Image from Little Shop of Horrors (1986), directed by Frank Oz, produced by The Geffen Company.
Keeping your WordPress site updated is a lot like flossing. It might not be the most exciting task on your daily hygiene to-do list, but it’s a small effort with big payoffs. Just like keeping your teeth clean prevents cavities, keeping your website updated prevents bugs, security risks, and all kinds of digital trauma.
Here’s why updates matter and how Biscuit can help you keep things fresh and healthy—no minty floss required.
1. Security: Protecting Your Site from Hackers
Imagine leaving your front door wide open. That’s basically what an outdated website does. Security updates help patch vulnerabilities and keep pesky hackers out. Hackers are always on the lookout for outdated software and plugins with known weaknesses. Regular updates act as the lock and deadbolt that keep your digital space safe.
In 2017, the “WordPress REST API” vulnerability allowed hackers to deface over 1.5 million websites simply because site owners hadn’t updated their core WordPress software. Yikes!
2. Performance: Keep Your Site Running Smoothly
An updated site is a fast site. Updates often include performance improvements that can speed up load times, optimize code, and enhance the user experience. A slow website isn’t just annoying—it can also hurt your search engine rankings and drive visitors away.
We noticed a client’s site was taking too long to load. Turns out, an outdated plugin was the culprit. After updating the plugin, their load times improved dramatically—and so did their site’s SEO ranking. Faster site, happier visitors, better business.
3. Bug Fixes: Avoiding Annoying Glitches
Ever clicked a button and… nothing happened? Bugs happen, and they can be more than just a minor inconvenience. An outdated website can experience broken features, missing images, or even complete crashes. Updating your site is like running a systems check to make sure everything works as it should.
A website we managed was experiencing a glitch where images weren’t showing up in certain browsers. A quick update to the server’s Content Delivery Network (CDN) resolved the issue instantly, showing just how effective (and easy) regular maintenance can be.
4. New Features: Leveraging AI and Analytics Tools
Updates aren’t just about fixing problems—they can also introduce powerful new tools. Many plugins and themes are now incorporating AI and enhanced analytics features that give you deeper insights into your audience and help automate tedious tasks. Staying updated ensures you’re getting the best that modern technology offers.
When a popular SEO plugin added AI-driven content analysis, one of our clients was able to optimize their blog posts quickly and efficiently, boosting their search engine visibility without needing an expert on staff. It’s like getting a tech upgrade without buying new equipment.
5. Compatibility: Keeping Everything in Sync
Your website is a puzzle with many pieces—WordPress core, themes, and plugins. When one piece is outdated, the whole picture can get a little wonky. Keeping everything updated ensures that all components play nicely together, avoiding conflicts and maintaining a smooth user experience.
A WooCommerce shop plugin release had a known issue resulting in some online stores not being able to process orders. We chose to delay the plugin update until a fix was released. Once released, we updated the plugin and everything was in sync. Lesson learned—monitoring updates for their viability works best when they are monitored across the board.
6. Accessibility: Ensuring Your Site Is Welcoming to All
An accessible website is like a well-planned party—everyone should feel invited and comfortable, not stuck at the door wondering how to get in. Updates often include accessibility improvements, making your site more usable for everyone, including users with disabilities. This can involve better support for screen readers, improved navigation, and more inclusive design elements.
A popular form plugin was updated to include enhanced screen reader support, significantly improving accessibility for users with visual impairments. Websites that stayed up to date benefited not only from compliance with accessibility standards but also from delivering a better experience to all visitors.
Conclusion
Regular updates aren’t just about keeping your site secure and speedy—they also ensure your digital door is open to all visitors. At Biscuit, we take care of the updates so you can focus on what you do best. Got questions or need a hand? Contact us today to keep your website healthy, happy, and cavity-free!
Lucy Fry
Lucy is the heart of Biscuit. Born and raised in Miami Florida, Lucy grew up surrounded by color, culture, loud music, crazy foods and the kind of heat that terrifies most. But she loved every second of it. It created a fire inside that seamlessly translates into her work, her relationships with clients and her belief that great things come from happy people.
