Common Website Issues
Common Issues with Your Website and How to Fix Them Easily
A website is a crucial part of any business, but technical issues can occasionally disrupt its functionality. Here, we’ll cover some common website problems and provide simple solutions to get your site back on track quickly.
1. Website Loading Slowly
Issue:
A slow-loading website can frustrate visitors and lead to high bounce rates.
Fix:
- Optimise Images – Compress images using tools like TinyPNG or JPEG-Optimiser.
- Enable Caching – Use browser caching to store static files, reducing load times for returning visitors.
- Minimize HTTP Requests – Reduce the number of elements (scripts, images, CSS files) on your page.
- Upgrade Hosting Plan – If your site experiences heavy traffic, a better hosting plan might be needed.
2. Website Not Displaying Correctly on Mobile
Issue:
Your website looks good on a desktop but appears broken or misaligned on mobile devices.
Fix:
- Use Responsive Design – Ensure your site uses a mobile-friendly design framework like Bootstrap.
- Test on Multiple Devices – Use tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check responsiveness.
- Adjust Font and Button Sizes – Make sure all text and interactive elements are easy to read and click.
3. Broken Links and 404 Errors
Issue:
Visitors encounter broken links or pages that show a "404 Not Found" error.
Fix:
- Check Links Regularly – Use tools like Broken Link Checker to find and fix broken links.
- Set Up Redirects – Use 301 redirects for pages that have moved.
- Create a Custom 404 Page – Provide helpful links and navigation to guide users back to your main site.
4. Website Not Ranking Well on Search Engines
Issue:
Your website isn’t appearing on search engines like Google.
Fix:
- Optimise for SEO – Use relevant keywords in your titles, meta descriptions, and content.
- Submit a Sitemap – Submit your XML sitemap to Google Search Console.
- Build Backlinks – Increase your site’s credibility by getting other reputable sites to link to yours.
- Improve Site Speed – Google prioritizes fast-loading sites in search rankings.
5. Security Issues and Potential Hacks
Issue:
Your website may be vulnerable to hacks or has already been compromised.
Fix:
- Update Software Regularly – Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes up to date.
- Use Strong Passwords – Implement strong, unique passwords for admin accounts.
- Install a Security Plugin – Use security plugins like Wordfence (for WordPress) or Sucuri to scan for vulnerabilities.
- Enable HTTPS – Secure your site with an SSL certificate to protect sensitive data.
6. Contact Forms Not Sending Emails
Issue:
Your website's contact form isn't delivering messages to your email.
Fix:
- Check Spam Folder – Sometimes, emails from contact forms are flagged as spam.
- Use an SMTP Plugin – If using WordPress, install an SMTP plugin like WP Mail SMTP to ensure reliable email delivery.
- Verify Email Settings – Make sure the "From" email address matches the domain name.
7. Website Down or Showing an Error Message
Issue:
Your website is not loading, displaying an error message, or showing a blank screen.
Fix:
- Check Hosting Status – Log into your hosting account to see if there are server issues.
- Look for Plugin Conflicts – If using WordPress, disable plugins one by one to identify the problem.
- Clear Cache – Sometimes, clearing your browser cache or website cache can resolve issues.
- Restore from Backup – If all else fails, restore your site from a recent backup.
Conclusion
Technical issues can be frustrating, but many common problems have simple solutions. Regular maintenance, updates, and monitoring can prevent most issues before they impact your business. If you're still facing difficulties, then contact our Digital Help Desk.