Obviously, updates are a fact of life when using WordPress. Updates to themes, plugins and even the core of WordPress happen all the time. Most weeks, I end up updating 5-10 plugins across client sites.
When Updates Happen
I run updates across all Concierge client sites every Monday.
These days, there’s also usually a second round later in the week. Security fixes for WordPress plugins are coming out more often than they used to, and I’d rather not leave a known hole open until the following Monday.
On top of that:
- When I’m in your site to answer a question or do project work, I’ll often run any pending updates while I’m in there.
- If my monitoring flags a security vulnerability in a plugin some of my clients use, I’ll usually update it right away rather than waiting for the next round.
- If an update ever breaks something, I fix it. That’s part of Concierge.
You Can Update Too
At the end of the day, it’s your website, and you can do whatever you want with it. You’re welcome to run updates yourself anytime. Unlike some companies, I don’t take away a client’s ability to do things on their own site.
You don’t need to, of course. That’s what Concierge is for. But if you see an update waiting and you’re getting antsy, go right ahead. If something looks off afterwards, just let me know what you updated.
Holding an update back: if there’s a plugin you’d like left alone for now (say, a new version you’ve heard is buggy, or a page builder you want to test first), tell me and I’ll hold it.
Licensed vs Unlicensed Plugins
Premium plugins need a valid license to receive updates.
- Licensed through my Toolkit: on Core, Pro and Platinum, many premium plugins are licensed through my Concierge Toolkit. Those update normally, with no license for you to buy. (Essentials doesn’t include the Toolkit.)
- Licensed by you: if you’ve bought your own license for a plugin, enter it on your site (or send it to me and I’ll add it), and it updates normally.
- Unlicensed: a premium plugin without a license may not be able to update at all. If I update it, I have to do it by hand, using a GPL-licensed copy of the newer version. I can’t guarantee I’ll have one available, and because it’s a manual job, it happens less often than regular updates. If a plugin matters to your business, a proper license is the reliable way to keep it current.
Questions
If you’re ever concerned that updates aren’t happening on time, or have a question about them, never hesitate to ask. With rare exceptions, updates happen every week. So if you notice they haven’t happened in 2-3 weeks, something may be amiss… definitely reach out.