Updating WordPress can be a simple task. However, it can also go awry. We are happy to help you with performing an update to your WordPress website.

Please submit a support ticket @ http://clients.forimpression.com to get started. For those of you brave enough, continue on.

Consider the worst case scenario. You’ll want to attempt upgrading during your off-peak hours. Well, when is this? For most of us, it’s after business hours. If things do go wrong, you don’t want your site offline or affecting visitors in any way.

Next, start working through the steps outlined below.

1: Back Your Site Up

Backups ensure that you have an immediate action plan should something go wrong. This is the most important step. Do not rely on the server for backups of your website.

• Back up the database of your site. This can be done through PhpMyAdmin by logging into your cPanel account or by using the backup wizard, also found in Cpanel.
• Back up your site files. This can be done with FTP/SFTP or by logging into your cPanel account and using the backup wizard.

2: (Turn Caching Off)

Deactivate your caching plugin. In most cases this will be W3 Total Cache, Super Cache, or Quick Cache.

This ensures that you aren’t caching maintenance pages during the updates and are not otherwise interfering with the update process.

3: Update Your Plugins (and theme)

Update all of your plugins and themes, if applicable, before upgrading WordPress. Users with custom themes will have to check with their developer/vendor to see if there are any theme updates.

4: Update WordPress

Finally, you’re ready to update WordPress. Log into your site and click the automatic upgrade button. Once you click on the link, a few questions will need to be answered before it begins.

Typically the update will take anywhere from a few seconds up to 2 minutes.

5: (Reactivate Your Caching Plugin)

Reactivate your caching plugin and purge the cache.

6: Check Your Site

Review your site. In the event your upgrade was catastrophic, restore the server files and database as soon as possible. Take note of any errors or issues you’ve seen and open a ticket with us. Otherwise, congratulations on updating WordPress to the latest version!