How to Effectively Report Bugs on Your WordPress Website

A well-reported bug is half-fixed

Bugs - the unexpected visitors to your website

Sometimes bugs in your website are just like actual bugs – they appear when you least expect them, when you are in a hurry, or when you just don’t have the mental capacity to deal with them. But unlike actual bugs, bugs on your website won’t run away when you turn on the lights.

Why bug reporting matters: your help makes a difference!

An interesting fact is that the first documented-ever computer bug report was related to a real bug. On September 9th, 1947, Grace Murray Hopper reported that an actual moth was stuck between the relay contacts in the Harvard Mark II computer. The bug was taped to the computer logbook (source). Since then many things have changed in the digital world, but dealing with software issues is still something we must regularly cope with. The good news is that unlike in the real world, in the world of computers everything can be fixed and almost everything can be reversed (if you have a proper backup)

We strongly believe that a website is like a plant - it needs regular care so that it can thrive.

That’s why when we create a website for one of our clients we highly recommend that they subscribe to one of our monthly maintenance support plans. This ensures that their website is always looked after with the proper care and expertise.

In a previous article, we shared valuable information about troubleshooting and fixing bugs. If you’ve followed those steps and still need ongoing assistance, our support team is here to help. You can reach out to us and subscribe to one of our services.

The anatomy of a bug report

Bug reporting is a crucial part of our communication process, and based on our experience, a well-reported bug is half-fixed. To help you with bug reporting, we’ve outlined some steps below that you can follow:

a. Identify the bug

Start by noting the steps or actions that led to the appearance of the bug. Did you recently upload new content or update a plugin or theme?

b. Document the Bug

If possible, provide a link to the page where you encountered the issue.
Provide a clear description of the bug. Specify the section or feature of the website where it occurred and explain the expected behavior versus the actual behavior.
Additionally, provide a step-by-step guide for our support team to replicate the issue.
Note the browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and its version that you were using when the bug occurred. Additionally, provide the operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux) and its version.
Capture screenshots or record a video to visually demonstrate the bug. Visual evidence greatly aids in understanding the issue.

The bug reporting form: your superpower for efficient support

As an integral part of our support process, we have implemented a specialized bug reporting form. This form serves as a valuable tool for our clients to provide detailed information about any issues they encounter. We strongly encourage our clients to fill out the form thoroughly, providing as much relevant information as possible. A well-reported bug ensures that the troubleshooting process will be faster and more efficient, allowing our support team to quickly identify and address the underlying cause of the issue.

Connecting with us: your support is just a click away

As always, we encourage you to leave any comments below or reach out to us if you need assistance with your WordPress website. Until next time, take care and see you soon!

Get support. Now.