Troubleshooting Common WordPress Issues for Non-Techies

WordPress is one of the most popular platforms for building websites, offering both power and flexibility. However, even the most user-friendly platform can come with its set of challenges. If you’re a non-techie trying to navigate WordPress, encountering issues can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! This guide will walk you through some of the most common WordPress problems and how to troubleshoot them, without needing any coding knowledge.

1. WordPress White Screen of Death (WSOD)

The dreaded white screen of death is a common issue where your website goes completely blank. This problem is typically caused by a conflict with plugins or themes, PHP memory issues, or even corrupted files.

How to Fix It:

• Deactivate Plugins: If you suspect a plugin is causing the issue, you can deactivate all plugins. Access your website via FTP or File Manager in your hosting control panel and rename the plugins folder to plugins-old. This will disable all plugins, allowing you to access the site again.
• Switch Themes: If the problem persists, try switching to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) by renaming your current theme folder via FTP.

Increase PHP Memory Limit: You can also increase your PHP memory limit by editing the wp-config.php file and adding this line:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

2. Plugin and Theme Update Issues

One of the key benefits of WordPress is the ability to easily update themes and plugins. However, sometimes an update can break your site or cause issues such as incompatible plugins or a slow website.

How to Fix It:

• Update in Stages: If you’re not sure which update caused the issue, update your themes and plugins one at a time. After each update, check if your site is still working properly.
• Restore a Backup: If something goes wrong after an update, restoring from a backup can help get your website back to its previous state.
• Check Compatibility: Before updating plugins or themes, always check if they are compatible with the latest version of WordPress.

3. Slow WordPress Site

A slow website is frustrating for both users and site owners. Speed issues can be caused by heavy images, excessive plugins, or poor hosting.

How to Fix It:

• Optimize Images: Large images can slow down your website. Use an image compression plugin like Smush to reduce image sizes without losing quality.
• Limit Plugins: Deactivate any unnecessary plugins. Every active plugin adds overhead to your site, so only keep the ones you really need.
• Use Caching: Install a caching plugin, such as W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache, to speed up your site by serving static files instead of loading the same content repeatedly.

4. 404 Errors (Page Not Found)

A 404 error occurs when you try to access a page or post that doesn’t exist. This could be caused by a broken link, deleted content, or issues with your permalink structure.

How to Fix It:

• Check Permalinks: Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings > Permalinks. Simply click Save Changes to refresh your permalink structure, which can resolve 404 errors.
• Check for Broken Links: Use a plugin like Broken Link Checker to scan your site for any broken links and fix them accordingly.
• Redirect Old URLs: If you’ve changed the URL of a page or post, use a redirect plugin like Redirection to automatically send visitors to the new page.

5. Login Problems

It’s frustrating when you can’t log into your WordPress dashboard. This issue can arise due to incorrect login credentials, a corrupted database, or a plugin conflict.

How to Fix It:

• Reset Your Password: If you’ve forgotten your password, click the “Lost Your Password?” link on the login page. WordPress will send you an email with instructions to reset it.
• Clear Browser Cache: Sometimes, cached data in your browser can prevent you from logging in. Clear your browser cache and try again.
• Disable Plugins: If the problem is caused by a plugin, deactivate all plugins via FTP by renaming the plugins folder as mentioned earlier.

6. Internal Server Error (500 Error)

An internal server error is a generic message indicating something is wrong with your server, and it can be frustrating to pinpoint the cause.

How to Fix It:

• Check the .htaccess File: A corrupted .htaccess file can trigger a 500 error. Rename the .htaccess file via FTP to .htaccess_old and refresh your site. If the issue is resolved, regenerate a new .htaccess file by going to Settings > Permalinks and clicking Save Changes.

Increase PHP Limits: Again, increasing PHP memory limits can help resolve this issue. Add the following to your wp-config.php file:
define(‘WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

7. Spam Comments

Spam comments can quickly clutter your WordPress site and harm your reputation. They are usually generated by bots.

How to Fix It:

• Enable Comment Moderation: Go to Settings > Discussion and enable comment moderation. This means you’ll have to approve comments before they appear on your site.
• Use Anti-Spam Plugins: Install an anti-spam plugin like Akismet or Anti-Spam Bee to filter out spam comments automatically.
• CAPTCHA on Forms: Adding a CAPTCHA to your comment section or contact form can prevent spam bots from submitting fake comments.

Final Thoughts

WordPress is a powerful platform, but it can come with its share of technical issues. Fortunately, with these tips, you don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your site running smoothly. By taking a few simple steps, such as deactivating plugins, updating themes, optimizing images, and managing your site’s settings, you can quickly resolve many common issues.

And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional WordPress developer to ensure your site stays in top shape.