Having spent over 20,000 hours building and ranking websites, I've learned that WordPress is an incredible tool for creating and managing websites. However, like any tool, it needs regular maintenance to function at its best. In this blog, I want to discuss the importance of WordPress maintenance, particularly focusing on what happens if you don't update WordPress and its plugins. If you've just taken over a WordPress website—maybe even one of mine—you might be staring at a dashboard full of outdated plugins, unsure what to do next. Let me guide you through the essentials.
Why WordPress Maintenance is Crucial
First off, let's talk about what WordPress is. At its core, WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS), which means it's a tool that helps you build and manage websites. It's the most popular choice, especially for SEO experts like me, because it offers flexibility and power. However, this flexibility comes with responsibility. WordPress is essentially the skeleton of your website, and plugins are the tools that add flesh to the bones. These plugins are vital—they help with everything from building pages to optimizing for speed and SEO.
Now, imagine if you never updated your computer's operating system or antivirus software. It wouldn't take long before things started to go wrong. The same principle applies to WordPress. If you update WordPress and its plugins, your website is protected from many problems. It's not just about maintaining functionality; it's about security, performance, and, ultimately, the success of your website.
The Risks of Ignoring Updates
Let me be blunt: your website will get hacked if you don't keep WordPress and its plugins updated. It's not a matter of if but when. Outdated software is like an open door for hackers, who use automated bots to crawl the internet in search of vulnerabilities. WordPress is a prime target simply because it's so widely used. Just like PCs were more prone to viruses because they were more common, WordPress sites are more likely to be targeted for attacks.
But security isn't the only issue. When WordPress or a plugin isn't updated, you risk software conflicts. Think like this: you wouldn't expect a new app to run smoothly on an old smartphone without updates, right? The same thing happens with WordPress. If you're not updating, plugins may stop working correctly, which can cause parts of your website to break or even crash entirely. This can lead to data loss, decreased website performance, and a poor user experience, negatively impacting your SEO rankings.
What to Do If You've Taken Over a WordPress Site
If you've recently taken over a WordPress website and you're not sure what to do with all the outdated plugins, here's my advice:
- Don't Panic: Don't start randomly clicking around and uninstalling plugins. If you're still getting familiar with WordPress, it's easy to make a mistake that could bring your entire site down. If you need to become more experienced with WordPress, find someone who is. Plenty of professionals are available on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork who can help you sort things out.
- Understand Each Plugin's Purpose: Before you decide to update, remove, or replace a plugin, take some time to understand what each one does. For example, some plugins manage backups, while others handle SEO, speed optimization, or even the visual layout of your site. Knowing what each plugin does will help you make informed decisions.
- Regular Updates and Backups: Once you've got a handle on things, make it a habit to update WordPress and its plugins regularly. Treat this like updating your computer's operating system—it's essential for keeping everything running smoothly. And always, always have a backup system in place. Backups are your safety net. You'll be glad you have them if something goes wrong during an update.
Balancing Costs and Needs
I often tell people to consider what they really need from their website. If you're managing a website critical to your business, it's worth investing in the right tools and plugins, even if they come with a cost. These tools are not just add-ons but vital components of your website's infrastructure. They help with everything from improving site speed to enhancing security and optimizing search engines.
However, if your website is more of a "business card" site that doesn't require regular updates or advanced features, you might not need all those premium plugins. In that case, rebuilding the site using a simpler platform like Wix or Squarespace might make sense, saving you money on plugin fees and hosting costs in the long run.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, maintaining a WordPress website is something you can afford to pay attention to. Regular updates, understanding the role of each plugin, and having a reliable backup system are all essential to keeping your website secure, functional, and effective. If you're uncomfortable managing these tasks, feel free to seek professional help. Remember, maintaining your WordPress site is an investment in your website's future success. Ignoring it is like playing with fire—you might get away with it for a while, but eventually, it will burn you.
So, take the time to keep everything updated and running smoothly. Your website, business, and peace of mind will all benefit from it.
