{"id":1114,"date":"2025-02-09T19:07:20","date_gmt":"2025-02-09T19:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/?p=1114"},"modified":"2026-03-27T20:12:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T20:12:34","slug":"how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Safely Update Your Website Without Breaking It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-dominant-color=\"605c67\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #605c67;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-3408 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it-711x400.avif\" alt=\"How to Safely Update Your Website Without Breaking It\" width=\"711\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it-711x400.avif 711w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it.avif 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Why_Website_Updates_Are_Essential\" >Why Website Updates Are Essential<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Security_Enhancements\" >Security Enhancements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Performance_and_Speed_Improvements\" >Performance and Speed Improvements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Compatibility_with_New_Technologies\" >Compatibility with New Technologies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Better_User_Experience\" >Better User Experience<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Understanding_the_Risks_of_Updating_a_Website\" >Understanding the Risks of Updating a Website<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Website_Downtime\" >Website Downtime<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Broken_Functionalities\" >Broken Functionalities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Loss_of_Data_and_SEO_Rankings\" >Loss of Data and SEO Rankings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Compatibility_Issues\" >Compatibility Issues<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Pre_%E2%80%93_update_Steps_before_Website_Update\" >Pre &#8211; update Steps before Website Update<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Backup_Your_Website\" >Backup Your Website<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Create_a_Staging_Environment\" >Create a Staging Environment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Review_Update_Release_Notes\" >Review Update Release Notes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Test_Updates_Before_Applying_Them_to_the_Live_Site\" >Test Updates Before Applying Them to the Live Site<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#How_to_Backup_Your_Website_Properly\" >How to Backup Your Website Properly<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Manual_Backup_vs_Automated_Backup_Which_One_Is_Right_for_You\" >Manual Backup vs. Automated Backup: Which One Is Right for You?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Manual_Backup\" >Manual Backup<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Automated_Backup\" >Automated Backup<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Recommended_Backup_Tools\" >Recommended Backup Tools<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Which_Backup_Method_Is_Best\" >Which Backup Method Is Best?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Staging_Environment_for_Safe_Testing\" >Staging Environment for Safe Testing<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Benefits_of_Staging_Environment\" >Benefits of Staging Environment\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Steps_in_Updating_Core_Software_Plugins_and_Themes_the_Right_Way\" >Steps in Updating Core Software, Plugins, and Themes the Right Way<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Update_Your_CMS_First\" >Update Your CMS First<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Update_Plugins_One_by_One\" >Update Plugins One by One<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Handle_Deprecated_or_Outdated_Plugins\" >Handle Deprecated or Outdated Plugins<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#How_to_Testing_Your_Website_After_Updates\" >How to Testing Your Website After Updates<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Check_Core_Functionalities\" >Check Core Functionalities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Test_on_Multiple_Devices_and_Browsers\" >Test on Multiple Devices and Browsers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Look_for_Performance_Issues\" >Look for Performance Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Fix_Errors_and_Bugs_Before_Going_Live\" >Fix Errors and Bugs Before Going Live<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#How_to_Handle_Compatibility_Issues_and_Conflicts_After_Update\" >How to Handle Compatibility Issues and Conflicts After Update<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Identify_the_Problem\" >Identify the Problem<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Restore_Your_Backup_If_Needed\" >Restore Your Backup If Needed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Contact_Support\" >Contact Support<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#How_to_Monitor_Website_Performance_Post-Update\" >How to Monitor Website Performance Post-Update<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Analyze_Site_Speed\" >Analyze Site Speed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Check_for_Broken_Links\" >Check for Broken Links<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Monitor_SEO_Performance\" >Monitor SEO Performance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#How_to_Roll_Back_Updates_If_Something_Goes_Wrong\" >How to Roll Back Updates If Something Goes Wrong<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Restore_from_a_Backup\" >Restore from a Backup<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Use_Plugin_Rollback_Features\" >Use Plugin Rollback Features<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Manually_Downgrade_Software\" >Manually Downgrade Software<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Automatic_Updates\" >Automatic Updates\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Pros_of_Automatic_Updates\" >Pros of Automatic Updates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Cons_of_Automatic_Updates\" >Cons of Automatic Updates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#How_to_Set_Up_Scheduled_Updates_Safely\" >How to Set Up Scheduled Updates Safely<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Best_Practices_to_Keep_Your_Website_Stable_After_Updates\" >Best Practices to Keep Your Website Stable After Updates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_When_Updating_a_Website\" >Common Mistakes to Avoid When Updating a Website<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Conclusion_Final_Tips\" >Conclusion &amp; Final Tips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/how-to-safely-update-your-website-without-breaking-it\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" >Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Updating your website is important for security, performance, and overall user experience. However, if done incorrectly, updates can lead to broken pages, lost data, or even complete website failure. