WordPress Website Troubleshooting FAQs

Even when you follow a strict maintenance schedule, websites are bound to need tweaks from time to time. So troubleshooting without any coding knowledge can be difficult for website and store owners.

Here is a list of WordPress Website Troubleshooting FAQs:

1. The website isn't loading what I can do?

There's a good chance your server is down, or your website has an error that is not allowing it to display. Unfortunately, if it is an issue with the website, some hosting providers will ask you to call your web developer because they just host the website.

If you are not a web developer, there are a few things you can do to narrow down the issue.

a. Check to see if it not the host or the website. You can visit https://downforeveryoneorjustme.com/

If your site is down for you, it is most likely an issue with your ISP (Internet Service Provider), which is your connection to the internet.

b. Check to see if you can get to the backend of your website. 

If you can get to your WordPress dashboard, then there is most likely an issue with your website vs. the host.

c. If you do have access to the backend, you start a trial by elimination and do the following:

• If you have a caching tool (check your plugin directory). Purge the cache to see if it is a caching issue.
• Disable your plugins one by one and test the homepage to see if one of your plugins is throwing an error.
• Disable your theme by selecting the default WordPress theme to see if it is a theme error.

If none of these have helped you identify the issue, then you need to do some more advance items which may involve getting your host or developer.

• Turn on the WordPress debug mode. This feature lets you see errors directly on each page, which can help you pinpoint the underlying cause of the website being down.
• Raise the memory limit of your php.ini - https://wordpress.org/support/article/editing-wp-config-php/#configure-error-logging.
• Check the permissions of the files and folders - https://wordpress.org/support/article/changing-file-permissions/.

For additional support and help for your WordPress website, see this post: WordPress Support & Maintenance: Where to Find the Best Help

2. My website is taking forever to load. What can I do?

Your host probably lacks resources at the moment. There are two ways to go about this:

• Directly contact your hosting provider. The best practice is using this tool to see why the site is slow.
• If the issue is specifically a page you created recently, it may not be fully optimized yet. Contact your Tech Support person.

3. A website element won't work correctly. How do I fix?

You may have compatibility issues between plugins and the version of WordPress you're currently running. (Backup site ALWAYS) Update the plugins first, and if the problem persists, email your Tech Support contact.

4. Plugins or software won't update.

You may be having issues with your licenses. Get ahold of your Tech Support, Billing, and Software Updates contacts to figure out what's happening.

5. Website emails go to the spam folder.

This usually happens when using less-than-ideal email providers. The best way to fix this is by changing to a premium service, such as Google G Suite.

6. I can't send and/or receive emails.

This could be an issue with either your host or individual provider, so it's best to let your Tech Support contact know so they can fix whatever needs fixing.

7. There's a security warning on the site.

For the most part, this happens due to SSL certificates. Contact your Security contact, or directly your SSL or hosting providers, and figure out the next step.

8. The website redirects to a different site.

Unfortunately, you've been hacked - but don't worry, it's not as terrible as it sounds! You should either email your hosting company or web developer. In most cases, the hosting company should take care of this if they want to charge your better off emailing your web developer.

• Security: Make sure they solve the issue and harden the WordPress website.
• Backup: Ask your web developer for a clean version of the website from before the attack, so you don't lose any information.

9. Someone is contacting me to say there's an issue with my website.

There might be an issue, yes, but you might just be looking at a company targeting you because you've recently registered a site. You may be receiving mass emails from agencies who will tell you they'll "fix" a problem that might not even exist. To be safe, it's a good idea to contact your Tech Support guy to see if everything is going well.

10. I did something wrong and can't take it back.

I can happen just using WordPress admin. If you do not have code skills, call your developer first and ask for a backup if you want to give it a go. Also, ask him or her if they will be available to replace the file if you're not familiar with accessing web files. Make sure you note all the steps before going down. Getting a website back up is not hard just need a fallback plan.

Conclusion

Did you know Bright Vessel offers full web maintenance packages that cover all the possible issues above? Whether you're too busy running your business or you don't have the patience to go through all the trouble yourself, we can help keep your site healthy on every front. Check out the most affordable Amazon AWS WordPress management plan.