15 Best Practices for Safely Updating Plugins and Themes on Your Website

Updating plugins and themes on your website is essential for security, functionality, and performance. However, with each update comes the potential for compatibility issues, bugs, and other disruptions. This guide explores the top 15 best practices for updating plugins and themes safely, ensuring your site runs smoothly and remains protected. Let’s dive into strategies that simplify this process and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Why Updating Plugins and Themes is Important

Keeping plugins and themes up to date is critical for:

1. Security Enhancements
   Outdated plugins and themes can make your site vulnerable to cyberattacks. Developers often release updates to patch known security issues, so staying updated reduces the risk of hacking attempts.
2. Performance Optimization
   Updates often include performance improvements, making your site load faster and run smoother, enhancing user experience.
3. Access to New Features
   Regular updates can also bring new features and improvements that enhance site functionality and align with the latest web standards.
4. Compatibility with Core CMS Updates
   Updates to your content management system (CMS) can sometimes make older plugins and themes incompatible, which could lead to errors or crashes. Updating plugins and themes ensures your site remains compatible and stable.

Preparation Before Updating Plugins and Themes

1. Backup Your Site First

• Why: A comprehensive backup of your site is essential in case the update leads to any issues.
• How: Use plugins or hosting provider tools that allow full backups, including the database, files, plugins, themes, and settings.

2. Review Plugin and Theme Changelogs

• Why: Changelogs detail what’s new in each update, including added features, bug fixes, and potential compatibility issues.
• How: Check the changelog provided by the plugin or theme developer, typically available in the CMS or on the developer’s website.

3. Create a Staging Environment

• Why: A staging site allows you to test updates safely without impacting your live site.
• How: Use a staging feature from your hosting provider or plugins specifically designed for staging sites.

4. Disable Caching and Minification Plugins Temporarily

• Why: Caching plugins might prevent you from seeing recent updates.
• How: Disable caching plugins before updating and re-enable them after verifying the updates.

Safe Practices for Updating Plugins and Themes

5. Update Plugins and Themes Individually

• Why: Updating one item at a time makes it easier to identify the cause if any issues arise.
• How: Prioritize updates for security-related plugins, followed by performance-enhancing plugins, and finally aesthetic-focused themes.

6. Prioritize Security Plugins

• Why: Security plugins provide critical protection against threats, so keeping them updated is essential.
• How: Check for updates to security plugins first to ensure they’re compatible with the latest CMS version and other plugins.

7. Use Manual Updates for Major Changes

• Why: Major updates may introduce new features or changes that could conflict with your site setup.
• How: Opt for manual updates for significant plugin changes, which allows more control over testing and deployment.

8. Check for Compatibility with Core CMS

• Why: Compatibility issues can arise if plugins or themes haven’t been tested with the latest CMS version.
• How: Review each plugin or theme to ensure it’s compatible with your CMS. Many platforms indicate this information in the update details.

Testing After Updates

9. Conduct Cross-Browser Testing

• Why: Updates can impact how a site displays across different browsers.
• How: Use tools like BrowserStack to test your website on various browsers and devices to ensure consistency.

10. Test All Functionalities and Forms

• Why: Functionality checks help ensure that critical features are not affected post-update.
• How: Test all forms, links, navigation menus, and interactive elements to ensure they function as expected.

11. Run Speed Tests

• Why: Updates may affect site loading speed, which can impact user experience and SEO rankings.
• How: Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix can assess any speed issues introduced by recent updates.

12. Monitor Error Logs for Any Issues

• Why: Error logs provide detailed insights into any compatibility or functionality issues.
• How: Use your hosting provider’s error log feature or plugins that allow you to track PHP errors, database errors, and other potential issues.

Ensuring Long-Term Stability Post-Update

13. Limit Plugin Usage

• Why: Excessive plugins can create conflicts and make site management more complex.
• How: Only use essential plugins that add necessary functionality, and remove any unused plugins to reduce risks.

14. Set Up Automated Monitoring for Key Features

• Why: Automated monitoring provides alerts for any issues after updates.
• How: Use monitoring plugins or services that can notify you about downtime, errors, or slow loading speeds.

15. Enable Scheduled Updates for Trusted Plugins Only

• Why: Scheduled updates can save time but might introduce issues if unchecked.
• How: Enable auto-updates only for essential plugins from reputable developers known for reliable releases.

Active Website Management (AWM): A Hassle-Free Solution

If the process of updating and maintaining plugins and themes feels overwhelming, Active Website Management (AWM) provides a seamless solution. AWM services include monitoring, managing, and testing all updates to ensure your site remains stable and secure. With AWM, you’ll benefit from:

• Proactive Monitoring to identify and resolve issues before they affect users.
• Scheduled Updates handled by professionals, ensuring compatibility and minimal downtime.
• Regular Security Audits to reinforce protection against vulnerabilities.
• Full Backups and Restoration to safeguard your data and offer peace of mind in case of update-related issues.

For businesses focused on growth, AWM simplifies website maintenance, allowing you to stay ahead without spending extra time on technical management.

By following these best practices, you’ll ensure that your plugins and themes are updated safely and effectively, supporting your site’s security, performance, and long-term stability.