Updates in WordPress: How to do it right?

In the world of technology, everything is changing at a dizzying pace, and content management systems such as WordPress are no exception. Regular updates are essential for the secure and efficient operation of any website. Unfortunately, many people still avoid performing them, which can lead to serious problems such as data loss, drops in search engine rankings, or exposure to hacker attacks.

1. Updates as the key to security

WordPress, being one of the most popular CMSs in the world (over 43% of websites use this platform), is also one of the main targets of cybercriminals. Outdated versions of WordPress, plugins, or themes may contain security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to:

• Injecting malicious code (e.g. malware),
• Carrying out DDoS attacks,
• Steal user data.

Example: In 2021, a vulnerability was discovered in the popular Elementor plugin, which was used by millions of websites. An update within a few days solved the problem, but website owners who did not install it were vulnerable to attacks.

2. Improved performance and access to new features

Updates are not just about patching security holes. Developers are constantly working to optimise code and introduce new features that can improve website performance and user experience (UX). With regular updates, the website runs faster and users have access to modern solutions.

Example: WordPress 5.8 introduced a new block-based widget editor, which greatly simplified website customisation without the need to edit code.

3. Compatibility with other technologies

The world of technology is constantly evolving – PHP, JavaScript, servers and browsers regularly receive new versions. Updating WordPress and its components (plugins, themes) helps avoid compatibility issues. Keeping your environment up to date is the key to stable website performance.

Why do users avoid updates?

Despite the benefits of updates, many people still put them off. The main reasons are:

• Fear of website failure: Updates can cause conflicts between plugins or themes, which sometimes results in errors or even website unavailability.
• Lack of technical knowledge: Not all website owners understand how to safely perform an update or what to do if problems arise.
• Lack of time: Automation seems attractive, but it carries the risk of losing control over the process.

Example: An automatic theme update may overwrite changes made to the main theme code, leading to a loss of website personalisation.

2. Automatic vs. manual updates – which to choose?

There are two main approaches to updating in WordPress: automatic and manual. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right method depends on the specifics of the site and the user’s level of expertise. In this section, we will analyse both approaches to help you make an informed decision.

Automatic updates

Automatic updates in WordPress were introduced in version 3.7 and have been steadily gaining popularity ever since. By default, WordPress automatically updates security patches (e.g. changes from version 6.3.1 to 6.3.2), but users can configure the system to also include updates to plugins, themes, or even the main version of WordPress.

Advantages of automatic updates:

1. Quick security patching:
   With automatic updates, security fixes are implemented immediately, minimising the risk of hackers exploiting vulnerabilities.
2. No manual action required:
   Automation saves time, especially for those who manage multiple websites.
3. Recommended for small websites:
   For simple websites (e.g. blogs or business card websites), the risk of conflicts is lower, so automatic updates are usually safe.

Disadvantages of automatic updates:

1. Lack of control:
   Automatic updates can introduce changes that cause errors or conflicts with other website components (e.g. plugins, themes). This can result in the website being unavailable before the problem is noticed.
2. Lack of testing:
   Automatic updates are implemented without prior testing on your website, which increases the risk of problems.
3. Risk of overwriting changes:
   If you modify the parent theme instead of using a child theme, the update may overwrite your changes.

Example of automatic update configuration:

To configure automatic updates in WordPress, you can add the following lines to your wp-config.php file:

// Enable automatic updates for all components

define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE’, true ); // Main WordPress versions

add_filter( ‘auto_update_plugin’, ‘__return_true’ ); // Plugins

add_filter( ‘auto_update_theme’, ‘__return_true’ ); // Themes

However, it is recommended to exercise caution and limit automatic updates to security patches only.

Manual updates

Manual updates require direct user involvement, but allow for complete control over the process. This allows you to ensure that every change is thoroughly reviewed and tested before implementation.