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about updating your website safely without breaking it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Website_Updates_Are_Essential\"><\/span><strong>Why Website Updates Are Essential<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img data-dominant-color=\"b7b1b2\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #b7b1b2;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1125 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Why-Website-Updates-Are-Essential-711x400.avif\" alt=\"Why Website Updates Are Essential\" width=\"711\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Why-Website-Updates-Are-Essential-711x400.avif 711w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Why-Website-Updates-Are-Essential-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Why-Website-Updates-Are-Essential.avif 1366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Many website owners hesitate to update their sites due to fear of breaking something. However, updating your website is not optional; it is necessary for several reasons.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Security_Enhancements\"><\/span><strong> Security Enhancements<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>One of the primary reasons for updating your website is security. Hackers continuously search for vulnerabilities in outdated software. If your <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/pros-and-cons-of-using-cms-for-website-development\/\">CMS<\/a> (like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal) and plugins are not updated, your site becomes an easy target for cyberattacks. Updates contain security patches that fix known vulnerabilities, protecting your site from malware, data breaches, and hacking attempts.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Performance_and_Speed_Improvements\"><\/span><strong> Performance and Speed Improvements<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Website updates often include performance optimizations that enhance<a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/why-website-speed-matters-and-7-ways-to-instantly-improve-it\/\"> loading speed.<\/a> A faster website improves user experience and boosts SEO rankings. Search engines like Google prioritize fast-loading websites in search results. Slow websites can lead to higher bounce rates, meaning visitors leave quickly without engaging. So improving your <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/website-performance-7-tools-to-measure-and-improve-it\/\">website performance<\/a> is very necessary.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compatibility_with_New_Technologies\"><\/span><strong> Compatibility with New Technologies<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Web technologies evolve rapidly. Older website versions may become incompatible with newer browsers, hosting environments, or third-party tools. Updating ensures that your website remains compatible with the latest trends, including <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/importance-of-mobile-friendly-website-design\/\">mobile optimization<\/a>, improved caching mechanisms, and better coding standards.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Better_User_Experience\"><\/span><strong> Better User Experience<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Frequent updates bring new features, bug fixes, and user interface enhancements. This helps provide a smoother experience for visitors, <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/website-navigation-best-practices\/\">improving navigation<\/a>, readability, and overall satisfaction.<\/p>\n<p>Failing to update your website can result in serious consequences, including security risks, slow performance, and loss of traffic. However, updating without proper precautions can also lead to major issues, which brings us to our next section.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Risks_of_Updating_a_Website\"><\/span><strong>Understanding the Risks of Updating a Website<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img data-dominant-color=\"d0deef\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #d0deef;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1126 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Risks-of-Updating-a-Website-711x400.avif\" alt=\"Risks of Updating a Website\" width=\"711\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Risks-of-Updating-a-Website-711x400.avif 711w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Risks-of-Updating-a-Website-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Risks-of-Updating-a-Website.avif 1366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>While updates are necessary, they come with potential risks if not managed correctly. Below are some common problems that can arise when updating a website without proper precautions.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Website_Downtime\"><\/span><strong> Website Downtime<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If an update goes wrong, your entire website may become inaccessible. This can cause frustration for visitors and lost revenue if you run an e-commerce store.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Broken_Functionalities\"><\/span><strong> Broken Functionalities<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Some updates may conflict with existing themes, plugins, or custom code. This can lead to broken forms, missing images, or certain features no longer working properly.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Loss_of_Data_and_SEO_Rankings\"><\/span><strong> Loss of Data and SEO Rankings<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If an update causes errors, you might lose important website data, such as blog posts, customer orders, or user comments. Additionally, if your website experiences extended downtime, your SEO rankings can suffer, reducing visibility on search engines.