In this blog, we share the 5 ‘ignore at your peril’ reasons you need to run regular updates on your website.
This includes using the latest version of WordPress, and regularly deploying theme and plugin updates.
Not sure how to do this on your own? We can help! Find out more about our Client Care Plan below and we’ll take care of it. It’s a small outlay for peace of mind and to keep your website secure and functioning at its optimal! Call us on 07 3889 2977 or enquire here.
Why you need to be using the latest version of WordPress
Here’s why you need to run regular updates on your website – and keep your theme and plugins up to date!
1. Security
It might sound obvious, but it’s sheer madness to see the volume of business owners who don’t bother to switch to the latest version of WordPress.
Especially given it’s free and takes less than 2 minutes.
WordPress powers almost one quarter (23%) of the world’s websites. And thanks to its popularity, it is often the target of hackers, data thieves and malicious code distributors.
Sounds scary, but the good news is that ensuring your website is using the latest version of WordPress means you’ll significantly reduce the risk of getting hacked.
With each new release, developers fix bugs and known security vulnerabilities.
Hackers can even search for websites running outdated versions of WordPress. So, no matter the size of your business – simply running an old version of WordPress can mean you’re at greater risk of a sophisticated attack.
And we’ve seen it happen time and time again – even on websites for small Aussie businesses.
2. Fixes Bugs
It’s not just the major WordPress updates you should be keeping on top of. Despite rigorous testing in the lead up to a major update, it’s not uncommon for a few bugs to slip through the cracks for a short period of time.
This means minor releases (which are shown by X.X.X) are equally important and shouldn’t be ignored. To give you an example, WordPress update 4.2.3 fixed 20 bugs from the 4.2 major release.
The key takeaway – always ensure you’re run both major and minor WordPress updates once they become available.
But it’s not all doom and gloom, running your WordPress, theme and plugin updates also have some positive perks…
3. Access to New Features
Using the latest version of WordPress means you’ll be able to leverage the latest and greatest features and software changes – designed to make updating your website even easier.
And if you do hit a roadblock, because you’re using the latest version you won’t have any issues finding WordPress help online. Steps for troubleshooting is typically based on the latest version
4. Improved Performance and Speed
WordPress developers are always pushing the limits to make things faster. Each new release will have several performance updates to improve efficiency and speed.
And given speed is a crucial factor in SEO, updating to the latest WordPress theme is a no brainer.
5. Compatability
While we’ve mostly addressed WordPress themes updates above, it’s just as important to use the latest theme and plugin versions – and for many of the same reasons. To protect against security vulnerabilities and eliminate any bugs in the software.
This will ensure that all the software – and your website – keeps functioning smoothly.
It’s not uncommon for issues to arise when your plugins are out of date, but you’ve got the latest version of WordPress – due to an incompatibility.
How to Update WordPress, Theme and Plugins
True to form, WordPress has made it easy to see and install a new WP, theme or plugin update.
Simply login to you Dashboard and look for the in-built “UPDATES” notification field. If new updates are available, you’ll see a round orange circle displaying the number of updates available.
Not comfortable navigating the back end of your website (your WordPress Dashboard) – we can help!
Brisbane Hosting Client Care Package
While some business owners may find it easy to run their WordPress, theme or plugin updates – others may not have the time, energy or confidence to do it on a regular basis.
Our Client Care Package not only ensures your website updates are up to date, we also take a full site back up and check for irregular hacker files, that will save you a lot of headaches (and money) should the unforeseeable happen.
To sign up for our Client Care Package, recommended on a quarterly basis at minimum, but can also be monthly – email us here.
Brisbane Hosting & Website Hosting’s products and services include Website Hosting, Domain Names, DNS Services, Website Development, Website Design, Website Revamps, Website Maintenance, Lead Generation Packages and Blogging, Social Media Campaigns and more.
Contact Brisbane Hosting on (07) 3889 2977 or via email info@brisbanehosting.com.au for further information.
