Feeling Nervous About Updating WordPress Yourself?
You’re not alone! A lot of small business owners put off updating their WordPress websites because they’re afraid they’ll “break” something. But the truth is, keeping your site updated is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep it secure, fast, and running smoothly.
And you can do it yourself—even if you’re not super techy.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to update WordPress on your own.
1. Back Up Your Website First
Before you make any updates, always back up your site. This is your safety net in case something goes wrong.
How to back up your website:
- Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.
- Set up a cloud storage to store the backup safely outside of your site.
- Follow the plugin’s prompts to back up your entire site (files + database).
✅ Result: Peace of mind knowing you can restore your site if needed.
2. Review Pending Updates in Your Dashboard
Log in to your WordPress dashboard and look for the Updates section. Here you’ll see what needs updating:
- WordPress core software
- Themes
- Plugins
✅ Tip: Aim to keep everything updated to reduce security risks and compatibility issues.
3. Update Plugins First
Start with plugins. Updating them one at a time helps you spot any issues immediately.
How to do it:
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
- Click Update Now next to any that have an update available.
- Visit the front end of the site to check for any possible errors.
✅ Result: Your site benefits from bug fixes, security patches, and new features.
4. Update Your Themes
Even if you’re not using a theme, all the ones you have installed need to be kept up-to-date to avoid security risks.
How to do it:
- Go to Appearance > Themes.
- Click Update Now for any themes with available updates.
- For the default themes, Twenty-Twenty Five, etc., especially if you’re not using these, you can set them to Autoupdate.
✅ Tip: Delete all but one unused theme to keep things clean and reduce vulnerabilities. That way, you have your main theme, and a backup theme should anything happen to your main theme.
5. Update WordPress Core
This is the heart of your site, so treat it with care. WordPress routinely puts out updates to improve security and fix bugs. An update from 6.5 to 6.6 is a much bigger update than 6.5 to 6.5.1, so be sure to check for issues on the frontend of your site.
How to do it:
- Go to Dashboard > Updates.
- If there’s a WordPress update available, click Update Now.
✅ Result: Better security, new features, and improved performance.
6. Check Your Site
After updating, visit your site:
- Test key pages
- Check forms and features
- Make sure everything looks and works as expected
If you spot any issues, you can restore your backup or troubleshoot the problem.
7. Clean Up and Optimize
Updates are a great time to do a little housekeeping!
- Delete unused plugins and themes
- Clear your cache (if using a caching plugin)
- Review comments and clear out the spam and trash folders.
✅ Result: A leaner, faster, healthier website.
When to Call in Help
While most updates are easy to handle yourself, there are times you might want professional help:
- Complex customizations
- E-commerce sites with heavy integrations
- When updates break your site
At Studio One44, we offer maintenance and support packages to keep your site smooth, secure, and stress-free—so you can focus on running your business.
You’ve Got This!
Updating your WordPress site doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your site secure, performing well, and ready to support your growing business.
If you’re ready to take the next step but want a little help, schedule your free Discovery Call. We’ll review your site, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
