Upgrading your WordPress website is not just an option, but a responsibility towards your users to provide them a safe & secure browsing experience. However, updating a WordPress website is not as simple as clicking “Update Now”. Instead, it requires a strategic approach that a professional website developer can formulate.
If you want to understand why you should update your website and what the website upgrading process looks like, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will discuss some of the key benefits of regularly updating your website and outline the best practices for doing so.
What Steps are Involved In Upgrading WordPress?
In general, the following points outline the responsibilities typically associated with upgrading a WordPress-powered website:
Step #1: Securing A Complete Backup of Data
A backup should always precede changes to an existing version. When you hire a professional WordPress developer or an agency in Singapore, they will ensure to back up each of the following items:
- Database
- Themes
- Plugins
- Media files
- Core WordPress Files
This ensures that, in the event of any issues, your website can be restored to its original state.
Step #2: Upgrade On A Staging Site
Many WordPress support specialists will design a copy of the entire site, which serves as a staging or test site. This copy enables risk-free potential upgrade trials as the actual site will be untouched. Developers verify that the site functions correctly after the upgrade.
Step #3: Checking Compatibility of Plugins and Theme
To execute the WordPress upgrade, all active plugins and themes in use are checked for compatibility with the newer version of WordPress. If any of the plugins are deemed old, there is a possibility that they may need to be updated, substituted, or disabled.
Step #4: Updating Core WordPress Files
This step is the most crucial throughout the entire upgrade. The current WordPress core files must be replaced with the latest version. This process can be done manually via FTP or automatically through the admin section of the dashboard.
Step #5: Upgrading Themes and Plugins
After the core has been updated, every installed plugin and theme is updated to the latest version. This ensures full compatibility and avoids potential conflicts.
Step #6: Post-Upgrade Testing
Extensive testing is conducted after all updates are complete. The WordPress Developer will;
- Test all site functionality (Forms, Sliders, Shopping Carts, etc.)
- Ensure the Layout and Design are kept as is
- Verify Speed and Performance
- Check for Broken Links or Page Errors
Step #7: Security & Optimization
Strengthening the security of a WordPress website has become a crucial focus for many WordPress support providers as part of the website upgrade process. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Updating Security Plugins
- Changing Login URLs
- Installing Firewalls
- Optimizing Database Tables
- Risks of doing DIY WordPress upgrades
Upgrading WordPress may seem like an easy task, but doing so personally comes with a list of risks, such as:
- Broken Layouts or Pages
- The White Screen of Death
- Plugin Conflicts
- Lost Content or Settings
- Site Downtime
For business-critical websites, it is advisable to work with a seasoned WordPress developer or subscribe to a professional WordPress support plan.
How frequently should You Upgrade Your WordPress site?
In an ideal world, the core of WordPress, along with its themes and plugins, should undergo a monthly checkup. It is also a best practice to do security patch updates as soon as they are available. If your website is regularly maintained by a professional website professional, the chances of experiencing downtime or being hacked are significantly reduced.
Conclusion:
The security of your WordPress website is as crucial as its development. Building a website and launching it is not the end. The most important part of having a website starts after you launch it. After launching your website, you must formulate appropriate plans to maintain it and update & upgrade it regularly. If you lack technical expertise, it’s advisable to hire a website agency or developer to ensure your website remains up-to-date.