With the release of a new WordPress version, now is the perfect time to give your website a little spring cleaning! Regular site maintenance is essential for optimal performance, security, and user experience, and a new version update is a great reminder to ensure everything is running as it should. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tidy up your WordPress site and keep it in top shape.
1. Backup Your Website
Before making any changes, start with a full backup of your website. This will ensure you have a safety net in case anything doesn’t go as planned. There are many plugins available for backups, such as UpdraftPlus or Duplicator, which allow you to save your site’s files and database. Make sure you store the backup offsite for extra security.
2. Update WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes
With the latest WordPress version now available, it’s important to keep everything on your site up to date. Follow these steps:
- WordPress Core: Update to the newest version from your dashboard. This brings the latest security features, bug fixes, and improvements.
- Plugins and Themes: Go to Dashboard > Updates to see available updates for plugins and themes. Update each one to avoid compatibility issues with the latest WordPress version.
Regularly updating these elements helps prevent vulnerabilities and keeps your site running smoothly.
3. Deactivate and Delete Unused Plugins and Themes
Unused plugins and themes can slow down your site and create potential security risks. To clean up:
- Go to Plugins in your dashboard and deactivate any plugins you’re no longer using.
- Once deactivated, delete them completely. Repeat this process for unused themes.
Only keep the plugins and themes that you actively use and that are essential to your website’s functionality.
4. Optimise Your Database
Over time, your WordPress database can accumulate unnecessary data, including post revisions, spam comments, and old plugin data. A clean database can improve your site’s speed and performance.
- Use plugins like WP-Optimize or Advanced Database Cleaner to tidy up your database.
- Run a cleanup of your database to remove unwanted data and improve load times.
5. Review Site Security Settings
After updating WordPress, it’s wise to review your security settings to ensure your website is protected from potential threats. Key actions include:
- Update passwords for all administrator accounts.
- Ensure your SSL certificate is up-to-date.
- Consider installing a security plugin, such as Wordfence or iThemes Security, to monitor for suspicious activity and secure your login area.
6. Review and Test Site Functionality
With any update, it’s essential to make sure all features are working as expected. Check your site thoroughly for any issues:
- Navigate through key pages, forms, and links to ensure everything loads correctly.
- Test functionality like contact forms, shopping carts, and interactive elements.
- Use different devices and browsers to spot any layout or display issues.
7. Optimise Your Media Library
Old or unused media files can take up valuable storage space and slow down your site. Cleaning up your media library will make it easier to manage and improve site performance:
- Go to Media > Library and delete any unused images or files.
- For sites with large media libraries, consider using a plugin like Media Cleaner.
- Compress images to reduce file sizes, which can help with loading speeds. Plugins like Smush or ShortPixel can be useful for bulk image optimisation.
8. Check Your Site’s SEO Health
A new WordPress update is a great opportunity to review and refine your SEO practices. Look at:
- Broken links: Use a plugin like Broken Link Checker to find and fix any broken links that could hurt your SEO.
- Meta titles and descriptions: Make sure each page has relevant meta titles and descriptions.
- XML sitemap: If you’re using an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO, make sure your XML sitemap is up-to-date and submitted to search engines.
9. Review Analytics and Performance
Take a moment to assess your site’s performance and user engagement. Look at data from tools like Google Analytics or Jetpack to review:
- Which pages are getting the most traffic and which might need some improvement.
- Site speed metrics: Use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTMetrix to check your website’s loading speed and identify any areas for improvement.
A faster site leads to a better user experience and can help with SEO.
10. Plan Your Content for the Season Ahead
Lastly, with a freshly cleaned website, it’s a good time to plan new content! Use your spring-cleaning momentum to brainstorm and schedule new blog posts, update your About page, or even refresh your homepage with seasonal content or promotions.
Regular maintenance like this helps keep your website secure, fast, and enjoyable for visitors. Happy spring cleaning!