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compatibility_Issues\"><\/span><strong> Compatibility Issues<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Certain updates may not work well with older plugins, themes, or custom-built functionalities. This can cause elements of your website to break, leading to poor user experience.<\/p>\n<p>To prevent these risks, you need a strategic approach to update your website. Let\u2019s discuss how to prepare for a safe update.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pre_%E2%80%93_update_Steps_before_Website_Update\"><\/span>Pre &#8211; update Steps before Website Update<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img data-dominant-color=\"5190af\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #5190af;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1127 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Update-Checklist-711x400.avif\" alt=\"Pre-Update Checklist\" width=\"711\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Update-Checklist-711x400.avif 711w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Update-Checklist-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Update-Checklist.avif 1366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Before applying any updates, follow this checklist to ensure a smooth process.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Backup_Your_Website\"><\/span><strong> Backup Your Website<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Always create a full backup of your website before applying any updates. This allows you to restore your site if anything goes wrong.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Create_a_Staging_Environment\"><\/span><strong> Create a Staging Environment<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A staging environment is a clone of your live website where you can test updates before applying them to your actual site. Many hosting providers offer built-in staging tools.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Review_Update_Release_Notes\"><\/span><strong> Review Update Release Notes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Before updating, check the release notes of your CMS, plugins, and themes to understand what changes are included. This helps you identify potential conflicts.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Test_Updates_Before_Applying_Them_to_the_Live_Site\"><\/span><strong> Test Updates Before Applying Them to the Live Site<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Never update directly on your live website. Test updates in your staging environment first to ensure everything functions properly, as skipping these steps increases the risk of breaking your website. Now, let\u2019s discuss how to back up your website properly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Backup_Your_Website_Properly\"><\/span><strong>How to Backup Your Website Properly<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img data-dominant-color=\"5d6168\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #5d6168;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1128 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Backup-Your-Website-Properly-711x400.avif\" alt=\"Backup Your Website Properly\" width=\"711\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Backup-Your-Website-Properly-711x400.avif 711w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Backup-Your-Website-Properly-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Backup-Your-Website-Properly.avif 1366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/what-is-website-backup-4-importance-of-regular-backup\/\">backup<\/a> is your safety net in case an update goes wrong. There are multiple ways to back up your site, depending on your platform.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manual_Backup_vs_Automated_Backup_Which_One_Is_Right_for_You\"><\/span><strong>Manual Backup vs. Automated Backup: Which One Is Right for You?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Backing up your website is non-negotiable if you want to protect your data and prevent catastrophic losses in case of an update failure. But should you opt for manual backups or rely on automated backup solutions? Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manual_Backup\"><\/span><strong>Manual Backup<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A manual backup requires you to download your website files and database manually. While this method gives you full control, it can be time-consuming and requires technical know-how.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How to Perform a Manual Backup:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Using cPanel:<\/strong> Navigate to your cPanel dashboard, access the &#8220;File Manager,&#8221; and manually download your website files. Then, export your database using phpMyAdmin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Using FTP (File Transfer Protocol):<\/strong> Connect to your site using an FTP client like FileZilla, download all essential files, and back up your database separately.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Using phpMyAdmin:<\/strong> If your website runs on a CMS like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, you can access <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phpmyadmin.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">phpMyAdmin<\/a> to export your entire database.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Pros of Manual Backup:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gives you complete control over your data.<\/li>\n<li>No reliance on third-party services.<\/li>\n<li>Allows you to store backups in multiple locations of your choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons of Manual Backup:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Requires technical knowledge and time.<\/li>\n<li>If done incorrectly, you risk losing critical data.<\/li>\n<li>You have to remember to do it regularly, increasing the chance of missing important backups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Automated_Backup\"><\/span><strong>Automated Backup<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you want a stress-free way to secure your website, automated backups are the best option. Many hosting providers, including us at <strong>telaHosting<\/strong>, offer automatic backup services as part of their hosting plans. These services ensure that your website is backed up on schedule without any manual effort.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How to Set Up Automated Backups:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If your hosting provider offers built-in backup services, simply enable them in your hosting dashboard.