It can get really frustrating when your WordPress site starts acting up. Bugs and errors, malware, and security issues are some top reasons why site owners try to get instant WordPress support. We understand how it feels to be helpless when your website is not responding as it should.
It is even more draining when you are a beginner. You have probably asked for support from platforms and not gotten a response. You may not even know how to go about asking for support properly. You do not have to worry. This post offers top tips on how to correctly ask and get WordPress support.
Important Facts to Know About WordPress
The first thing you need to know before you ask for help or support on any WordPress theme or plugin is that WordPress is an open-source platform. What does this mean?
• WordPress is a community project that is open to everyone to create and use tools as they wish without restriction, so to say.
• For a start, it is free. Not only is it free, but most of the plugins, themes, and features available on the platform are also free.
• In other words, anyone can create a theme or plugin, suggest or fix bugs, offer patches, and so on.
• In the same way, everyone is free to access and use these free services offered on the platform.
• Being a free platform, theme authors and plugin developers are not members of the core team of WordPress. Since these developers are not directly affiliated with the team at WordPress, you should expect divergence responses from each of them when seeking support.
Take a moment to think about how these creators on WordPress make their money if they offer plugins and themes for free? Well, the truth is that most of them rely on the income they receive from freelance projects.
Now, if someone is offering you something for free when you want to ask for help on such a product, how best do you think you should approach them? You guessed it right. Do not lord it over them. Do not send them disrespectful messages.
Ask for support with respect and they are sure to respond. Having said this seemingly unimportant but very important thing, let’s move on in getting the support you need.
Before asking for Support – Troubleshoot
Whether you are having issues with a free or paid product on WordPress, the first thing to do is troubleshoot the problem. This will save you a lot of time and stress. It is recommended that you ALWAYS troubleshoot common problems before seeking support from developers.
For instance, if you have issues with a plugin, you may be experiencing plugin conflict. To test this and resolve it, simply deactivate all WordPress plugins and then reactivate them individually. This will most likely resolve the issue.
You can also troubleshoot issues with memory exhausted errors, database connection errors, internal server errors, WordPress cache plugin, and WordPress white screen of death. Resources to fix these issues can be found online.
You only have to take extra steps to get answers to your WordPress issues. If you think about it, you will feel better knowing you resolved the issues without any external help. Not only that, but you also save yourself the anxiety that comes with waiting for support staff to respond to your question.
Where to ask for WordPress Support for Free Plugins and Themes
The most effective place to request support for free themes and plugins is the support forum. Navigate to the official page of the plugin developer you need help with and click the support tab. This is to ensure that your question is seen by the author.
Do not be in a hurry to create a new support thread. It is possible that someone already asked the question you have and got answers to it. So, take the time to go over the thread. You may use the search option to filter the questions and answers.
Additionally, go through the FAQs page to see if the developer has provided answers for your issues. You may also want to use a search engine to see if someone has answered your question. If you cannot find the answers to resolve your site’s issue, you can go ahead to create a support thread.
Now, when creating a thread, try to be as polite, concise, and lucid as possible. Make your point clear and let the developer understands the issue you have. Do not use accusatory tone or disrespectful words. Choose your words carefully.
Remember, you did not pay a penny for the plugin. So, the least you can do is show some respect for the developer. When you ask for support properly, you are sure to get the answer you are looking for.
How to get WordPress Support for Commercial Themes and Plugins
For these, getting support is a bit easier. Commercial themes and plugins like WPForms, All-in-one-SEO, and MonsterInsights, among others, have designated support platforms. If you want immediate and practical solutions, it is best to use these appropriate support channels.
Asking for support on other platforms may not get you significant help. If you have paid a premium price for a WordPress commercial product, you deserve optimal support and that is what these commercial plugins and themes offer.
To get support for a commercial product on WordPress, navigate to the official page of the plugin or theme and use the support feature on the platform. You are sure to get a fast response from the developer.
Conclusion
Getting WordPress support is easy when you know the right channel to approach and the manner of approach to use. If you have other problems with your site that you are unsure of as to whether it has anything to do with the plugins and themes on your site, you may require professional help.
The good news is that the online platform offers numerous supports and resources that you can use. All you have to do is dig a little deeper and you are sure to get the answers to your questions.
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