Advantages of manual updates:

1. Full control:
   You can decide for yourself which updates will be implemented and when.
2. Testing before implementation:
   The ability to perform updates in a staging (test) environment, which helps avoid errors on the live site.
3. Lower risk of conflicts:
   With manual updates, you can review the changelogs for plugins and themes to ensure they are compatible with your site.

Disadvantages of manual updates:

1. Time-consuming:
   Manual updates take more time, especially if you manage multiple websites.
2. Technical knowledge required:
   An incorrectly performed update can lead to website failure.

Comparison of automatic and manual updates

Criterion	Automatic updates	Manual updates
Control	Limited	Full control
Risk of conflicts	Higher	Lower (thanks to testing)
Time required	Minimal	Greater (testing, analysis of changes)
Who is it suitable for?	Small websites, less technical users	Company websites, e-commerce, advanced users

What to choose?

1. If you run a simple website, such as a blog or a business card website, and you do not have time to regularly monitor updates, automation (limited to security fixes) may be a good solution.
2. If you manage a more complex website, such as an online shop or portal, manual updates are more appropriate as they avoid the risk of crashes or conflicts.

How to prepare for an update in WordPress?

Without proper preparation, a WordPress update can result in website failure, data loss, or compatibility issues with plugins and themes. To avoid such situations, it is worth following a few key preparatory steps. This section will discuss in detail how to properly prepare your website for an update.

3.1 Creating backups

Backups are the most important part of preparing for an update. Even the best-planned update process can sometimes end in problems, so having a backup allows you to quickly restore your website to working order.

Why is backup crucial?

1. Data security:
   A backup protects all data, including content, comments, settings, and multimedia files.
2. Ability to quickly restore your website:
   In case of problems, you can restore your website in a matter of minutes.

How to make a backup?

There are several methods for creating backups:

1. Using plugins:
   • UpdraftPlus: A popular and easy-to-use tool that allows you to create copies of files and databases and save them to external servers such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
   • Duplicator: Ideal for creating complete copies of your website, especially when moving your site to another server.
   • BlogVault: A professional solution with automatic backup and restore features.
2. Example of UpdraftPlus plugin configuration:
   • Install and activate the plugin.
   • Select the location where the backups are to be stored (e.g. Google Drive).
   • Perform a manual backup before updating.
3. Manual backup:
   • Website files: Download the entire WordPress directory using FTP (e.g. FileZilla).
   • Database: Use the phpMyAdmin tool in your hosting panel to export the database.
4. Backup in the hosting panel:
   • Many hosting companies (e.g. DirectAdmin, cPanel) offer the option of automatic backups. Check if your hosting provider offers this option and perform a manual backup.

3.2 Creating a staging environment

Staging is a copy of your website where you can test changes, including updates, without the risk of affecting the live version. This is especially important for large websites, such as online shops or portals with a large number of users.

Why is staging important?

1. Safe testing:
   It allows you to check whether updates cause conflicts between plugins, themes, and the WordPress core.
2. Preventing crashes:
   All errors can be fixed in the staging environment before the changes go live.

How to create a staging environment?

1. Staging plugins:
   • WP Staging: Creates a local copy of the site directly on the server.
   • Local by Flywheel: A tool for creating a local testing environment on your computer.
2. Hosting features:
   • Some managed hosting providers (e.g. WP Engine, SiteGround) offer a built-in staging environment.
3. Manual staging configuration:
   • Copy the website files and database to a subdomain (e.g. staging.yourdomain.com).
   • Configure wp-config.php to point to the new database.

3.3 Compatibility check

Not every update is immediately compatible with existing plugins, themes, or the version of PHP your website runs on. Checking compatibility before updating helps you avoid problems.

How to check compatibility?

1. Analyse changelogs:
   Check the changes made in the new version of WordPress, plugins, and themes. You can find changelogs on WordPress.org or in the “Details” section of the Dashboard.
2. Testing PHP versions:
   Make sure your PHP version is compatible with the new version of WordPress and plugins. The PHP Compatibility Checker plugin can help with this analysis.
3. Updates on staging:
   Perform all updates on the test environment to ensure that the website is functioning correctly.