<\/li>\n<li>If using WordPress, install backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to schedule daily, weekly, or monthly backups.<\/li>\n<li>For Joomla and Drupal users, consider using Akeeba Backup and Backup and Migr<strong>ate<\/strong>, respectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Pros of Automated Backup:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Saves time\u2014no manual work required.<\/li>\n<li>Ensures regular and consistent backups.<\/li>\n<li>Reduces human errors\u2014no risk of forgetting to back up.<\/li>\n<li>Many solutions offer one-click restore in case something goes wrong.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons of Automated Backup:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Some premium backup services may cost extra.<\/li>\n<li>Depending on where backups are stored, you might need additional storage space.<\/li>\n<li>If your automated backup system fails, you might lose your data if you don\u2019t have an alternative backup solution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_Backup_Tools\"><\/span><strong>Recommended Backup Tools<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No matter which method you choose, using trusted backup tools is crucial. Here are some of the best options available:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>CMS Platform<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Recommended Backup Tools<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>WordPress<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>UpdraftPlus, Jetpack Backup, Duplicator<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Joomla<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Akeeba Backup<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Drupal<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Backup and Migrate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Backup_Method_Is_Best\"><\/span><strong>Which Backup Method Is Best?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best backup method depends on your needs and expertise:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If you prefer full control and don\u2019t mind a hands-on approach, go for manual backups.<\/li>\n<li>If you want a set-it-and-forget-it solution, automated backups are the way to go.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For maximum security, combine both methods\u2014set up automated backups and perform manual backups occasionally as a failsafe. That way, your website data remains 100% secure, no matter what happens.<\/p>\n<p>At <strong>telaHosting<\/strong>, we provide automatic backup solutions to keep your site safe and secure. If you&#8217;re not backing up your site yet, now is the time to start!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Staging_Environment_for_Safe_Testing\"><\/span><strong>Staging Environment for Safe Testing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A staging site is a duplicate version of your website used for testing updates, as it allows you to test updates without affecting your live website. This helps catch errors before they reach your visitors. Many web hosts offer one-click staging, such as telaHosting. If your host doesn\u2019t provide staging, you can use plugins like WP Staging. alternatively, create a separate subdomain or local development environment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits_of_Staging_Environment\"><\/span><strong style=\"color: #333333;\">Benefits of Staging Environment\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Prevents website downtime<\/li>\n<li>Identifies conflicts before they impact live visitors<\/li>\n<li>Allows troubleshooting and debugging in a controlled environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once updates have been tested in staging and confirmed to be working, you can safely apply them to your live website.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps_in_Updating_Core_Software_Plugins_and_Themes_the_Right_Way\"><\/span><strong>Steps in Updating Core Software, Plugins, and Themes the Right Way<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When updating your website, follow these best practices to avoid issues.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Update_Your_CMS_First\"><\/span><strong> Update Your CMS First<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you\u2019re using WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, update the core software first before updating plugins and themes. To learn more about WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, check this post: WordPress vs Joomla vs Drupal: Choosing the Best CMS<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Update_Plugins_One_by_One\"><\/span><strong> Update Plugins One by One<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Update your website plugins individually rather than all at once. If an issue arises, this makes it easier to identify which plugin caused the problem.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Handle_Deprecated_or_Outdated_Plugins\"><\/span><strong> Handle Deprecated or Outdated Plugins<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If a plugin has not been updated in years, consider replacing it with a maintained alternative, as outdated plugins can introduce security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.<\/p>\n<p>Updating in the right order minimizes the risk of breaking your website.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Testing_Your_Website_After_Updates\"><\/span><strong>How to Testing Your Website After Updates<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After updating your website, you need to test it thoroughly to ensure everything is working properly. Here\u2019s what to check:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_Core_Functionalities\"><\/span><strong> Check Core Functionalities<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Ensure that all essential features like contact forms, login pages, and e-commerce checkout pages are working. Also navigate through your site as a visitor to check for broken links or missing images.