Why Regular WordPress Maintenance is Non-Negotiable
Once your site is live, keeping your WordPress software, themes, and plugins up to date is the single best thing you can do for your digital health. It’s a quick task that offers two massive benefits:
- Improved Website Speed: Updates often include performance patches that keep your site snappy.
- Enhanced Security: Outdated software is the #1 way hackers find their way in. Regular updates help with preventing hackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
There are several ways to handle this. You can use tools like Installatron or Softaculous inside your hosting account, or—most commonly—right from your WordPress dashboard.
How to Update WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide
The WordPress dashboard is designed to be user-friendly; it will show you exactly what needs attention via red notification circles.
- Locate the Update Section: In the left-hand column, go to Dashboard >> Updates. This page aggregates everything that needs a refresh.
- Select & Run: Simply click “Select All” and hit “Update.” It usually takes less than a minute, though larger updates might take a bit longer.
- Manage Your Themes: You can also update themes here or in the Themes section.
- Pro Tip: If you have old themes you haven’t used in years, delete them. They are just extra weight and potential security risks.
Beyond Software: Keeping Your Site Clean
While you’re under the hood, take a moment to do some digital “housekeeping”:
- Clear Spam: Head to the Comments section and delete any spam cluttering your database.
- Check Your Links: Look for broken links or outdated info.
- Test Functionality: Quickly test your contact forms and media players to ensure everything is working as intended.
Not a fan of technical maintenance? We know that life gets busy. If you’d rather not worry about red notification circles, we have a maintenance plan designed to handle the heavy lifting for you. We’ll keep the engine running while you focus on your business.
