The new version of WordPress has been released! So, what’s new in WordPress 3.8?
- Refreshed, Cleaner Dashboard – the less cluttered look makes it easier to find what you are looking for so you can spend less time editing your site.
- Streamlined Widget Control – no more scrolling up and down to find what you need. Rearrange and reorganize your sidebars more efficiently.
- Easier Mobile Editing – the new dashboard adapts to the device you are using to make editing your site more convenient on a tablet or phone.
- Increased Security– most updates include security improvements to help prevent your site from being infected by malware, hackers and viruses. A little prevention goes a long way!
- What to know more? Check out the video tour
Now I know what you are thinking: Can I do it myself?
Yes, you can do these upgrades yourself, but a word of caution: As with any upgrade, there is a possibility that the new software could conflict with your existing site. So make sure you ALWAYS backup your website and know how to restore it if something goes wrong. ALWAYS (really, I mean it)
3 Areas That Will Need Updating:
- WordPress – The core software can be updated through the WordPress “Updates” menu. ALWAYS backup your website before updating software. You also should check to make sure your hosting account is compatible with the latest version of WordPress: http://wordpress.org/about/requirements/
- Plugins – These are smaller programs that can be added to WordPress to add features to your site (anything from a simple email newsletter signup to a complex membership management program). Plugins can also be updated through the WordPress “Updates” menu. Make sure to check to see if the plugin is compatible with the latest version of WordPress. Links to more information on the plugins can be found by clicking on the “Visit plugin site” link under the plugin name on the “Plugins Page”.
- Theme – The theme control the design of your website. Many theme creators will update their themes to be compatible with the latest version of WordPress to take advantage of the improved features and performance. Some themes allow automatic updating but for most, you will have to contact the person or company that created your theme for more information.
Do you just want your updates taken care of without having to worry about it?
(Or does the update notification bar really bug you?)
You have other, more important things to work on so let me introduce our Monthly Maintenance Plans. Here’s what you get:
Basic Plan: Just the Updates Please
- Site backup
- Update WordPress software
- Update plugins
- Broken Link Checker
- Malware and virus scan
- $45/month
Plus Plan: Updates plus 1/2 hour of website edits or training – nice!
- Site backup
- Update WordPress software
- Update plugins
- Broken Link Checker
- Malware and virus scan
- 1/2 hour of website edits or 1 on 1 support
- $90/month
Premium Plan: Updates plus 1 hour of website edits or training – what a deal!
- Site backup
- Update WordPress software
- Update plugins
- Broken Link Checker
- Malware and virus scan
- 1 hour of website edits or 1 on 1 support
- $135/month
Want more details about the plans or have questions about updating your site?
Ready to update?
Click here to fill out the WordPress Website Update form
or give us a call at 858-220-7478.