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Actionable Solutions To Common Problems When Building Websites With Wordpress

Ernest Hemingway

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Published in WordPress 5 Cookbook: Actionable Solutions To Common Problems When Building Websites With WordPress

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WordPress is a powerful content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites around the world. However, even the most experienced WordPress users can encounter problems when building and maintaining their websites.

WordPress 5 Cookbook: Actionable solutions to common problems when building websites with WordPress

by Rakhitha Nimesh Ratnayake

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51099 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	662 pages

This comprehensive guide provides actionable solutions to a wide range of common problems encountered when building websites with WordPress, empowering you to overcome technical hurdles and create professional-grade websites with ease.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: White Screen of Death (WSoD)

The White Screen of Death (WSoD) is a dreaded error that can occur for a variety of reasons, such as plugin conflicts, theme issues, or PHP errors.

Solution:

Disable all plugins and reactivate them one by one to identify the conflicting plugin.
Switch to the default WordPress theme to rule out theme issues.
Check for any recent PHP updates or modifications that may have caused errors.
Enable WP_DEBUG in your wp-config.php file to display error messages.
Contact your hosting provider for support if the above solutions don't resolve the issue.

Problem: Slow Website Speed

A slow website can frustrate visitors and negatively impact your search engine rankings. Several factors can contribute to slow website speed, such as large images, unoptimized plugins, or inefficient code.

Solution:

Use image optimization tools to reduce the size of your images.
Disable or delete unnecessary plugins.
Use a caching plugin to store frequently accessed data.
Minify your CSS and JavaScript files.
Consider upgrading your hosting plan if necessary.

Problem: WordPress Security Breaches

WordPress websites can be vulnerable to security breaches if not adequately protected. Common security issues include brute-force attacks, malware injections, and phishing scams.

Solution:

Install a reputable security plugin, such as Wordfence or Sucuri.
Keep your WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date.
Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Regularly scan your website for malware.
Create regular backups of your website.

Problem: Broken Links and Menu Items

Broken links and menu items can make your website difficult to navigate and negatively impact the user experience. They can occur due to incorrect URLs, deleted pages, or plugin conflicts.

Solution:

Use a link checker plugin to identify and fix broken links.
Double-check URLs when creating new links or menu items.
If you delete a page, redirect users to a relevant page or display a 404 error page.
Disable or delete any plugins that may cause menu item conflicts.

Problem: WordPress Database Errors

WordPress database errors can occur due to corrupted data, plugin conflicts, or incorrect database settings. They can prevent you from accessing your website or making changes to your content.

Solution:

Check the error message for specific instructions.
Try repairing the database using the WordPress repair tool.
Restore your database from a backup if possible.
Contact your hosting provider for support if the issue persists.

Problem: Plugin Issues

Plugins are essential for extending the functionality of WordPress websites, but they can also cause problems if they are not compatible with your theme or other plugins.

Solution:

Deactivate and reactivate the plugin to see if it resolves the issue.
Check for plugin updates or compatibility issues.
Contact the plugin developer for support.
Consider using a plugin manager to keep your plugins organized and up to date.

Problem: Theme Issues

WordPress themes control the design and layout of your website. A poorly coded or outdated theme can cause various problems, such as display issues, performance problems, or security vulnerabilities.

Solution:

Switch to the default WordPress theme to rule out theme issues.
Update your theme to the latest version.
Contact the theme developer for support.
Consider hiring a professional WordPress developer to customize or troubleshoot your theme.

Building websites with WordPress can be rewarding but also challenging. By understanding the common problems that can occur and implementing the actionable solutions outlined in this guide, you can overcome technical hurdles and create professional-grade websites with confidence.

Remember that regular maintenance is key to preventing problems and keeping your WordPress website running smoothly. Perform regular backups, update your core, plugins, and themes, and monitor your website's performance to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

WordPress 5 Cookbook: Actionable solutions to common problems when building websites with WordPress

by Rakhitha Nimesh Ratnayake

4.3 out of 5