When something goes wrong with your website, you want it fixed as soon as possible. The first instinct is to fire off an email saying “My website isn’t working. Can you fix it?”
Unfortunately, that doesn’t provide enough information to identify the problem. If I have to spend time hunting for the problem, it slows down the repair and may cost you more.
The first step to fixing any problem is seeing it happen. I need to be able to reproduce the issue so I can identify what’s causing it.
When reporting a problem, make sure your provide the details I need to locate the problem. It is better to send over too much information, than not enough.
Include a description of exactly what is happening or not happening and the page it occurred on. When did it start happening? Did you try to fix it? If so, what did you try? This will help diagnose the problem and speed up the repair process.
For the quickest results, answer these questions:
- What page were you on when the error occurred?
Copy & paste the website address (URL) from your browser address bar.
I need to know where the error started. - What you were trying to do?
e.g. just load page, submit a form, click button or link etc.
I need to know what action caused the error. - What did you do?
Describe the steps someone needs to take to in order to replicate the error.- What did you expect to happen?
- What actually did happen?
- Was there an error message?
If so, copy and paste it into your message. - Does it happen on other pages?
If so, let us know which ones. - When did you first notice problem?
Did it start today? Been going on a long time? After you did something? After an update or edit? - What platform and OS are you using?
For example, Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, Android phone, or tablet. - What browser are you using?
Some problems only occur in certain browsers, so include the browser name and version if you know it.
It also helps to include a screenshot showing what you are seeing on your screen. Sometimes a picture is all we need to pinpoint the problem.
The more information you can provide, the faster I can track down the problem and get your website working again. A few extra minutes spent describing the issue now can save a lot of time diagnosing it later.
About A Street Web Design
Web design is our full time job. Since 2002, we’ve been designing websites that work for business. That means getting found. Persuading people to call you. Making sales. If you are looking for someone who can help you get a website that works for your business within your budget, call A Street Web Design – 541-582-0597.