3.4 Gather basic information about your website

Before proceeding with the update, it is worth noting down some key information:

1. WordPress version: Make sure you know which version you are currently using.
2. List of installed plugins and themes: Check their versions and compatibility notes.
3. Server configuration: Note the version of PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, and server information (e.g., Apache, LiteSpeed).
4. Step-by-step manual update process

Manually updating WordPress, plugins, and themes requires proper preparation and precision. This process gives you full control over updates, minimising the risk of errors and conflicts. In this section, we provide a detailed step-by-step guide on how to safely perform a manual update.

4.1 Step 1: Preparing the environment

Before you begin the update, make sure you have everything you need:

• Backups – a full backup of your website files and database.
• Access to FTP or hosting panel – in case you need to restore the website.
• Staging environment – for testing updates before implementing them on the live website.

4.2 Step 2: Updating WordPress Core

Updating via the WordPress dashboard

1. Log in to the WordPress admin panel.
2. Go to Dashboard > Updates.
3. If a new version of WordPress is available, you will see a message saying ‘A new version of WordPress is available’.
4. Click the Update Now button.
5. Once the process is complete, check that your site is working properly.

Manual update via FTP

1. Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.
2. Unzip the downloaded ZIP file on your computer.
3. Connect to your server via FTP (e.g. using FileZilla).
4. Replace the following folders and files:
   • /wp-includes/
   • /wp-admin/
   • Files in the main directory (e.g. wp-config-sample.php), except for wp-config.php and the /wp-content/ directory.
5. Go to /wp-admin/upgrade.php in your browser to complete the database update process, if required.

4.3 Step 3: Update plugins

Updating via the dashboard

1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
2. If updates are available, you will see a message next to each plugin.
3. Click Update Now next to each plugin.
4. Check that key site features are working (e.g. contact forms, WooCommerce shopping cart).

Manual update via FTP

1. Download the new version of the plugin from the official website or from the WordPress repository.
2. Unzip the ZIP file on your computer.
3. Connect to the server via FTP.
4. Delete the old version of the plugin from the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
5. Upload the new plugin directory to the server.
6. Log in to the WordPress dashboard and ensure that the plugin is working correctly.

4.4 Step 4: Updating themes

Updating via the dashboard

1. Go to Appearance > Themes.
2. If your theme has an update available, you will see a message about the update.
3. Click Update Now.
4. Check that the theme is working correctly and that the site looks the same as before.

Manual update via FTP

1. Download the new version of the theme from a trusted source (e.g. the theme author’s website).
2. Unzip the ZIP file on your computer.
3. Connect to the server via FTP.
4. Upload the new theme directory to /wp-content/themes/, replacing the existing folder.
   Note: If you are using a parent theme, any modifications you have made to the files will be overwritten. Always use child themes for such changes.

4.5 Step 5: Testing after the update

After completing the update, thoroughly test your site to ensure that everything is working correctly.

Post-update testing checklist:

1. Test all key features:
   • Contact forms,
   • User logins,
   • Shopping cart and checkout process (for WooCommerce).
2. Check the visual aspects of the site:
   • Does the site look the same?
   • Are all graphics, animations, and CSS styles working correctly?
3. Review the error logs:
   • Check the server logs or enable WordPress debug mode (WP_DEBUG in the wp-config.php file).

4.6 Step 6: Monitoring after the update

After the update, it is a good idea to monitor the site for a few days to make sure it is running smoothly. Pay attention to:

• The functioning of key website features.
• Possible errors in the server logs.
• Information about problems from website users.

 

5. Common problems and how to deal with them?

The process of updating WordPress and its components, despite careful preparation, can sometimes end in problems. These often result from conflicts between plugins, themes, or errors in the code. In this section, we will discuss the most common problems, their causes, and practical ways to solve them.

5.1 Conflicts with plugins or themes

Symptoms:

• The website stops working (white screen, known as the “White Screen of Death”).
• Plugin functions stop working (e.g., inability to fill out the contact form).
• The website looks different, e.g. theme elements are broken.

