5 Reasons to Always Use the Latest Version of WordPress

Update Available. Worse yet, for some, is the announcement that the system is “updating.”

Can system and software updates be annoyances? Sure. Is it worth it, in the long run, to put them off or completely ignore them?

Absolutely not. Even putting off an update for a short period of time can potentially cause long-term headaches.

You can avoid these headaches by always making sure you have the latest WordPress updates. Let’s look at the top five reasons for regularly updating WordPress.

Fresh Features
Consistent Compatibility
Perfect Performance
Obliterate Bugs
Strengthen Security

Fresh Features

If you’re looking for a reason to look forward to updates, new features may be the most fun. Everyone loves new “toys” that could enhance their website even more or, even better, make it easier to use. What WordPress management company doesn’t love the latest bells and whistles that may set one website apart from the rest?

Here are few examples of previous feature updates for WordPress:

WordPress Version 4.1: Inline image editing for mobile users
WordPress Version 4.2: Faster plugin installation
WordPress Version 4.3: Ability to format shortcuts in Visual Editor

These are just a few examples of improved features that were only accessible by uploading the latest versions of WordPress. Because WordPress is open source, new and improved features that increase the user-friendliness, as well as the capabilities of the platform, are always becoming available.

Consistent Compatibility

When it comes to ensuring compatibility between the latest version of WordPress and existing plugins, there are two rules to follow:

1. ALWAYS backup your site before updating WordPress
2. ALWAYS get your plugins from reputable developers who keep their plugins current.

Installing the latest version of WordPress will sometimes trigger an update of some plugins to ensure their compatibility with new versions and the new features they may contain. In some cases, plugins don’t require any updates at all, but in other cases. an update to a plugin or to WordPress itself may lead to compatibility problems. When you have backed up your site and have gotten your plugins from reputable developers, the compatibility issues are simply much less of an issue.

Perfect Performance

Who hasn’t sat in front of the computer screen, tapping their fingers and humming the Jeopardy theme while waiting for a slow page to load finally? Well, that’s another reason to make sure you install the latest WordPress updates, configure WordPress caching, and optimize your images. WordPress developers work hard to increase the speed and efficiency. Past versions have included better navigation menu function through improved JavaScript performance and made processing complex queries easier to facilitate better site performance. People want websites that load almost instantaneously, and the latest versions of WordPress strive to satisfy that need, not to mention that improved performance also works to your advantage by boosting SEO for Google search results. These WordPress speed optimization strategies will get you started.

Obliterate Bugs

It is an unfortunate fact that, in the rush to get the newest product versions on the market, many software updates come with a few bugs, WordPress included. However, as odd it may sound, this is actually a good thing. The more widespread the use of the product, the more quickly these bugs can be identified and the faster a fix can be issued. This is the reason that after a major WordPress update (one with an X.X version number) is released, it is often followed by a minor release (one with an X.X.X version number) tailored specifically to exterminate these little bugs before they can become bigger ones. Of course, this only works if you actually perform the latest WordPress updates or have a website maintenance service.

Strengthen Security

The number one benefit of installing the latest version of WordPress is increased security. In the internet age, hackers and cyber attacks are an unfortunate reality. A reality that can pose a serious threat to a CMS that powers nearly a quarter of the internet, which WordPress does.

What kind of threats? Here are just a few:

Malware
Data Theft
Site Takedown

The good news is that the large size that makes WordPress vulnerable is also what makes it more difficult for attacks to succeed. A huge community of developers and users are constantly working to shore up any vulnerabilities in the platform. The open source format means anyone can locate a potential problem and report it to the core WordPress team or to plugin developers. Of course, this protection against data theft, malicious code insertions, and total site take-down only benefit those who are updating WordPress regularly (hint, hint).

increased security with latest version of wordpress

Some Final Advice

When you fail to manage your website and install the latest version of WordPress, you open your website to a variety of problems that can lead to loss of time, loss of information and loss of revenue. The easy answer is to take the few minutes necessary to install the latest WordPress updates. You’re only hurting yourself if you don’t.

speaking to WordPress management company updates

Check out our WordPress Maintenance Service

We safely update your WordPress website to the latest version for your theme & plugins, and make sure the updates don’t break any functionality on your site.