The 4th of September saw the launch of WordPress 4.0 ‘Benny’ honouring, as always, one of the Jazz greats – ‘King of Swing’ Benny Goodman. What I love the most about this most recent WordPress update is that they’ve actually really listened to their users and given them a better visual editing experience and an easier to manage work space. These two updates make blogging so much easier for everyone, including the average Joe beginner.

That all sounds great but What are Updates and Why do I need to update my WordPress? If I’m being totally honest with you a while back I just thought they were some annoying thing that popped up every time I opened my WordPress Admin Dashboard. You know like in the picture below…

Well actually as annoying as these updates may be they are essential to the functioning of your website or blog. Imagine them like the updates you get for your iPhone or iPad – an upgrade to something greater. In addition to the upgrade, updates also fix any bugs or errors that WordPress may be encountering.

An update should be done every time a new version of WordPress is launched but be sure to back up your site before you click the update button.

So let’s now explore the new functions of WordPress 4.0.

1. The Media Library has been revamped

This is possibly my favourite update as it makes editing and adding pictures to your posts just that must easier. The Media Library has been changed to an endless grid layout which makes finding your images extremely simple. In addition to this the preview details page has been changed which now flows more effortlessly giving you the option to flick through your pictures quickly.

2. A more User friendly Plugin directory has been added
Finding the perfect Plugin on the WordPress dashboard can be a mission considering there are over 30,000 of them! In order to get more details, reviews and installation details you have to do a little Google to find out more which can be quite tiresome and time consuming. Well not anymore, WordPress 4.0 has made it easier to find the right one for your needs, with new metrics, improved search, and a more visual browsing experience.

3. The Visual Editor
This is a nifty little update that makes the writing and editing of your blog posts that much smoother. The Editor has been updated to expand to fit your content as you write and in addition to this as you scroll down the formatting tools stick to the screen and scroll with you.

Need Help Updating?

If you’re feeling nervous about updating your website to the latest version of WordPress, let me help you – just send me a message over on my contact form.