Tag Archive for: Website Maintenance

Check your PHP version and update

Hello!

It’s time to log into your WordPress website and see if you have a warning about the need to check your PHP version of the software. Its software that resides on the server computer where your website is hosted. Most of my clients sites are hosted with BlueHost.com but I know others use GoDaddy and other host services.

When you log in, you will see a warning on the Dashboard. If you don’t see the warning then you are all set. If you do see the warning then you need to alert your hosting company and ask them to update your PHP software. Most times, there is no effect to your website. Check your site immediately after the update to make sure everything still looks ok and links and forms are working properly. I have had one client who’s theme was outdated. The theme maker quit making updates for it. Therefore, it wasn’t compatible with the most recent PHP software version and her site “broke” and wouldn’t display at all.

The good news was that all of her content was still there, we just needed to find a new theme. We chose one from the same provider as the original theme to make the transition the easiest and most cost effective. It only took 2 hours to convert and give her website a whole new look. It’s much more updated looking, it’s simple and easy to navigate.

If you need help to check your PHP version of the software or fix your site if your theme is outdated, let me know. There are some scans I can run ahead of time to see if your site might have issues. It’s important to keep all of your plugins updated as well as your theme and WordPress version. Updates are typically done to improve security, speed, fix bugs, and add options.

Let me know if you have any WordPress or website hosting questions. For questions about BlueHost, visit my Resources page. To see all of the services I offer, view my Virtual Administrative and Marketing Services page.

Click here to learn what technically PHP is.

Michelle
952-484-6015

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Replace your Akismet Spam Protector

Akismet is no longer a free option for protecting you from spam Comments on your blog/website.

I have removed the Akismet plugin from my own blogs and searched the plugins for an alternative. I am using one right now and will see how it goes.

You can do the same, search for and test a new plugin to reduce your spam on your Comments. If you’d like me to replace your Akismet for something else, please let me know. Chances are, if you haven’t logged into your site for a while, there may be other plugins that you need to update as well as your WordPress version itself. Maybe some of your content needs to be freshened up too. Here is an older post I made about the importance of maintaining your site.

Call or email if you’d like my help. WordPress is not a “set it and forget it” type of website. Keeping your site fresh is your best way of generating new leads and new clients or customers.

I don’t charge my clients a monthly fee to keep their sites maintained and using the most up-to-date features and functionality. I allow my clients to do that themselves. But if you find you can’t keep up with it, let me know and we can set up a maintenance plan that works for you.

Michelle Aspelin
Mindshare Marketing & Implementation Services LLC

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