Overview:
Regular updates keep your site secure, fast, and compatible with modern standards. But updates should be done carefully to avoid errors or downtime.
Before You Update:
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Back up your site (files + database)
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Check plugin/theme changelogs
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Note any custom code or overrides
What to Update:
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WordPress Core / CMS
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Themes (especially if using a page builder theme)
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Plugins
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PHP version (consult your host first)
How to Update Safely:
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Backup your site (use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy)
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Put your site in maintenance mode (optional)
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Update one thing at a time
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Test the site after each update
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Clear your website cache
Use a Staging Site When Possible
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Test updates on a clone of your live site to avoid breaking anything in production.