If you own a WordPress website, you’ve probably seen notifications about updates for plugins, themes, or WordPress itself. It might seem like a quick job — just a click of a button. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot more that goes into making sure everything works properly and stays secure.
As a developer, I regularly hear questions like:
“Why should I pay to keep my theme or plugin updated?” or
“Nothing looks broken — do we really need to do this now?”
Here’s a peek into what actually happens when a plugin or theme is kept up to date — and why it’s important for your website’s health, speed, and safety.
WordPress Is Always Changing
WordPress — the software that powers your site — is updated several times a year. These updates aren’t just about new features. They often include security fixes, speed improvements, and changes to how things work behind the scenes.
When WordPress updates, your plugins and themes need to keep up — otherwise, parts of your site could stop working, become slow, or even open up security holes that hackers could exploit.
What Developers Do to Keep Things Running Smoothly
Here’s what a responsible developer does before and after a new version of WordPress is released:
1. Track Upcoming WordPress Releases
We keep an eye on the WordPress roadmap so we know what’s coming weeks or even months in advance. That way, we can prepare instead of scrambling when an update goes live.
2. Test Your Plugin or Theme Early
WordPress shares early “beta” versions of upcoming updates. We use these to test how your plugin or theme will behave — and catch any problems before they happen.
3. Fix Compatibility Issues
If anything looks off, we go in and adjust the code so it works smoothly with the new version of WordPress.
4. Check for Security Risks
We make sure your plugin or theme isn’t using anything outdated or risky that could be targeted by hackers.
5. Double Check Everything
Before releasing an update, we run tests to make sure your plugin or theme:
- Loads properly
- Looks right on the front of the site
- Works well with other popular plugins and tools
6. Release the Update
Finally, we package the changes, write a summary of what’s been improved, and make the update available to users.
How Much Time Does This Take?
For a single plugin or theme, each WordPress update can take several hours of behind-the-scenes work — sometimes more if there are major changes. And that’s just for one update! Because WordPress releases happen throughout the year, this is a repeating cycle, not a one-time task.
“Why Do I Have to Pay? Aren’t Updates Free on WordPress.org?”
It’s a great question — and one that causes a lot of confusion.
Yes, many plugins and themes on WordPress.org are free to use and receive regular updates. These are built and maintained by developers who:
- Are either sponsored by companies,
- Have premium versions they sell to fund the work, or
- Contribute in their spare time as a way to give back to the community.
But here’s the key point:
These free updates are designed for general use, not for your specific website setup.
Custom or Premium Themes/Plugins Are a Different Story
If you’re using a custom-built theme or plugin — or even just using a free one that’s been heavily modified for your site — those public updates may not work correctly out of the box. Developers have to:
- Adapt the updates to your unique website,
- Test them to avoid conflicts, and
- Fix any bugs that show up in your specific environment.
This takes real time and effort. And when you hire a developer to do this, you’re not just paying for updates — you’re paying for:
- Expertise
- Thorough testing
- Custom solutions tailored to your needs
- Fast fixes if anything goes wrong
Paying for Support = Peace of Mind
With free plugins, support is often limited or community-based. That means if something breaks, you’re on your own — or stuck waiting days (or weeks) for help.
When you pay for plugin or theme maintenance, you’re getting:
- Fast support from someone who understands your site
- Proactive work to prevent issues
- Peace of mind that your site is in good hands
It’s not about charging for something that “should be free” — it’s about paying for professional, personalized care that free tools simply can’t provide.
What Happens If You Skip Updates?
If updates aren’t done properly — or aren’t done at all — here’s what could go wrong:
- Parts of your site may stop working
- Your layout could break or look messy
- Your site could get hacked due to outdated code
- Customers may leave if the site runs slowly or acts strangely
These problems often don’t show up right away — they can build up quietly in the background until something fails.
The Value of Ongoing Maintenance
Some site owners hesitate to pay a small monthly or annual fee for updates and maintenance. But that fee helps cover:
- Early testing before WordPress updates go live
- Fixes and improvements tailored to your site
- Security checks to keep your data and visitors safe
- Peace of mind knowing your website is being looked after by a professional
It’s like regular servicing for your car — you may not see the problem today, but good maintenance prevents major issues (and bills) down the road.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your plugins and themes updated isn’t just about staying current — it’s about keeping your website fast, safe, and reliable. It takes time, skill, and attention to detail, which is why a small support fee can make a big difference.
If you’re working with a developer who offers this service, you’re not just paying for updates — you’re investing in the long-term health of your site.
