diff --git a/readme.txt b/readme.txt
index 40281b63..035e3267 100644
--- a/readme.txt
+++ b/readme.txt
@@ -163,6 +163,10 @@ No, you do not need to use our plugin’s login or registration pages and can us
 * To learn more about version 2.1 please see this [docs](https://docs.ultimatemember.com/article/1512-upgrade-2-1-0)
 * UM2.1+ is a significant update to the Member Directories' code base from 2.0.x. Please make sure you take a full-site backup with restore point before updating the plugin
 
+= 2.5.4: January xx, 2023 =
+
+
+
 = 2.5.3: December 19, 2022 =
 
 * Bugfixes:
diff --git a/ultimate-member.php b/ultimate-member.php
index 8f15c15f..0722d7ea 100644
--- a/ultimate-member.php
+++ b/ultimate-member.php
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Plugin Name: Ultimate Member
 Plugin URI: http://ultimatemember.com/
 Description: The easiest way to create powerful online communities and beautiful user profiles with WordPress
-Version: 2.5.3
+Version: 2.5.4-alpha
 Author: Ultimate Member
 Author URI: http://ultimatemember.com/
 Text Domain: ultimate-member