Troubleshooting SEO Issues After Updating WordPress to 5.5

WordPress updates, especially major ones like the transition from version 5.4 to 5.5, can often cause unexpected issues with website functionalities, including SEO plugins. If you've recently updated to WordPress 5.5 and are struggling with SEO, this guide will help you identify and resolve the problems you're facing.

What's Causing SEO Issues After the Update?

The most common reason for SEO issues following an update is plugin compatibility. When WordPress releases a new version, many plugins are not immediately tested or updated to work seamlessly with the latest release. This can lead to issues, such as not being able to properly perform SEO on posts, broken headers, or other errors that negatively impact your site’s performance and visibility.

Check Your SEO Plugin Compatibility

Start by checking whether your SEO plugin is compatible with the latest version of WordPress. Here are some steps to follow:

Step 1: Verify Plugin Compatibility

Visit the official WordPress repository or the plugin’s website to check the compatibility list. This will give you an idea if the plugin has been updated to work with WordPress 5.5. If the compatibility status is not listed, it's best to wait for an updated version or find a plugin that is fully compatible with the new release.

Step 2: Check for Plugin Updates

Ensure that your plugin is up to date. Sometimes, developers release updates shortly after a new WordPress version is released to fix any compatibility issues. Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section, and check for any available updates. If an update is available, install it to try resolving the SEO issues.

Reach Out for Support

If updating your plugin does not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to the plugin developer or the support community for assistance. Many developers are responsive to user feedback, and accessing their forums or help pages can provide solutions or workarounds.

Developer Support

Visit the plugin’s official support page or community forums. Developers often have a section specifically for reporting and resolving issues related to certain versions of WordPress. Provide detailed information about the problem you're experiencing, including the exact error message if applicable, and the steps you've already taken to troubleshoot it.

Community Support

Engage with the wider community around the SEO plugin. Many communities, such as WordPress support forums, Yoast SEO support, or Seri (SEO Boutique), can offer valuable insights and solutions. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible to ensure you get the help you need.

Roll Back to a Previous Version of WordPress

If your SEO issues are too significant and you can't find a solution, you can consider rolling back to a previous version of WordPress. This is a last-resort option, as it means your website will use an older version, and new features may be missing. However, if your SEO is severely impacted, a rollback might be necessary to restore functionality.

Steps to Roll Back WordPress

Backup your current WordPress installation. This is crucial to ensure that you can revert back to the older version in case any critical errors occur during the rollback process.

Download the desired version of WordPress (in our case, the version right before 5.5).

Install the new version over your existing installation. Follow the official WordPress upgrade guide to ensure a smooth process.

After installing the new version, deactivate and de-activate your SEO plugins.

Conclusion

Updating to the latest version of WordPress is generally a good idea, but it can occasionally introduce compatibility issues, especially with SEO plugins. By following these steps and seeking support from relevant communities, you can identify and resolve the SEO issues you’re facing after the update. Remember, before making significant changes, it's always important to have a backup of your site to ensure you can recover if something goes wrong.