Causes:

• Outdated versions of plugins or themes that are not compatible with the new version of WordPress.
• Errors in the plugin or theme code.
• Conflicts between different plugins that use similar functions or libraries.

Solutions:

1. Disabling plugins:
   • Log in to the WordPress admin panel.
   • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
   • Deactivate all plugins, then activate them one by one to find the problematic plugin.
   • If you cannot log in to the dashboard, disable plugins manually via FTP:
     • Connect to the server.
     • Rename the /wp-content/plugins/ directory to something like /wp-content/plugins_backup/.
2. Restoring the default theme:
   • Activate the default WordPress theme, e.g. Twenty Twenty-Three.
   • If you cannot log in to the dashboard, change the theme manually:
     • Via FTP: Delete the problematic theme directory from /wp-content/themes/.
3. Updating problematic components:
   • Check if there is a newer version of the plugin or theme available that solves the problem.

5.2 Error 500 (Internal Server Error)

Symptoms:

• The page returns a 500 error instead of normal content.

Causes:

• Conflicts in the PHP code as a result of updates.
• Server limits exceeded (e.g. memory).

Solutions:

1. 1. Check the .htaccess file:
      • Connect to the server via FTP.
      • Rename the .htaccess file to, for example, .htaccess_backup.
      • Check if the website is working.
      • If the problem disappears, generate a new .htaccess file in WordPress:
        • Log in to the dashboard.
        • Go to Settings > Permalinks.
        • Click “Save Changes”.
   2. Increasing the PHP memory limit:
      • Open the wp-config.php file and add the following line:

define( ‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’ );

1. 1. • Alternatively, contact your hosting provider to increase the memory limit.
   2. Debugging PHP errors:

• • Enable debug mode by editing the wp-config.php file:

define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true );

define( ‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true );

define( ‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false );

1. Errors will be logged in the /wp-content/debug.log file.

5.3 White Screen of Death

Symptoms:

• When you visit the website, you see a completely white screen with no error messages.

Causes:

• Conflict between plugins or themes.
• Critical errors in the PHP code.

Solutions:

1. Disable all plugins and themes:
   • Follow the procedure described in section 5.1.
2. Restore a backup:
   • If the problem cannot be resolved, restore the site from the last backup.
3. Enable debugging:
   • Enable debug mode as described in section 5.2 to identify the problem.

5.4 Database update issues

Symptoms:

• After updating, WordPress asks for a “database update,” but the process freezes.
• No access to the admin panel.

Causes:

• Corrupted tables in the database.
• Interruption of the update process.

Solutions:

1. Database repair:
   • Edit the wp-config.php file and add:

define( ‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true );

1. • Go to http://twojastrona.pl/wp-admin/maint/repair.php and select the database repair option.
   • Remove the added line from the wp-config.php file when finished.
2. Checking database access:
   • Ensure that the login details in wp-config.php are correct.

5.5 Loss of theme customisation

Symptoms:

• Changes to the appearance of the site disappeared after updating the theme.

Causes:

• Editing the main theme instead of using a child theme.

Solutions:

1. Restore backup:
   • If you have a backup, restore the previous version of the theme.
2. Create a child theme:
   • After restoring the changes, create a child theme to prevent loss of customisation in the future:
     • Copy the style.css and functions.php files to a new directory in /wp-content/themes/.

6. Best practices for managing updates

Safe and effective management of WordPress updates requires following proven practices. Thanks to them, you can minimise the risk of problems and maximise the stability and security of your website. In this section, we will present the best techniques that will allow you to avoid mistakes and keep your website in optimal condition.

6.1 Regular updates

Regularly updating WordPress, plugins, and themes is crucial for website security. Outdated versions are the main target of hacker attacks.

Why is it worth updating regularly?

1. Increased security:
   New versions eliminate known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
2. Access to new features:
   Updates often introduce improvements that increase functionality and performance.
3. Better compatibility with other technologies:
   New versions of WordPress are adapted to current versions of PHP, browsers, and servers.

