Why you need to keep WordPress plugins up-to-date

…and why you should hire a professional developer to do it for you!

WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet, making it the most popular content management system (CMS) worldwide. Its vast ecosystem of plugins and themes allows for extensive customisation, catering for diverse needs from blogs to e-commerce platforms. However, to ensure your WordPress site runs smoothly and securely, it’s crucial to keep both the WordPress core and plugins up to date. Here’s why it’s essential and why hiring a professional developer (like us!) to manage updates is a smart investment.

The importance of keeping WordPress up-to-date

Security

One of the most compelling reasons to keep WordPress and its plugins updated is security. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and outdated software can have vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. WordPress updates often include patches for these security flaws, protecting your site from potential breaches. Plugins, which add functionality to your site, can also become security risks if not regularly updated. Ensuring everything is current reduces the chances of your site being compromised.

Performance and speed

Updates often include performance enhancements that make your site run faster and more efficiently. Slow loading times can negatively impact user experience and SEO rankings. By keeping your WordPress core and plugins up to date, you ensure your website runs optimally, providing a seamless experience for your visitors and maintaining your search engine visibility.

Compatibility

The WordPress ecosystem is vast and interconnected. Themes and plugins are designed to work with specific versions of the WordPress core. When you update your core but not your plugins, or vice versa, you risk compatibility issues that can lead to site malfunctions. Regular updates help maintain compatibility, ensuring all parts of your site work harmoniously together.

Access to new features

Updates aren’t just about fixing issues; they often bring new features and improvements. These enhancements can provide new functionalities, improve usability, and keep your site aligned with the latest web standards. By keeping everything up to date, you can leverage these advancements to improve your site’s performance and user experience.

Why hire a pro to make the updates?

Expertise and experience

Updating WordPress and plugins might seem straightforward, but it can be complex, especially for those unfamiliar with the technical aspects. Professional developers, like us, have the expertise and experience to manage updates seamlessly. We understand the intricacies of WordPress and can anticipate and resolve potential issues quickly.

Backup and recovery

Brandtastic will ensure that your site is backed up before performing any updates. This precaution means that if anything goes wrong during the update process, your site can be restored to its previous state, minimising downtime and potential data loss.

Troubleshooting and fixes

Incompatibilities or errors can arise during updates. A professional developer can troubleshoot and fix these issues promptly, ensuring your site remains functional and secure. Our ability to identify and address problems efficiently can save you significant time and frustration.

Save your valuable time

Managing updates yourself can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. By hiring a Brandtastic, you can focus on running your business while we handle the technical details, ensuring your site is always up to date and secure.

Proactive management

A professional developer doesn’t just perform updates reactively; they monitor your site proactively. This ongoing management ensures that updates are applied promptly and that your site remains secure and efficient over time.

Keeping your WordPress core and plugins up to date is essential for security, performance, compatibility, and accessing new features. While it might be tempting to handle updates yourself, hiring a professional developer offers peace of mind and ensures the process is handled expertly. Save yourself time, reduce risks and keep your site running smoothly, allowing you to focus on what you do best: growing your business.