If you’ve ever logged in and seen a pile of update notifications, you might have wondered do I really need to update all of this right now?
The short answer is yes. But it’s worth breaking it down.
Why Updates Matter
Every update usually fixes something.
That “something” might be:
- A new security patch
- A performance improvement
- A bug fix that stops certain errors
- New features or compatibility changes
Skipping them isn’t just about missing new features it’s often about leaving your site open to hackers or glitches.
WordPress Core Updates
WordPress itself releases updates several times a year.
Some are small and automatic, like minor security fixes. Others are big changes you have to apply manually.
- Minor updates – Apply as soon as they appear. They usually fix security gaps.
- Major updates – Review the changes, test on a staging site if you can, then update within a few days.
Plugin and Theme Updates
This is where people tend to fall behind.
Plugins and themes are built by different developers, so update schedules vary.
- Check for updates at least once a week
- Update plugins and themes that have security patches immediately
- For less urgent updates, you can batch them, but don’t let them sit for months
Testing Before Updating
Sometimes an update breaks things.
That’s why testing matters.
If you have a staging site, use it.
If not, make sure you have a backup before running updates. Services like Manage My Site handle daily backups for you, so you can roll back if something goes wrong.
The Safe Update Routine
Here’s a simple routine you can follow:
- Backup your site
- Update plugins with security fixes immediately
- Update other plugins and themes weekly
- Run WordPress core updates as soon as possible
- Check your site after every update
If you don’t want to manage this yourself, you can hand it off to a maintenance service. Our Plans & Pricing cover updates, backups, security monitoring, and more.
What Happens If You Skip Updates?
- Increased risk of hacking
- Slower site performance
- Compatibility issues with newer browsers or plugins
- Missing out on important features
Even a small delay can leave your site vulnerable. I’ve seen sites go down simply because one plugin wasn’t updated for months.
Final Thought
Updates aren’t glamorous, but they’re the foundation of a healthy WordPress site. Whether you do it yourself weekly or have Manage My Site handle it for you, keeping your site current is non-negotiable.
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