What is one thing that makes each WordPress website unique, adds functionality and leaves a website vulnerable to hackers if ignored? It’s plugins.
WordPress is an open source platform that allows developers to expand functionality with the use of plugins that, once downloaded and activated, integrates with the software.
There is an array of free and paid WordPress plugins available to enhance the platform’s performance with contact forms, backups, security, email list building, page builders, ecommerce, image galleries, memberships, and etcetera.
For an individual that does not access or utilize their WordPress dashboard on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, it is easy to be unaware of plugin updates. This can be problematic because there is not a standard schedule for developers to update the plugins.
Plugin developers often do updates to correct security vulnerabilities, fix bugs (errors in the program) discovered in previous versions, improve performance, and maintain compatibility when an issue arises in addition to when the WordPress platform, theme, or both updates.
It is, ultimately, the responsibility of the website owner to check their WordPress dashboard for plugin (and theme) updates. This simple routine will significantly reduce the risk of the website being hacked or compromised in other ways.
Increase Security & Bug Fixes
Hackers look for security vulnerabilities in the source coding to exploit them. The WordPress development team is continuously updating security vulnerabilities and bug fixes to ensure your data and website run smoothly and remains safe.
New Features
This is true especially for plugins that enhance creative and functional features.
An example is builder plugins such as Divi Builder, Beaver Builder, Thrive Builder and the others.
When Elegant Themes added a new set of WooCommerce tools to the Divi Builder, it thrilled me to have the creative flexibility. The updates allowed the designer to create custom product pages [read The WooCommerce Builder For Divi].
Speed
The internet is a competitive environment and time is of the essence. Developers are continuously seeking ways to increase the load time of webpages and the included images.
Right now is a great time to login to your WordPress dashboard and update your website’s plugins and themes. If your website is “stationary” (content remains unchanged for long duration of time), I recommend scheduling a specific date once a month to view the dashboard for notifications, update the plugins and themes, and verify your overall content/message is current.
Conclusion
It is vital to keep your WordPress plugins (and themes) up-to-date to maintain a healthy and productive website and to prevent it from being blacklisted.
Wandering Wild Digital Studio offers several maintenance packages options to fit your needs. Take a gander to Website Services to learn how I can be of assistance.
Subscribe to receive bi-weekly reminder emails prompting you to check the dashboard of your WordPress website for outdated plugins and themes. You’ll be glad you took the time to maintain your site’s health.
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