Seeing prompts to update your current software is a common occurrence. WordPress users are not exempt from this as prompts are sent via email whenever a new software update comes out. If you are not the type to frequently update your WordPress CMS, here is a quick guide on why it is vital to regularly update your WordPress version.
Security purposes
WordPress is known as the most popular website builder and is a familiar name to many web designers and developers not just in the Philippines but all over the world. WordPress was built by a community of developers who regularly work in ironing out the software and checking for any bugs to improve the overall performance of the site. This is the reason why WordPress plugins and features get better over time and sites are able to keep up with industry standards.
Because more than a third of websites are powered by WordPress, it can be an easy target for hackers and data thieves. Added to this is the fact that WordPress is an open-source software, leaving it open for anyone to figure out new ways to hack into it.
Whenever there are bugs, the web developers at WordPress work to put out an update that patches that bug so leaving your website outdated means leaving your site with security weaknesses. WordPress also comes with a wide array of plugins which can also be susceptible to hacking so updating these alongside the various themes is always a must.
Bug fixes
It is normal that bugs exist even with the amount of testing done by any web developer on a major update. This is why there are more incremental smaller updates to patch those issues. Even if you are not experiencing any of the said bugs, it is best to update your website nonetheless to prevent any encounter which can hamper your website.
Website speed
Speed is an important part of any website not just in SEO but in creating a good user experience. As web developers behind WordPress strive to always better their software, each update is intended to make WordPress run faster.
Up-to-date on new features
Performance is not just a goal of WordPress website developers. They also make sure to bring changes to WordPress such as through the addition of new features. These features can add to the quality of life of any person building a website in WordPress with the added improvements and accessibility to their interface.
Staying up to date on new features also benefits anyone trying to troubleshoot WordPress website issues as support forums would often revolve around discourse using the most updated versions of the software.
Keeping your WordPress updated
Luckily, it is fairly easy to update your WordPress version and numerous themes and plugins. With the notification section of WordPress, you are updated for any available updates up for download. Go to Dashboard then click on Updates to install the updates and you are good to go. For those who do not frequently visit the WordPress backend, they can opt to turn on the automatic updates for major releases, minor releases (includes security updates and bug fixes), themes, and plugins. They can also turn on email notifications so that they get properly notified whenever a new update is released.
Keeping up to date with WordPress along with its best practices can help any company make the most out of their website. Make sure you are utilizing your WordPress to the fullest for your website by partnering with a web design and web development company to help boost your overall business website’s performance. iManila specializes in business website development and design that has helped numerous companies have great websites. Connect with us and see how we can help take your website to the next level.
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