Let’s face it, WordPress is perhaps the easiest and most popular content management system (CMS) to use on the Internet. Since starting out solely as a blogging platform, it’s evolution to a fully-functional CMS has positioned WordPress to be the largest self-hosted blogging tool in the world, currently powering more than a whopping 24% of the web. It certainly seems credible, servicing big names like Sony, The New York Times, and Best Buy.
However, there are plenty of concerns over WordPress. Users experience a plethora of frailties on this platform that will make you want to scream. Perhaps you’ve heard the horror stories or have personally suffered similar nightmares. Either way, it’s good to be informed of these situations so you know how to address them as they occur.
Here are 6 WordPress nightmares and some suggested ways to resolving these issues:
1. Internal Server Error (or “HTTP 500 Internal Server Error”)
Hopefully, you have not had to deal with this error message. This generic error code message could be from a multitude of sources. Plugins/themes features, the PHP code timing out, and errors with the .htaccess files are just some of the possible reasons why you may be getting this message.
How to correct:
Try implementing these steps prior to contacting your hosting provider:
- Refresh your page. This issue may only be temporary.
- Clear your browser cache and then close and re-launch your browser.
- Open the same page in another web browser. If the problem persists, reach out to your hosting provider.
2. Attempting Graphic Modifications
Unless you’re already familiar with CSS, HTML, and PHP language, you will have a challenging time modifying graphics and table formatting. Although WordPress offers plenty of templates, many of them are alike. To give your site a unique look, you will need to know some coding.
How to correct:
- Learn more about HTML or CSS.
- Hire a web developer to do the modifications for you.
3. Automatic Updates Ruining It All
You’ve been alerted that a new update has taken place, now your plugins are not working properly, if at all. This is not an uncommon occurrence and can be extremely frustrating. Updates do not take into account your previous customizations or plugins. So, if they are not compatible with the latest updates, they will not work.
How to correct:
- Unfortunately, you will have to use a different plugin and wait for the one you are currently using to get an update itself. Then you can switch back.
- Remember to back up your site regularly. This gives you the option to revert back to the most recent version if an update throws you off course.
4. You’ve Been Hacked
How do you know if your site is hacked? It may not be functioning the way it is supposed to, there may be foreign links that are not supposed to be there or worst of all you cannot find the page. This can be devastating trying to go through all the steps to get your business site flowing again. The longer it takes for you to fix your site, there will be more lost opportunities to generate sales.
Next steps to take:
- Take your website offline and assess to see exactly how bad the damages are.
- Visit WordPress’s FAQ page…this resource provides excellent check points on the steps to take if you’re in this situation.
- Repair the site.
- Change passwords.
- Make sure to keep up with updates.
5. Slow Performance Speeds
Unlike CMS platforms such as Drupal, WordPress is not built to handle large volumes of content. Load times are notorious for getting bogged down with extra processes running due to the heavy use of plugins and crowded databases. If you have or plan to have, a lot of content, it will take some extra work on your part to make sure your WordPress site is running at optimum capacity.
How to correct:
- Be sure you have proper hosting that meets the demands of your content levels.
- Use an effective cache plugin.
- Optimize your homepage to ensure it loads quickly by getting rid of unused widgets and plugins.
6. Exposed to Plugin Viruses
Unfortunately, WordPress is highly susceptible to plugin viruses that can wipe content and pages clean. Its reliance on plugins is a consistent backdoor entry to anybody with a devious mind and an educational background in PHP. The only way to safeguard against a possible attack is to constantly be vigilant.
How to correct:
- Install the WP Antivirus Site Protection
- Proactively arm your site by taking these steps to keep it safe
WordPress is a great CMS, but it has many pitfalls. Security risks, update troubles, and slow speeds do not make this an enjoyable experience. If you would rather not have to deal with these nightmares and get stuck solving issues on your own, a custom solution may be better. A custom CMS can provide you with seamless website management that will ease your workflow and increase your productivity.
