.
Best Practices for Updating WordPress Plugins
Here are essential best practices to follow when updating your WordPress plugins:
- Backup Everything on your Website: Use reliable backup plugins like BackupBuddy or UpdraftPlus.
- Update WordPress Core and Themes: Update the core and themes first to minimise compatibility issues.
- Conduct a Complete Plugin Audit: Check for deprecated plugins and assess performance.
- Perform Updates on Staging Website: Always update on a staging site first.
- Disable Plugins During Update: This helps prevent conflicts during the update process.
- Update One Plugin at a Time: This helps isolate issues that may arise.
- Remove Unused Plugins: Free up resources and enhance security.
- Check for Deprecated Plugins: Remove any that are no longer maintained.
- Check for Plugin Redundancies: Avoid using multiple plugins for the same function.
- Clear Cache and Re-optimise Website: This ensures users see the latest version of your site.
- Maintain a Document for Plugin Updates: Keep a log of updates for easier troubleshooting.
- Perform Post-Plugin Update Testing on Site: Test thoroughly after updates to ensure everything functions correctly.
What to Do If an Update Breaks Your Site
If an update causes issues, restore your backup first. If problems persist, check each plugin individually to identify the cause. You can also roll back plugins using tools like WP Rollback or contact plugin support for assistance.
Why Hire an Agency to Maintain and Update WordPress Plugins?
A maintenance agency can simplify your WordPress management, ensuring your website runs smoothly and securely. They will handle updates and compatibility issues so you can focus on your core business.
Conclusion
Regularly updating your WordPress plugins is vital for maintaining your site’s security and performance. Aim for monthly updates to safeguard your website and enhance user experience.
How WPPRO Helps with Plugin Updates?
WPPRO, a leading WordPress development agency in Australia, offers a comprehensive care plan focused on regular plugin updates, ensuring your website remains secure and efficient.
