If you are preparing to upgrade your website to WordPress 7.0, a few checks before you begin can help you plan the update.
And while it can be tempting to hit the update button immediately and hope for the best… I’d strongly encourage you to slow down for a moment first.
WordPress, plugins, themes and hosting all work together. Update problems can involve compatibility, software bugs or the hosting environment.
Checking your setup first helps you understand what needs attention before you begin.
After 18+ years working with WordPress websites, I can tell you this confidently:
A few minutes of preparation can save you HOURS of stress later.
So before you update to WordPress 7.0, here are the 5 most important things I recommend doing first.
1. Backup Your Website First
I know…
Everyone says this.
But honestly? There’s a reason.
Your backup is your safety net.
If something goes wrong during the update process, a recent, complete backup gives you a recovery option. Check that it includes your files and database, and know how it would be restored.
Restoring a backup can also roll back newer orders, bookings, enquiries or content. If your website receives these regularly, ask your support person how they would protect that newer information.
Your backup should include:
- your website files
- your database
- your media/uploads
- plugin and theme settings
Many hosting providers offer backups already, but I still recommend having your own backup system too.
Especially if your website is important to your business.
Because trust me…
The time people usually realise they don’t have a proper backup is AFTER something goes wrong. 😅
If you aren’t sure how to backup & update your site safely, checkout my WordPress Site Saver short course below or explore the posts in my Backup & Update WordPress Category
Quick Tip:
Before updating anything major, download a backup copy somewhere safe outside your hosting account too.
2. Check Your Plugins, Theme and Update Order
Before upgrading to WordPress 7.0, check the compatibility information and update instructions for your theme and important plugins.
Pay particular attention to tools your business relies on, such as your page builder, shop, booking system or membership software.
There is no single update order that suits every website. Some plugin updates require a newer WordPress version, while others may need to be installed before a major WordPress upgrade.
Follow the instructions from your theme and plugin developers, or the agreed process from whoever maintains your website. Check that paid licences allow you to access any required updates.
If a tool has not been updated for a long time, check whether it is still supported and compatible. Its age alone does not confirm whether it is safe to use.
Note any plugins you may no longer need, but check their purpose and any stored data before removing them.
For a major upgrade, use a staging copy where available to test compatibility before updating your live website. If your site takes orders or bookings, get guidance before copying staging changes back to the live site.
3. Check Your PHP Version
PHP is the programming language running behind your WordPress website.
Before upgrading to WordPress 7.0, check its requirements alongside those of your theme and plugins. Your host can help identify a suitable PHP version.
The aim is to use a supported PHP version that meets those requirements and works with your website’s software. A version meeting the minimum requirement is not necessarily the recommended choice.
You can usually check your PHP version in your hosting account or under Tools > Site Health > Info > Server in WordPress. You can also ask your hosting provider.
Changing PHP is a separate change from updating WordPress. Do not switch to the highest version available without checking compatibility first.
If a change is needed, ask your host or website support person to help test it and confirm how they would reverse it if necessary.
4. Test Your Website After Every Major Update
One mistake I see all the time is people updating everything at once and then having absolutely no idea what caused the issue.
Instead:
- update carefully
- test things step-by-step
- check your website immediately afterward
After updating:
- visit your homepage
- test your forms
- check your menus
- test mobile view
- check checkout/cart systems
- test membership logins
- test course areas
- check contact forms
- review page layouts
Pay particular attention to:
- page builders
- WooCommerce
- membership plugins
- booking systems
- popup tools
These are important features to check because they affect how visitors use your website.
Quick Reminder:
Sometimes problems aren’t obvious immediately.
That’s why testing properly matters.
5. Plan Your Upgrade and Prioritise Security Updates
For a major release such as WordPress 7.0, allow time to check compatibility, confirm your backup and test important website features.
Choose a time when you or your support person can check the website afterwards. A quieter period can be easier to manage than the middle of a launch or just before you leave for the weekend.
There is no fixed waiting period that makes every update safe. Check what the release addresses and what your website needs.
Security fixes need prompt attention. A blanket rule to wait a week or two can leave a known security issue unaddressed.
If you are unsure how urgent an update is, ask your host or website support person to help assess it and plan the next step.
If someone maintains your website, check with them before starting. They may already manage automatic updates, backups and testing.
My Honest Recommendation
Keep WordPress updated using a process that suits your website. Confirm your backup, check compatibility and allow time for testing.
If your site has not been updated for a long time, uses custom software or supports important business features, getting help with the upgrade plan can make the next step clearer.
You do not need to know every technical detail. Knowing who can help and what to check is a useful part of managing your website.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to WordPress 7.0 is an opportunity to check that your website’s software and hosting work well together.
A clear update process helps you keep your website current and check that the features your business relies on still work afterwards.
A little caution now saves a lot of stress later.
And honestly?
Learning how to safely maintain your website is one of the best skills you can develop as a website owner.
Because confidence with WordPress doesn’t come from knowing everything.
It comes from understanding the process.
Need Help Managing Your WordPress Website?
If you want support learning how to safely manage, update, improve, and troubleshoot your WordPress website without the tech overwhelm, here are a few ways I can help:
Join The WordPress Learners Lounge
Live WordPress help, accountability, troubleshooting support, and small group Zoom calls where you can ask questions and get support with your website.
Explore NCDAcademy WordPress101®
My beginner-friendly WordPress programme designed specifically for non-techie small business owners wanting to confidently build, maintain, and improve their websites.
Book A Power Hour
Need personalised help?
Book a 1:1 Power Hour and we can work through your website, updates, troubleshooting, strategy, or WordPress questions together.