How to set an update schedule?

1. Small websites: Update at least once a month.
2. Online shops and portals: Check for updates once a week, especially for key plugins such as WooCommerce.
3. Sites managed by agencies: Implement an automatic reminder system or automate the monitoring process.

6.2 Using staging

A staging environment is a key element of update management for more important websites, such as online shops, company websites, and news portals.

Key benefits of staging:

1. Safe testing:
   You can perform updates and check their impact on the website without the risk of affecting the live version.
2. Conflict detection:
   Conflicts between plugins or themes can be resolved before they reach the production site.

How to automate staging?

1. Managed hosting: Use the staging feature offered by your hosting provider (e.g. WP Engine, SiteGround).
2. Staging plugins: Use tools such as WP Staging or Duplicator.
3. Local staging: Create a local environment on your computer using tools such as Local by Flywheel.

6.3 Automating repetitive tasks

Some aspects of update management can be automated to save time and minimise the risk of errors.

When to automate?

1. Minor security updates: It is a good idea to enable automatic updates for security fixes, e.g. versions such as 6.3.1 → 6.3.2.
2. Update monitoring: Tools such as ManageWP or MainWP allow you to manage multiple sites and monitor available updates.

How to configure automatic updates?

• Add the following code to the wp-config.php file to enable automatic updates for security patches:

define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE’, true );

6.4 Regularly monitor your site’s status

Monitoring your website after updates is just as important as the updates themselves. Even if everything seems to be working at first glance, problems may arise in the long run.

Monitoring tools:

1. WP Activity Log: Records all changes and user actions in the dashboard.
2. UptimeRobot: Monitors website availability and sends notifications in case of downtime.
3. New Relic: An application performance monitoring tool that can detect slowdowns after updates.

What to monitor?

1. Website availability: Regularly check that the website is available and running without errors.
2. Key features: Ensure that forms, the purchasing process, and other key elements are functioning correctly.
3. Server logs: Analyse error logs to respond quickly to potential issues.

6.5 Backup storage

Even with the best update management, a backup remains your “plan B” in case of problems. Store backups in at least two locations:

1. On the server: Regular backups on the server facilitate quick restoration.
2. In the cloud: Services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3 provide additional security.

6.6 The role of hosting in update management

Choosing the right hosting is crucial for effective update management. Managed hosting for WordPress offers features that can greatly simplify the process:

1. Automatic backups: Daily backups that can be easily restored.
2. Staging feature: Built-in tools for testing updates.
3. Technical support: WordPress specialists help you solve problems.

7. Tools and plugins to assist with updates

Effective update management in WordPress requires the right tools and plugins to facilitate monitoring, testing, and implementing changes. They can save you time, minimise the risk of errors, and better secure your website. In this section, we will introduce the most important tools and plugins to support the update process.

7.1 Backup tools

Backups are the basis for secure update management. Here are the most popular tools to help you create regular backups:

1. UpdraftPlus

• Features:
  • Automatic and manual backups.
  • Ability to save backups to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3).
  • One-click backup restoration option.
• Who it’s for: Ideal for small and medium-sized websites.
• Link: UpdraftPlus

2. Duplicator

• Features:
  • Backup entire websites.
  • Useful when migrating a website to another server.
• For whom: Users who frequently move websites or need comprehensive backups.
• Link: Duplicator

3. BlogVault

• Features:
  • Automatic backups.
  • Option to restore backups in a staging environment.
• For whom: Advanced users and agencies managing multiple websites.
• Link: BlogVault

7.2 Update management tools

1. ManageWP

• Features:
  • Manage multiple WordPress sites from a single dashboard.
  • Automatic and manual updates of plugins, themes, and core.
  • Website performance monitoring and backups.
• For whom: Freelancers and agencies managing multiple sites.
• Link: ManageWP

