Let me tell you keeping your WordPress plugins and themes updated is a must it’s like giving your website a regular health checkup.
Imagine this: WordPress is this amazing tool that lets us build cool websites right? And plugins and themes are like the extra gadgets and decorations we add to make it even better.
They give our websites extra features make them look amazing and help them do all sorts of things.
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The Importance of Keeping Them Updated
Tired of manually updating plugins and themes? 😴 Let WP Engine’s Smart Plugin Manager do the heavy lifting for you! 🤖 Get your website’s health in check with Managed WordPress hosting 🚀
Now just like any software these plugins and themes need regular updates.
Think of it as patching up any little glitches or holes that could let bad guys into your website.
These updates fix bugs improve security and make sure everything plays nicely with the latest version of WordPress.
Security is Paramount
Imagine your website as your home.
You wouldn’t leave your door wide open right? Updating your plugins and themes is like locking the doors and installing an alarm system.
Outdated plugins and themes are like open windows inviting hackers to steal your data or even take over your website.
According to a recent report over half of all WordPress security vulnerabilities come from outdated plugins.
That’s a big deal! It’s a bit like leaving your front door unlocked while you’re on vacation!
Performance Matters
Keeping your plugins and themes updated also helps your website run smoothly.
It’s like making sure your car has regular oil changes.
Imagine trying to drive a car with old dirty oil it would run slowly and eventually break down.
The same thing happens with your website.
Outdated plugins and themes can slow it down make it buggy and even make it crash.
New Features and Functionality
Now think about those cool gadgets you get for your phone.
They get updates that add new features or improve existing ones.
Plugins and themes work the same way.
Updates can add new features improve existing ones and make your website even more powerful.
For example you might get a new payment gateway option or a new feature to display your latest blog posts in a more engaging way.
How to Check for Updates
So how do you know if your plugins and themes need updating? Let’s dive into that:
The WordPress Dashboard
The easiest way is to check the WordPress dashboard.
It’s like your website’s control panel.
Go to the Updates section and you’ll see a list of any plugins or themes that have updates available.
The WordPress Site Health Tool
Another helpful tool is the WordPress Site Health tool.
This is like a doctor for your website.
It will tell you if anything needs attention including outdated plugins and themes.
Plugins and Themes Tabs
You can also find a list of all your installed plugins and themes under the Plugins tab or the Appearance > Themes tab in your WordPress dashboard.
This is like looking at a list of all the gadgets and decorations on your website.
You can see the current version running and any available updates.
The WordPress.org Repository
If you already know the version of a plugin or theme you can check it against the latest version listed on WordPress.org.
This is like checking the manual for your gadgets to see if there are any updates available.
Using Plugin and Theme Checkers
There are also handy tools called plugin and theme checkers that can tell you a lot about your website including information about the plugins and themes it’s using.
Think of them as specialized inspectors for your website.
Popular tools like BuiltWith and Plugins Condition can give you detailed information.
The Importance of Automation
Here’s the thing keeping up with all those updates can be a lot of work especially if you have a lot of plugins and themes.
That’s where tools like WP Engine’s Smart Plugin Manager come in.
This tool is like a robot that automatically checks for updates and installs them for you so you don’t have to worry about it.
Smart Plugin Manager also runs visual regression testing which means it checks to see if any updates break anything on your website.
It’s like having a safety net in place to prevent any surprises.
Considerations Before Updating
While it’s generally a good idea to update your plugins and themes as soon as new versions become available there are some things to keep in mind.
Compatibility Issues
Updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with other parts of your website.
Imagine trying to fit a new gadget into your phone and it doesn’t quite fit right.
It’s the same with plugins and themes.
That’s why it’s a good idea to update in a staging environment first.
This is like creating a test version of your website where you can try out the update before making it live.
Backups Backups Backups
It’s also important to make a backup of your website before updating.
This is like making a copy of your phone’s data before installing a new app.
If anything goes wrong you can always restore your website from the backup.
Testing After Updating
After updating it’s important to test your website to make sure everything is working correctly.
This is like checking all the functions of your new gadget to make sure it works as it should.
Choosing Plugins and Themes Wisely
Not all plugins and themes are created equal.
It’s important to choose reputable ones that are actively maintained.
This is like choosing gadgets from trusted brands.
Look for plugins and themes that have a high number of active installs and recent updates.
Cleaning Up Your Plugin and Theme Portfolio
Just like you clean out your closet and get rid of old clothes you don’t wear anymore you should also declutter your plugin and theme library.
Unused plugins and themes can slow down your website.
The Power of Managed WordPress Hosting
If you’re tired of manually managing your plugins and themes Managed WordPress hosting can take the hassle out of it.
It’s like having a team of experts take care of your website’s maintenance for you.
WP Engine offers Smart Plugin Manager which automatically keeps your plugins and themes updated.
We also have enterprise-grade security measures to protect your website from threats.
Getting Started
If you’re looking for great plugins and themes to enhance your WordPress website explore our Solution Center.
It’s a treasure trove of recommended plugins themes and educational resources for WordPress users.
You’ll find a wide selection of featured themes and plugins categorized by their functionalities including performance design eCommerce and more.
If you want to experiment with WordPress themes check out the Genesis Framework and the Genesis sample theme which are free for all WP Engine customers.
It’s a fantastic starting point especially if you’re new to WordPress.
For premium WordPress themes with specific functionality we also offer unlimited access to a portfolio of Genesis-built StudioPress themes.
These themes are SEO-optimized built for the WordPress block editor and ready to use right out of the box.
Make Your Website Shine
By keeping your plugins and themes up to date you’ll ensure your website is secure fast and fully functional.
It’s like giving your website the best care possible.
So don’t forget to check for those updates! And if you’re looking for a simpler way to manage your website consider WP Engine’s Managed WordPress Hosting.
We’ll take care of the technical stuff so you can focus on creating amazing content and growing your business.
Tired of manually updating plugins and themes? 😴 Let WP Engine’s Smart Plugin Manager do the heavy lifting for you! 🤖 Get your website’s health in check with Managed WordPress hosting 🚀