When was the last time you updated WordPress? Months ago? Never?
Just like phone apps, your computer’s operating system, and your wardrobe, WordPress needs updating from time to time. Of course, wearing clothes from 1992 won’t damage your business — but neglecting WordPress can put your website, your brand reputation, and sometimes even your clients’ data at risk.
Your Website Was Built at a Point in Time
When your website was designed, your developer would have:
- Used the latest version of WordPress available at that time
- Installed a theme designed for that version of WordPress
- Configured plugins that worked well together at that point
- Implemented security measures to address threats known at launch
- Tested across the current browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and devices (mobile, tablet, desktop)
But technology moves fast. Even a site launched last month may already have updates available. Over months or years, the gap between your installed version and the current version grows — and so does the risk.
What Can Go Wrong?
Skipping regular WordPress updates can lead to:
- Broken functionality (menus, forms, galleries, booking systems)
- Incorrect page display in newer browsers or on newer devices
- Admin dashboard failures — you can’t log in to manage your own site
- Plugin incompatibilities — third-party plugins stop working or conflict with each other
- Site downtime
- Security breaches
A hacked, poorly displaying, or broken website is damaging in ways that go beyond inconvenience. Visitors lose trust in your brand, often immediately and permanently.
What’s Involved in an Update?
A proper WordPress update isn’t just clicking a button. It typically involves:
- Taking a full backup before you start
- Updating WordPress core, all plugins, and your theme
- Testing every page and key function after updates
- Checking browser and device compatibility
- Reviewing PHP version and SSL certificate while you’re there
If you’ve missed multiple versions, there may be an upgrade path to follow — progressing through major versions sequentially rather than jumping straight to the latest.
Should I Do It Myself?
If you’re comfortable with WordPress and have backups in place, yes. But don’t be surprised if clicking the update button causes unexpected display issues or broken functionality — that’s a normal risk when plugins and themes fall out of sync.
If you’re not technical or simply don’t want the stress, Blue Platypus Digital offers a free initial version check and basic browser/device testing. We can also handle the full update process for you, or keep your site up to date automatically through one of our WordPress Care Plans.
Get in touch to find out what state your WordPress installation is in — it’s free to check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does WordPress need updating so often?
WordPress powers a large share of the web, which makes it a constant target. Updates patch newly discovered vulnerabilities in core, themes and plugins — and once a vulnerability is public, unpatched sites are actively scanned for it.
Can updates break my website?
Occasionally, usually where a plugin has not kept pace with a core change. That is why updates should be applied with a current backup in place, and checked afterwards, rather than left on full automatic and forgotten.
Should I do WordPress updates myself?
You can, if you are comfortable taking a backup first and checking the site afterwards. Most owners would rather not carry that risk monthly, which is what a care plan covers from $99 +GST a month.
How do I know if my site is out of date?
Log into the dashboard: the updates counter tells you immediately. If it shows a large number, or you cannot remember the last time anyone applied one, the site is overdue.
