How to Handle the 500 Error Like a Pro Marketer

A 500 Internal Server Error is a server-side issue that occurs when the website cannot process a request. This is a broad error, meaning it doesn’t provide specific details about what went wrong.

For marketers, this error can:

• Interrupt campaigns: Ads and emails leading to error pages waste your budget.
• Lose leads: Visitors may leave and never return.
• Harm credibility: Users might see your brand as unreliable.

The key is to act quickly, solve the issue, and ensure smooth website functionality.

How to Handle the Error Based on Your Website Setup

If Your Website Runs on WordPress

WordPress is one of the most popular website platforms, and fortunately, many solutions for fixing a 500 error are straightforward.

1. Clear the Cache
   • What to do: Clear your browser and site cache. Plugins like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache may need to be purged.
   • Why it works: Cached files can sometimes cause conflicts and display outdated errors.
     
     
2. Deactivate Plugins and Themes
   • What to do:
     • Log into your WordPress admin dashboard.
     • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and deactivate all plugins.
     • Reactivate them one by one to identify the culprit.
   • Why it works: A plugin or theme conflict can cause server errors.
     
     
3. Pro Tip: Use FTP or File Manager to deactivate plugins if you can’t access the WordPress dashboard.
   
   
4. Check the .htaccess File
   • What to do:
     • Access your site via FTP or cPanel.
     • Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
     • Rename it (e.g., .htaccess_backup) and refresh your site.
     • If the error is resolved, generate a new .htaccess file by going to Settings > Permalinks in WordPress and saving.
   • Why it works: A corrupted .htaccess file can trigger server errors.
     
     
5. Increase PHP Memory Limit
   • What to do:
     • Edit the wp-config.php file via FTP.
       define( ‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’ );
   • Why it works: A low memory limit can cause the server to crash when handling large tasks.
     
     
6. Reinstall Core Files
   • What to do: Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org and replace the core files (excluding wp-content).
   • Why it works: Corrupted core files may cause unexpected errors.
     
     
7. Contact Your Hosting Provider
   • What to do: If you’re unable to resolve the error, reach out to your hosting provider. They may identify server-side issues like resource limits or misconfigurations.
     
     

If Your Website is Built on Custom Code

For websites built with custom code, handling a 500 error requires a bit more technical expertise. Here’s what you (or your developer) can do:

1. Check the Server Logs
   • What to do: Access your hosting server’s error logs through cPanel or ask your hosting provider for the logs.
   • Why it works: Logs give detailed insights into what caused the error, such as a script failure or resource issue.
     
     
2. Debug Your Code
   • What to do:
     • Enable debugging mode by modifying the server settings.
       ini_set(‘display_errors’, 1);
       error_reporting(E_ALL);  
   • Why it works: Debugging shows specific errors in your code, making it easier to locate the problem.
     
     
3. Check File Permissions
   • What to do: Ensure that file permissions are set correctly (e.g., 755 for directories and 644 for files).
   • Why it works: Incorrect permissions can block the server from accessing necessary files.
     
     
4. Fix Database Connection Issues
   • What to do: Verify your database credentials in the configuration file.
   • Why it works: Incorrect database settings can prevent the website from loading data.
     
     
5. Look for Infinite Loops
   • What to do: Review your scripts to ensure there are no infinite loops causing the server to crash.
   • Why it works: Infinite loops can overload the server and trigger a 500 error.
     
     

What Marketers Can Do While the Website Is Down

While your tech team works on fixing the issue, here are steps you can take to minimize the impact:

1. Pause Campaigns
   • Temporarily pause ad campaigns that direct traffic to the broken site. This saves your budget and prevents frustrated users.
     
     
2. Redirect Traffic
   • Create a backup landing page or redirect users to your social media platforms. For example:
     “We’re experiencing technical issues with our website. Please visit our Instagram for the latest updates!”
     
     
3. Communicate with Your Audience
   • Post updates on social media or send an email to your subscribers:
     “We’re currently resolving some technical issues on our website. Thank you for your patience!”
     
     
4. Offer Compensation (if needed)
   • For e-commerce sites, consider offering a discount or extended sale to retain frustrated customers.
     
     

Preventing Future 500 Errors

Once the issue is resolved, take these steps to avoid future errors:

1. Choose Reliable Hosting
   • Ensure your hosting plan can handle high traffic and includes adequate server resources.
     
     
2. Perform Regular Backups
   • Use tools like UpdraftPlus (for WordPress) or manual backups for custom sites.
     
     
3. Monitor Website Performance
   • Set up alerts using tools like UptimeRobot or Pingdom to detect downtime immediately.
     
     
4. Optimize Your Code
   • Minimize unnecessary scripts and regularly audit your website’s codebase for bugs.
     
     

Final Thoughts

Handling a 500 Internal Server Error may seem daunting, but with a structured approach, you can tackle it like a pro. Whether your website is on WordPress or custom code, staying calm, following the right steps, and keeping your audience informed can turn this technical hiccup into an opportunity to demonstrate reliability.

Remember, every marketer should have a plan for unexpected challenges—because how you handle them can make all the difference.