2. MainWP

• Features:
  • Full control over multiple websites from a single dashboard.
  • Automatic notifications about available updates.
  • Integration with backup tools (e.g. UpdraftPlus).
• For whom: Advanced users and administrators.
• Link: MainWP

3. Easy Updates Manager

• Features:
  • Automatic update settings for selected items (plugins, themes, core).
  • Update management from the dashboard.
• For whom: Users looking for a simple tool to manage updates.
• Link: Easy Updates Manager

7.3 Update testing tools

1. WP Staging

• Features:
  • Create a staging environment on the same server.
  • Testing updates without affecting the live site.
• For whom: Users who want to test changes safely.
• Link: WP Staging

2. Local by Flywheel

• Features:
  • Create local WordPress environments on your computer.
  • Ideal for testing plugins, themes, and updates.
• Who it’s for: Developers and advanced users.
• Link: Local by Flywheel

3. Sandboxie (for local environments):

• Features:
  • Creation of an isolated testing environment.
  • Ensures security and minimises the risk of problems on the live site.
• For whom: Developers and users with more technical requirements.

7.4 Website monitoring tools

1. WP Activity Log

• Features:
  • Records all changes in WordPress, including updates, logins, and content changes.
  • Helps track potential issues arising from updates.
• For whom: Administrators of websites with multiple users.
• Link: WP Activity Log

2. UptimeRobot

• Features:
  • Website availability monitoring.
  • Email or SMS notifications in case of failure.
• For whom: All websites that need to be available 24/7.
• Link: UptimeRobot

3. New Relic

• Features:
  • Application performance monitoring, including page load time.
  • Identification of issues after updates.
• For whom: Professional business and e-commerce websites.
• Link: New Relic

7.5 Automation and reporting tools

1. AutomatorWP

• Features:
  • Automation of repetitive tasks in WordPress.
  • Integration with popular plugins (WooCommerce, LearnDash).
• For whom: Users who want to automate processes after updates.
• Link: AutomatorWP

2. Google Search Console

• Features:
  • Monitoring organic traffic and indexing errors after updates.
  • Reports on the status of the website in search results.
• For whom: Website owners who care about SEO.
• Link: Google Search Console

8. SEO and WordPress updates

Updates to WordPress, plugins, and themes have a direct impact on your website’s search engine ranking. A properly executed update process can improve performance and security, which will have a positive effect on SEO. On the other hand, errors after an update can lead to drops in rankings. In this section, we will discuss how updates affect SEO and how to use them without harming your website’s visibility.

8.1 How do updates affect SEO?

1. Improving website speed

• New versions of WordPress and plugins often include code optimisations that reduce page load times. Load speed is one of Google’s key ranking factors.
• Updating themes can also introduce better CSS and JavaScript file management, which reduces the weight of the website.

Example: WordPress 5.9 introduced improvements to the block editor that reduced content rendering time, which had a positive impact on page performance.

2. Removing security vulnerabilities

• Websites vulnerable to hacker attacks, such as malware infections, may be flagged by Google as “unsafe,” leading to lower search engine rankings.
• Security updates eliminate known vulnerabilities, which helps maintain the reputation of the website.

Example: The Yoast SEO plugin had a security vulnerability in 2021 that was fixed within a few days. Websites that did not update were at risk of losing their Google ranking.

3. Compatibility issues after updating

• Outdated plugins or themes can cause errors that prevent Googlebot from indexing content correctly.
• Problems with XML sitemap files or lack of response from the server can cause drops in indexing.

Example: After updating an SEO plugin (e.g. Rank Math), it is worth checking that the sitemap.xml file is still available and working correctly.

8.2 How to avoid SEO issues after an update?

1. Monitor website performance

• After each update, check the page load time using tools such as:
  • Google PageSpeed Insights (link),
  • GTmetrix (link),
  • Pingdom Tools (link).
• If you notice a slowdown, check which elements (e.g. plugins) may be causing it.

2. Check the availability of the website

• Ensure that all key pages and content are accessible to Googlebot after the update:
  • Log in to Google Search Console and check the ‘Coverage’ report.
  • Use the “Fetch as Google” tool to verify how the search engine sees your page.

