WordPress updates seem simple: click “Update,” and you’re done. But in reality, that click can crash your site if done carelessly. Many site owners underestimate the risks.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the 5 most common WordPress update mistakes—and how you can avoid them.
1. ❌ No backup before updating
This is the biggest mistake. If something goes wrong and you don’t have a backup, your site could be gone in seconds.
Avoid it: Always create a full backup before any update—automatically and manually.
2. ⚠️ Updating everything at once
Core, themes, and plugins all in one go? If something breaks, you won’t know what caused it.
Avoid it: Update step by step: plugins first, then themes, then WordPress core.
3. 🧪 Skipping the staging site
Updating on your live site is risky. One incompatible plugin could take your whole site down.
Avoid it: Use a staging environment to test updates safely before going live.
4. 🔌 Using outdated or abandoned plugins
Old plugins may not be compatible with newer WordPress versions—and can break your site.
Avoid it: Regularly audit your plugins. Remove or replace anything that isn’t actively maintained.
5. 🕐 Delaying updates too long
Ignoring updates makes your site vulnerable to hacks and performance issues.
Avoid it: Set a regular update schedule—or outsource it to someone who keeps things safe.
✅ Let updates work for you
Proper updates make your site faster, safer, and more reliable. But only when done right.
➡️ Want zero stress over updates? Explore my maintenance plans and leave the technical part to me.