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Test_on_Multiple_Devices_and_Browsers\"><\/span><strong> Test on Multiple Devices and Browsers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Open your website on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) to ensure it displays correctly. Then check compatibility with multiple browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Look_for_Performance_Issues\"><\/span><strong> Look for Performance Issues<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Use tools like <strong>Google PageSpeed Insights<\/strong> or <strong>GTmetrix<\/strong> to <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/6-best-tools-for-monitoring-website-uptime-and-performance\/\">monitor your website\u2019s performance<\/a>. If the update slowed down your site, you may need to <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/8-powerful-ways-to-optimize-images-for-lightning-fast-website-loading\/\">optimize images<\/a>, enable caching, or troubleshoot heavy scripts.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fix_Errors_and_Bugs_Before_Going_Live\"><\/span><strong> Fix Errors and Bugs Before Going Live<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you find any issues, resolve them in the staging environment first and only push the changes to your live website once you\u2019re confident everything is working perfectly.<\/p>\n<p>Skipping these tests can lead to a poor user experience and even lost customers.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Handle_Compatibility_Issues_and_Conflicts_After_Update\"><\/span><strong>How to Handle Compatibility Issues and Conflicts After Update<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes, updates can cause compatibility issues, especially if you\u2019re using multiple plugins or custom code. Here\u2019s how to handle them:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Identify_the_Problem\"><\/span><strong> Identify the Problem<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If your site breaks after an update, deactivate recently updated plugins one by one to identify the culprit. Also check your website\u2019s error logs for clues.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Restore_Your_Backup_If_Needed\"><\/span><strong> Restore Your Backup If Needed<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If troubleshooting doesn\u2019t work, roll back to your most recent backup. Once restored, try updating again but with extra caution.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contact_Support\"><\/span><strong> Contact Support<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If the issue persists, reach out to your hosting provider or plugin\/theme developers for assistance. Many developers release patches quickly, so check for an immediate fix.<\/p>\n<p>By handling conflicts proactively, you can prevent downtime and keep your website running smoothly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Monitor_Website_Performance_Post-Update\"><\/span><strong>How to Monitor Website Performance Post-Update<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once your updates are live, you should continue monitoring your website for potential issues.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Analyze_Site_Speed\"><\/span><strong> Analyze Site Speed<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Use tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/pagespeed.web.dev\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Google PageSpeed Insights<\/strong><\/a> or <strong>Lighthouse<\/strong> to see if updates have affected loading times, then optimize anything slowing down your site.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_for_Broken_Links\"><\/span><strong> Check for Broken Links<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Use tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brokenlinkcheck.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Broken Link Checker<\/strong><\/a> to scan your website for links that may have stopped working after updates.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Monitor_SEO_Performance\"><\/span><strong> Monitor SEO Performance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/search-console\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Google Search Console<\/strong><\/a> to see if Google has detected any errors also, if your rankings drop after an update, check if any critical SEO settings were affected.<\/p>\n<p>Keeping an eye on these metrics will help ensure your site remains stable and high-performing after updates.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Roll_Back_Updates_If_Something_Goes_Wrong\"><\/span><strong>How to Roll Back Updates If Something Goes Wrong<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Even with the best precautions, sometimes an update doesn\u2019t go as planned. Here\u2019s how to safely revert changes:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Restore_from_a_Backup\"><\/span><strong> Restore from a Backup<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you took a full backup before updating (which you should!), restore your website to the last working version.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_Plugin_Rollback_Features\"><\/span><strong> Use Plugin Rollback Features<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>WordPress users can use plugins like <strong>WP Rollback<\/strong> to downgrade problematic plugins and themes.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manually_Downgrade_Software\"><\/span><strong> Manually Downgrade Software<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Some CMS platforms allow you to download previous versions of plugins or themes. If necessary, reinstall the older version and test again.<\/p>\n<p>Rolling back updates ensures your website remains functional while you troubleshoot the issue.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Automatic_Updates\"><\/span><strong>Automatic Updates\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some website owners prefer to automate updates to save time. However, automatic updates can sometimes cause unexpected issues.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_of_Automatic_Updates\"><\/span><strong>Pros of Automatic Updates<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Ensures security patches are applied immediately.<\/li>\n<li>Saves time and reduces manual work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cons_of_Automatic_Updates\"><\/span><strong>Cons of Automatic Updates<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Updates can break your website if not tested first.<\/li>\n<li>You may not notice changes until it\u2019s too late.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Set_Up_Scheduled_Updates_Safely\"><\/span><strong>How to Set Up Scheduled Updates Safely<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Use hosting providers that offer safe auto-updates with rollback options like telaHosting.