How to Manage those WordPress updates Like a Rock Star

How to Manage those WordPress updates Like a Rock Star
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    Have you ever stopped to wonder what happened to old software like Windows XP? Sure, it was great back in the day… but it just kind of faded away. Or did it? Actually, old software is still out there. But because they’re no longer getting regular upgrades (because something better is out!), they’re not safe to use. And that’s the main reason why you want to make sure your WordPress updates are done regularly: safety for your website.

    Now, don’t worry. WordPress isn’t going anywhere. It’s continuously updating, improving, and offering new options. In fact, as of December 2017, it’s on version 4.9.1. But that’ll change on a regular basis, because change is the only way to keep the software better – and safer. That’s why it’s important that you check for updates regularly.

    Check for WordPress updates regularly

    And by “regularly”, I mean “weekly.” WordPress won’t come out with major updates on a weekly basis. In fact, they usually only have one or two “big” updates each year – or as many as one per quarter. But they will have smaller updates on a regular basis. And it’s important to keep up with those for your website’s security.

    Because you better believe those hackers are trying to get into your website so they can hijack your neighborhood!

    Not sure if you’re behind on updates? Check what version of WordPress you’re rocking… if you’re on 3.5.2, well, you’re 1 BIG update and several medium-sized updates behind. On the other hand, if you’re rocking a 4.7.2, you’re only a couple of updates behind. Either way, though, go fix that right now.

    Oh, and make sure you’ve got those website backups done before you install any major updates – or before you try a new plugin. That way, if things don’t install as planned, you can restore the backup and try again later.

    And update those plugins, too!

    And speaking of updates, be sure to check your plugins for regular updates, too. They’ll be needing updates to stay compatible with WordPress changes.

    Oh, and here’s a HUGE “good” plugin hint: look at how often the developer updates them. If it isn’t often, RUN AWAY and find a different plugin. They don’t need to be updated every day, but they do need to be updated more than once a year. That’s why premium (or paid) plugins tend to be better – their developers have the capital they need to sustain upgrades and test them for safety and compatibility.

    Want more info? Read the release notes!

    Now, if you want to learn what an update or a release does, read the release notes. Each update has them. And they’ll detail new features, specific bug fixes, and more.

    Just remember that it’s written by developers, so it’s not always the most thrilling of reading. But it is nice to know what new features your website (or your plugins) will offer. That way, you can update your website to take advantage of those new, improved features.

    …Or subscribe to that newsletter

    There are various WordPress updates (or plugin updates) that we’re all hoping and wishing for. And, rather than just sitting back, waiting, and wishing for those updates, there’s another way to see what’s coming down the update pipeline.

    It’s this: newsletters. Get on the newsletter list for whatever software or plugin it is you’re curious about. That way, you can get notified when something breaks, when an update is coming, and when it’s released.

    Or, if all of this seems like too much work, there is one final option.

    Automatic updates are amazing.

    If keeping up is too much, there are some aspects of WordPress that allow for automated updates. And, it can be absolutely amazing when it goes right. Thankfully, it goes right most of the time. But just in case, I do recommend keeping a backup. Because as long as you have it, you probably won’t need it, right?

    Anyway, not everything offers automatic updates. So you will still need to check those other parts and plugins on a regular basis. But it is nice to know that the WordPress framework of your website stays up to date, and safe, on its own.

    And now that you’re a WordPress update and security pro, you can rock those updates to keep your website secure, up-to-date, and awesome.

    Want more information on keeping your WordPress website secure? Be sure to check back here for more info, or get specific information via a personalized security assessment when we chat.

    Want to see this rather than read it? That’s cool. Just click here.

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