Site Management
Why WordPress Sites Become Unmanageable
"Too scared to update" "Plugins don't work" "Nobody knows how to use it" — Let's explore why WordPress sites become unmanageable and how to fix it.
Introduction
WordPress is the world's most popular CMS, but we often hear complaints like "nobody can touch it anymore" or "it broke after an update." Why does this happen?
Main Causes of Unmanageability
Plugin Dependency Hell
Plugins added for convenience start conflicting with each other or break compatibility after updates. Abandoned plugins also pose security risks.
PHP Version Issues
When the server's PHP is updated, old themes and plugins may stop working. However, keeping PHP outdated increases security risks.
No Responsible Person
The original developer leaves the company without handover, leaving nobody who understands the system. Sometimes even login credentials are lost.
Customization Becomes a Black Box
Custom modifications to themes and plugins make the site a 'black box' that only the original developer can maintain.
The "Too Scared to Update" Problem
WordPress core, theme, and plugin update notifications pile up, and nobody dares to click update because they're afraid something might break. This is a common struggle for many WordPress sites.
Without a staging environment, you have to test directly on production. Without knowing how to backup, nobody has the courage to click that update button.
Preventive Measures
- Set up automated backup systems (auto-backup plugin + external storage)
- Prepare a staging environment to test before applying to production
- Keep plugins minimal and choose actively maintained ones
- Create documentation for handovers
- Conduct regular security audits and updates
Static Sites as an Alternative
For sites with low update frequency or high security requirements, migrating from WordPress to a static site is worth considering.
Using static site generators (Eleventy, Astro, Hugo, etc.) provides faster loading speeds and significantly reduces server attack risks. If CMS functionality is needed, you can combine with headless CMS solutions (Contentful, microCMS, etc.).
Having Site Management Issues?
If you're struggling with WordPress management or considering a website renewal, feel free to contact us. We can help assess your current situation and recommend optimal solutions.