Blog

A WordPress Upgrade Process That Works

WordPress upgrades are a critical part of keeping your website secure, stable, and performing well. While the idea of upgrading WordPress can feel intimidating — especially if you’ve heard horror stories — the process itself is straightforward when you follow a clear, repeatable system.

The problems usually don’t come from upgrades themselves.
They come from rushing, skipping steps, or not having a safety net.

Here’s a WordPress upgrade process that works — one we use and recommend — and why each step matters.

Why Regular WordPress Upgrades Matter

WordPress powers a significant portion of the web, which makes it both powerful and a common target for attacks. Core updates, plugin updates, and theme updates aren’t just about new features — they often include:

  • Security patches
  • Bug fixes
  • Performance improvements
  • Compatibility updates

Delaying updates increases risk over time. The goal isn’t to update constantly without thinking — it’s to upgrade intentionally and safely.

Step 1: Back Up Your Site (Every Time, No Exceptions)

Before you touch anything, create a full backup of your website.

This includes:

  • WordPress core files
  • Themes
  • Plugins
  • Database
  • Media uploads

Even if you’ve upgraded dozens of times without issues, backups are non-negotiable. They’re the difference between a quick recovery and a stressful rebuild.

Our recommendation: BackupBuddy

There are many backup tools available, but BackupBuddy remains a reliable option for full-site backups.

We’ve seen clients skip this step “just once.”
That’s usually the time something breaks.

Backups should be stored off-site, not just on the server where your site lives.

Step 2: Upgrade Everything — Not Just WordPress Core

Once you’ve backed up your site, it’s time to upgrade — and that means everything, not just WordPress itself.

This includes:

  • WordPress core
  • Plugins
  • Themes

Outdated plugins are one of the most common causes of:

  • Security vulnerabilities
  • Site crashes
  • Broken layouts
  • Compatibility issues

Upgrade tips

  • Allow plenty of time
  • Don’t upgrade right before a big event or campaign
  • Avoid multitasking during upgrades
  • Read update notices for major plugins

If your site has many plugins, this step may take a bit longer — and that’s normal.

Step 3: Back Up Your Site Again

Yes, again.

Once upgrades are complete and the site appears stable, create a second full backup. This gives you:

  • A clean, updated restore point
  • Protection if issues appear later
  • Flexibility to roll back selectively

Store this backup separately from the pre-upgrade backup so you have options.

Think of this as version control for your website.

Step 4: Test the Site Thoroughly

This is the step most often skipped — and the one that causes the most problems when ignored.

After upgrades, you need to confirm that your site still works as expected.

What to test

  • Page layouts
  • Images and media
  • Forms (contact, donations, applications)
  • Navigation and menus
  • Search functionality
  • Mobile views
  • Any custom features

If your site has 50 pages or fewer, we recommend checking every page.

If your site is larger, check:

  • One example of every page type
  • Key conversion pages
  • Forms and integrations

Yes, it takes time — but it’s the final quality check that prevents surprises later.

What About Automatic Updates?

WordPress now supports automatic updates for:

  • Minor core releases
  • Plugins
  • Themes

These can be helpful — but they’re not set-and-forget.

Automatic updates:

  • Don’t test your site afterward
  • Can still cause conflicts
  • Don’t replace backups

For most organizations, a managed update process is safer than fully automated updates.

How Often Should You Upgrade WordPress?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but general guidelines include:

  • Core updates: As released (especially security updates)
  • Plugin updates: Monthly or bi-weekly
  • Theme updates: When available and relevant

Sites with frequent content updates, e-commerce, or forms may need more frequent maintenance.

Why This Process Works

This upgrade process works because it:

  • Prioritizes safety
  • Reduces risk
  • Creates rollback options
  • Catches issues early
  • Builds consistency

WordPress upgrades don’t need to be stressful — they just need structure.

Common Upgrade Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced site owners fall into these traps:

  • Skipping backups
  • Updating only WordPress core
  • Ignoring plugin compatibility
  • Failing to test forms
  • Upgrading during peak traffic times
  • Waiting years between updates

Avoiding these mistakes saves time, money, and frustration.

Ongoing Backups Are Just as Important

Even outside the upgrade process, regular backups are essential.

Backup frequency should match how often your site changes:

  • Static sites: weekly backups
  • Blogs: daily or weekly
  • E-commerce: daily or real-time

Backups aren’t just for hacks — they protect against:

  • Human error
  • Hosting issues
  • Plugin failures
  • Accidental deletions

Prefer Not to Handle Upgrades Yourself?

Many organizations choose not to manage WordPress updates internally — and that’s okay.

If you’d rather not worry about:

  • Backups
  • Updates
  • Compatibility issues
  • Post-update testing

We offer WordPress maintenance and management services that handle this process for you — consistently and safely.

Contact us here to see if ongoing WordPress support is a good fit for your site.