Did you know that 47% of website visitors expect a page to load in 2 seconds or less? If your site is riddled with errors, it’s not just slow – it’s broken. In today’s fast-paced digital world, page errors can turn potential customers away before they even have a chance to explore your website.

But don’t worry. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can learn to understand and fix common errors to keep your site running smoothly. This guide will show you how.

Common Page Errors On Your Website

Let’s talk about those pesky error codes that can pop up on your website and scare away potential customers. While they might seem like gibberish, each code has a simple solution.

404 (Page Not Found)

The 404 error is the most common one you’ll likely encounter. It means that the page you or your visitor are trying to reach simply doesn’t exist. Maybe the URL was mistyped, the link is old and broken, or the page was deleted without a proper redirect.

For WordPress users, issues with permalinks (the URL structure of your pages and posts), plugin malfunctions, or even recent theme changes can trigger this error.

403 (Access Denied)

The 403 error is like a bouncer at a club. It’s saying, “Sorry, you’re not on the list.” This error occurs when the server understands your request but refuses to grant access. This could be due to incorrect file permissions, server configuration problems, or security measures.

If you’re using WordPress, check your .htaccess file (a configuration file that controls access to your site) and make sure it’s not blocking legitimate requests.

500 (Internal Server Error)

The 500 error is a bit of a wildcard. It’s a general message indicating that something went wrong on the server, but it doesn’t give you much information about the specific cause. This could be due to faulty code, issues with your database, or simply an overloaded server struggling to keep up with traffic.

In WordPress, plugin or theme conflicts are frequent culprits, as is exceeding your allocated PHP memory (the resources your website uses to run).

503 (Service Unavailable)

When you see a 503 error, it means the server is temporarily unable to fulfill your request. It’s like a “be right back” sign on a shop door. This could happen because of scheduled maintenance, a sudden influx of visitors, or resource limitations.

For WordPress sites on shared hosting (where multiple websites share server resources), high traffic spikes can sometimes trigger this error.

Quick Fixes for Page Errors

General Troubleshooting

Before diving into website-specific solutions, let’s start with some universal fixes that can often do the trick. First, try refreshing the page. Sometimes errors are temporary glitches, and a quick refresh can clear things up.

Next, double-check the URL. A small typo can lead you (and your customers) to a “Page Not Found” message. Lastly, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. These stored files can sometimes become outdated and cause errors.

WordPress-Specific Solutions

Since WordPress powers a large chunk of the internet, we’ll focus our troubleshooting on this popular platform. Here are specific fixes for those errors:

How to Fix 404 Errors

1. Head to your WordPress dashboard, go to “Settings,” then “Permalinks.” Hit “Save Changes,” even if nothing looks wrong. This simple act can often resolve minor permalink glitches.
2. Deactivate your plugins one by one to see if a specific plugin triggers the error. If you find the culprit, either update it to the latest version or find a replacement.
3. Install a plugin like “Broken Link Checker” to scan your entire website for broken links. It will help you quickly identify and fix them.
4. If you’ve moved or deleted a page, set up a 301 redirect from the old URL to the new one. This ensures visitors and search engines find the correct page.

How to Fix 403 Errors

1. Ensure your files and folders have the correct permissions. A quick Google search will tell you the recommended settings (usually 755 for folders and 644 for files).
2. Carefully examine your .htaccess file (a configuration file that controls access) for any errors or incorrect rules. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, ask for help from your hosting provider.
3. Deactivate any security plugins temporarily. If the error disappears, you know the plugin is the culprit. You might need to reconfigure it or find an alternative.

How to Fix 500 Errors

1. Increase the PHP memory limit in your wp-config.php file. This might give your server more room to breathe and process requests without errors.
2. Deactivate your plugins one by one to see if any are causing the issue. If you find a problematic plugin, update it or replace it.
3. Check your server’s error logs. These logs often contain valuable clues about what’s causing the 500 error.
4. If you’re still stumped, reach out to your hosting provider. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and resolve server-side problems.

How to Fix 503 Errors

1. Temporarily deactivate all your plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme. If this fixes the problem, reactivate them one by one to pinpoint the cause.
2. If you’re on a shared hosting plan, your website might be using too many resources. Consider upgrading to a more robust plan or switching to a dedicated server.
3. If you can’t resolve the issue on your own, your hosting provider can help you identify and fix the problem.

Don’t Ignore Page Errors

Ignoring website errors might seem tempting, but it’s a shortcut that can lead to long-term problems.

Unhappy Visitors

Page errors frustrate your website visitors. A broken link or an error message interrupts their experience, making it difficult to find the information or products they want. This frustration erodes trust and often sends them clicking away to your competitors.

Lower Search Rankings

Search engines like Google prioritize user experience. Websites with numerous errors signal a poor experience, which can negatively impact your search rankings. When your website drops in search results, you lose visibility and potential customers won’t find you as easily.

Lost Sales

If customers can’t find what they’re looking for or get frustrated with your site, they’re unlikely to make a purchase. This leads to missed opportunities and lost revenue for your small business.

Damaged Reputation

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. A site riddled with errors reflects poorly on your brand, suggesting a lack of professionalism and attention to detail.

Additional Tips for Preventing Page Errors

Instead of waiting for errors to strike, you can take the following steps to keep your website healthy and happy.

Update Regularly

Your website needs regular tune-ups to keep it running smoothly. For WordPress sites, this means keeping your core software, themes, and plugins updated. These updates often include important bug fixes and security patches that can prevent errors before they start.

Monitor With Diib

Diib’s intuitive dashboard provides valuable insights into your website’s performance, including alerts for any errors that might pop up. This early warning system allows you to address issues before they escalate.

Back-Up Your Site

Imagine accidentally deleting an important file or experiencing a server crash. Without a backup, your website could be gone in an instant. Regular backups are like insurance for your online presence.

Choose a Reliable Host

A good host offers robust server infrastructure, regular backups, and excellent customer support to help you troubleshoot any issues.

On the other hand, a slow or unreliable host can lead to errors and downtime, frustrating your visitors and potentially costing you sales.

Prevent Page Errors and Keep Your Website Running Smoothly

Now that you’ve learned the ropes of tackling page errors, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. Start by checking your website for any existing errors and implement the fixes we’ve discussed. Finally, don’t forget to explore Diib’s tools for ongoing website monitoring and optimization.