Your WordPress website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers.
75 % of users say that website performance is a major factor when deciding whether or not to make a purchase.
That's why it's important to make sure that your WP website is running smoothly and error-free. However, even the best websites can experience problems from time to time.
In this blog post, we'll cover some of the most common website problems and how to fix them easily.
We'll also provide some valuable resources to help you keep your website running at its best.
Common Website Problems:
- Slow website loading time
- Broken links
- 404 errors
- Security vulnerabilities
- Mobile incompatibility
Problem 1: Slow website loading time
A slow website loading time is one of the most common website problems. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as large image files, too many plugins, and unoptimized code.
Why is it important to fix a slow website loading time?
Users are impatient. If your website takes too long to load, they're likely to abandon it and go to a competitor's website instead.
A slow website loading time can also negatively impact your SEO ranking.
When a website takes too long to load, visitors are more likely to bounce, resulting in higher bounce rates.
A high bounce rate signals to search engines that the user experience is subpar, and it indicates that the page does not offer any value.
As a consequence, search engines may lower your website's ranking in search results, making it harder for potential visitors to find your site.
How to fix a slow website loading time:
- Optimize your images. Use a tool like TinyPNG or Compressor.io to compress your images without sacrificing quality.
It's essential to choose the right dimensions to fit your website layout. For example, a typical standard width for web images might be 1200 pixels for a full-width image, but this can vary based on your design.
Also be sure to use appropriate file formats such as JPED, PNGm and WEBP.
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Reduce the number of plugins and widgets. Only use the plugins and widgets that you
absolutely need.
Be sure to update plugins since failure to do so will result in your website slowing down. -
Optimize your code. You can use a tool like GTmetrix or Pingdom to analyze your website's code and identify areas where it can be improved.
Problem 2: Broken links
A broken link is a link that leads to a page that doesn't exist. Broken links can be caused by a variety of factors, such as moving pages or deleting pages without updating the links.
Why is it important to fix broken links?
Broken links can frustrate your visitors and make it difficult for them to find the information they're looking for. They can also negatively impact your SEO ranking.
How to fix broken links:
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Use a broken link checker to identify broken links on your website, such as Google Search Console.
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Update the links to the correct pages.
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If a page no longer exists, create a 301 permanent redirect to a similar page on your website.
Problem 3: 404 errors
A 404 error occurs when a user tries to access a page that doesn't exist. 404 errors can be caused by a variety of factors, such as typing in a wrong URL or clicking on a broken link.
Why is it important to fix 404 errors?
404 errors can frustrate your visitors and make it difficult for them to find the information they're looking for. They can also negatively impact your SEO ranking.
How to fix 404 errors:
- Create a custom 404 page. This page should provide users with information about why they're seeing a 404 error and how to find the information they're looking for.
- Redirect users to a similar page on your website.
Problem 4: Security vulnerabilities
Security vulnerabilities are weaknesses in your website's code that can be exploited by hackers. Security vulnerabilities can allow hackers to steal your data, install malware on your website, or even take control of your website.
Why is it important to fix security vulnerabilities?
Security vulnerabilities can put your website and your visitors at risk. If your website is hacked, your visitors' personal information could be stolen or they could be infected with malware.
How to fix security vulnerabilities:
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Keep your WordPress software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can fix security vulnerabilities.
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Use a security plugin. A security plugin can help to protect your website from common security threats. More importantly be sure to update plugins since failure to do so will result in security breaches.
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Use a strong password manager. A password manager can help you to create and manage strong passwords for your website and other online accounts.
Problem 5: Mobile incompatibility
Mobile incompatibility means that your website doesn't display correctly on mobile devices. Mobile incompatibility can be caused by a variety of factors, such as using an outdated website design or not using responsive design.
Why is it important to fix mobile incompatibility?
More and more people are using their mobile devices to access the internet. If your website is not mobile-friendly, you're missing out on a large and growing audience.
How to fix mobile incompatibility
- Use a responsive WP theme. A responsive design will automatically adjust your website's layout to fit any screen size.
- Test your website on different mobile devices. Make sure that your website looks good and functions correctly on all of the devices that your target audience is using.
Valuable Resources:
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GTmetrix: This tool provides in-depth insights into your website's loading speed and performance.
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Pingdom: This tool offers similar features to GTmetrix, including a 404 checker and other useful functions.
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WordPress Codex: The official WordPress documentation provides comprehensive guides, tutorials, and troubleshooting resources for a wide range of WordPress issues.
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WordPress Support Forums: These forums offer a vibrant community of WordPress users and developers, where you can seek assistance and share solutions for various problems.
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WordPress Maintenance Plugins: Plugins like WP Maintenance Mode and Coming Soon Page Pro can help you temporarily disable your website for maintenance or create a landing page while working on updates or changes.
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Support Guru Website Health Analysis Tool: Assists in identifying all existing technical issues on a website.
Fix Common WordPress Mistakes Easily
By addressing common WordPress problems and mistakes promptly, you can ensure a seamless user experience, maintain a positive online presence, and protect your website's integrity.
Remember, regular maintenance, proactive security measures, and seeking expert maintenance and support assistance when needed can keep your WordPress website running smoothly and effectively.