<\/li>\n<li>If using WordPress, enable automatic updates only for minor security patches, not major version changes.<\/li>\n<li>Set up email notifications so you\u2019re alerted when updates occur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you choose automation, monitor your site regularly to catch any potential issues early.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Practices_to_Keep_Your_Website_Stable_After_Updates\"><\/span><strong>Best Practices to Keep Your Website Stable After Updates<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To ensure your site remains secure and high-performing, follow these ongoing maintenance best practices:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Perform Regular Backups:<\/strong> Schedule automatic backups at least once a week.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Update Plugins and Themes Carefully:<\/strong> Only update trusted and actively maintained plugins.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep a Change Log:<\/strong> Maintain records of updates in case you need to troubleshoot issues later.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monitor Website Uptime:<\/strong> Use tools like UptimeRobot to receive alerts if your site goes down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By following these practices, you can prevent future update-related issues.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_When_Updating_a_Website\"><\/span><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid When Updating a Website<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img data-dominant-color=\"c2c8d9\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #c2c8d9;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1130 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Common-Mistakes-to-Avoid-When-Updating-a-Website-1-711x400.avif\" alt=\"Common Mistakes to Avoid When Updating a Website\" width=\"711\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Common-Mistakes-to-Avoid-When-Updating-a-Website-1-711x400.avif 711w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Common-Mistakes-to-Avoid-When-Updating-a-Website-1-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Common-Mistakes-to-Avoid-When-Updating-a-Website-1.avif 1366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Even experienced website owners make mistakes when updating their sites. Here are some common errors to avoid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Skipping Backups:<\/strong> Never update your website without backing it up first.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ignoring Update Notifications:<\/strong> Delaying updates for too long can leave your site vulnerable to security risks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Updating Everything at Once:<\/strong> If you update multiple plugins at once, it\u2019s harder to identify issues when something goes wrong.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Not Testing Updates First:<\/strong> Applying updates directly to the live site without testing can lead to major downtime.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Avoiding these mistakes will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Final_Tips\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion &amp; Final Tips<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Updating your website is necessary to maintain security, performance, and functionality. However, updates should be done carefully to avoid breaking your site. Follow these key steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Always back up your website before updating.<\/li>\n<li>Use a staging environment to test updates first.<\/li>\n<li>Update CMS, plugins, and themes in the correct order.<\/li>\n<li>Monitor your website after updates to detect issues early.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By following these best practices, you can ensure your website remains secure and stable without any interruptions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> How often should I update my website?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You should check for updates at least once a month. However, security updates should be applied immediately.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><strong> What should I do if my website crashes after an update?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Restore your website from a backup and identify which update caused the issue. You can also seek support from your hosting provider or developers.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><strong> Should I enable automatic updates?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Automatic updates are useful for security patches, but major updates should be tested manually in a staging environment.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><strong> What tools can help me test website updates?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Use tools like WP Staging for WordPress, GTmetrix for performance checks, and Google Search Console for SEO monitoring.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><strong> How do I know if a plugin is safe to update?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Check the update\u2019s release notes, read user reviews, and verify compatibility with your current CMS version before proceeding.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updating your website is important for security, performance, and overall user experience. However, if done incorrectly, updates can lead to broken pages, lost data, or even complete website failure. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about updating your website safely without breaking it. Why Website Updates Are Essential Many website&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3408,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[105,100,108],"class_list":["post-1114","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-website-development-management","tag-website-backup","tag-website-performance","tag-website-update"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1114","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1114"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1114\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3409,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1114\/revisions\/3409"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3408"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1114"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1114"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.ke\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}