3. Analyse the correctness of structured data

• When updating themes and plugins, errors may occur in structured data (schema.org). This can negatively affect SERP results, such as Rich Snippets.
• Tools:
  • Google Rich Results Test (link),
  • Schema Markup Validator (link).

4. Test the robots.txt and sitemap.xml files

• Updates may accidentally change the rules in the robots.txt file or damage the sitemap.
• Verify that:
  • The robots.txt file still allows Googlebot to index key pages.
  • The sitemap.xml file is accessible and contains all relevant subpages.

Example: If you use the Yoast SEO plugin, check https://twojastrona.pl/sitemap_index.xml after updating.

5. Verify internal links

• After updating, check that internal links lead to the correct pages and do not generate 404 errors.
• Tools:
  • Broken Link Checker (WordPress plugin),
  • Ahrefs or Screaming Frog (for more advanced analysis).

8.3 Monitoring SEO after updates

1. Google Search Console

• After each update, check the reports in Google Search Console to ensure that:
  • No new indexing errors have appeared.
  • The number of indexed pages has not decreased.

2. Analysis of positions in search results

• Monitor the positions of your key phrases using SEO tools such as:
  • SEMRush,
  • Ahrefs,
  • Serprobot.
• If you notice any drops, analyse whether they are related to problems on the website (e.g. content unavailability).

3. Outage notifications

• Use monitoring tools such as UptimeRobot to receive notifications in the event of website unavailability.

8.4 How to prepare your website for updates and SEO?

1. Regular SEO audits

• Conduct SEO audits at least once a quarter to ensure that all elements of the website (structural data, internal links, loading time) are in order.

2. Use SEO-friendly plugins

• Yoast SEO or Rank Math help you manage your website’s optimisation and inform you of potential problems after updates.

3. Create a staging environment

• Testing updates in a staging environment helps you avoid issues that could negatively impact the SEO of your live site.

Summary and conclusions

WordPress updates, although often overlooked or postponed, are a key element in keeping a website secure, efficient, and functional. A well-thought-out update process helps avoid crashes, improves website performance, and protects it from potential threats. In this article, we have discussed in detail how to perform updates responsibly and effectively.

Key steps in a secure update process

1. Preparation:
   • Backing up is the foundation of any update.
   • Implement a staging environment to test changes before deploying them to the live site.
2. Manual update:
   • Gives you full control over the process, allowing you to eliminate potential conflicts.
   • Testing website functionality after each update.
3. Post-update monitoring:
   • Regularly checking the status of the website, its performance and error logs.
   • Analysis in Google Search Console and website availability monitoring tools.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Conflicts with plugins or themes can be minimised by testing updates on staging.
• Website failures (e.g. white screen) can be prevented by regular backups.
• SEO issues, such as loss of indexing or damaged structured data, can be resolved through thorough testing and monitoring of results.

Best practices

• Regular updates – perform them systematically to avoid accumulated changes.
• Utilising tools such as UpdraftPlus, ManageWP, and WP Staging, which support update management.
• Automation where possible, but while maintaining control over key elements of the website.

Why is it worth investing in well-executed updates?

1. Security: Websites running on outdated versions of WordPress, plugins, or themes are a prime target for cyberattacks.
2. Performance: Updates often include optimisations that reduce page load times.
3. SEO: Regular updates help avoid technical issues that could affect search engine rankings.

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By ensuring regular and informed WordPress updates, you:

• You protect your website from threats.
• You provide users with a better experience (UX).
• You build trust among visitors and search engines.

If you have any doubts or concerns about updating your website, use the tools and plugins described in the article or consider working with a professional.

Summary in 3 steps:

1. Prepare for updates – make backups and test changes.
2. Update consciously, controlling each stage of the process.
3. Monitor your website after the update to quickly detect and fix any issues.

You can always leave it to us – Discover Webinity – Comprehensive service for websites based on WordPress and WooCommerce.

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