It’s been less than a week since WordPress 5 has been released. Anecdotal reports indicate there are many successful upgrades. However, there are also numerous instances of sites encountering issues. After evaluating these problems, I identified seven key considerations that could facilitate a smooth update.
7 Considerations Before Updating WordPress
- Make sure PHP is updated to the latest version.
- Update all plugins to the latest versions.
- Decide whether to use the Classic Editor or Gutenberg Editor.
- Create a backup.
- Decide whether to stage your site.
- Cache and performance plugins may need attention.
- Be Prepared.
1. Update PHP Version
PHP is the scripting language that powers WordPress and its themes and plugins. Using an outdated version could lead to conflicts and a buggy experience. Most plugins, themes, and WordPress itself will run with a minimum of PHP 5.6, as they are backward compatible. However, relying on backward compatibility isn’t always the safest. Using the PHP version that a software is designed to run best with can help avoid random bugs. Upgrading to the latest PHP version will speed up your site and improve security. Security updates for PHP 5.6 are ending soon, which will make it a security liability.
2. Update Plugins
Updating plugins is always a good practice, but it is especially crucial now. Many WordPress plugin developers are releasing new versions compatible with WordPress 5. Updating your plugins first can contribute to a more bug-free update to WordPress 5.
3. Use the Classic WordPress Editor or Gutenberg?
If you prefer the current WordPress interface, then choose the Classic Editor. If you want to try the new, reportedly easier Gutenberg editing experience, you can opt for that. Some users have reported bugs with the Gutenberg editor. You can always switch back to the Classic Editor if needed. Downloading the official WordPress Classic Editor plugin has resolved issues for those encountering bugs with Gutenberg.
4. Create a Backup of Your WordPress Site
Creating a backup is always a good idea. Ideally, you should already have a backup system in place. If not, consider creating one before upgrading to WordPress 5. Some users have successfully used the UpdraftPlus Backup Plugin as part of their upgrade process. UpdraftPlus is available in a free version with full functionality and a premium version with more options.
5. Decide Whether to Stage the Site
Staging a site means creating a copy and making changes there first. There are plugins to help stage a site or services that will host your staged site, keeping changes separate from your live website. You can also stage the site on your desktop.
Stage on a Test Server
Staging a site on someone else’s server keeps changes separate from your live site and prevents any impact on your real website. This method allows you to make changes without search engines seeing them. Services like WP Stagecoach can facilitate this process, though it is a paid service.
Stage a Site with a Plugin
Free plugins like WP Staging can also be used to stage a site. They create a hidden folder on your host, and the duplicate site resides there, making changes separable from your live site. When ready, you can easily move the staged site to be active.
Stage a Site on Your Desktop
Local staging environments like Laragon come highly recommended by experts. Although I haven’t used Laragon personally, it is free and trusted by many professionals.
6. Caching Plugins
Conflicts related to caching and performance plugins have been reported. Emptying your cache and minifying JavaScript is recommended whenever updating a plugin, theme, or WordPress itself to avoid these issues.
7. Don’t be Afraid to Update – Be Prepared
Updating to the latest version of WordPress can be daunting, especially during the busy holiday shopping season. It’s important to approach the update thoughtfully. Being prepared with knowledge of common bugs and solutions, such as caching plugin issues and fallback options like the Classic Editor, can contribute to a smoother upgrade process. Staging your website before upgrading is a wise consideration.
So rather than fearing the update, take control by planning thoroughly to ensure the best possible outcome.
More Resources
- 10 Awesome WordPress SEO Plugins to Optimize Your Site
- WordPress SEO Without an SEO Plugin
- How to Make Your WordPress URLs SEO Friendly
Images by Shutterstock, modified by the author.
Screenshots by the author, modified by the author.
