UK-wide · remote

WordPress site broken after an update

Clicked update and now you have a white screen, a "critical error" message or a broken layout? I get broken WordPress sites working again quickly and safely, then find the cause so it stays fixed. Remote, UK-wide, usually same-day response.

Get a fixed-price quote WhatsApp me now

Laptop with code on screen beside a notebook and pen

What usually goes wrong

Most breakages after an update come from a handful of causes: a plugin that is not compatible with the new version of WordPress, two plugins that now conflict, a theme or page builder that has fallen behind, custom code that relied on something that has changed, or a hosting PHP version that is too old or too new for part of the site.

The symptoms vary: the "There has been a critical error on this website" message, a blank white page, a broken layout, missing menus, a shop or form that has stopped working, or being locked out of the admin area.

What's included

Site brought back online safely first
Error logs checked to find the real cause
Incompatible plugins updated or replaced
Custom code and PHP version issues fixed
Forms, checkout and admin tested afterwards
Advice on preventing it happening again

Why get help quickly

Back online fast

Getting you working again comes first, then the proper fix.

No guesswork

Error logs show the actual cause, so the fix lasts.

Nothing lost

A backup is taken before any repair work starts.

Same-day replies

Every day 09:00–21:00, direct with the developer.

How I fix it

First I get the site back up, safely. That might mean rolling back the update that caused the problem, temporarily switching off the plugin involved, or restoring from a backup. Then I read the error logs to find the real cause rather than guessing.

Once the cause is clear I fix it properly: updating or replacing the incompatible plugin, correcting custom code, adjusting the PHP version or, where a theme or builder has been abandoned, moving the site onto something that is maintained. Everything is tested before I hand back, including forms, checkout and the admin area.

Stopping it happening again

The safest way to update WordPress is with a working backup ready and someone checking the site afterwards. A rolling care plan does exactly that: updates applied carefully, backups taken first and problems dealt with before your customers notice.

Pauline SooGoogle review

★★★★★

Simon was fantastic when sorting out my website, locating the issue quickly and offering a solution. In this case, he transferred my site to a new theme with some slight amendments that was compatible with the latest wordpress and elementor updates. He was very quick, efficient and professional.

Recent work

See all projects →

forestevents.co.uk

The 616 Venue

Events venue · maintenance

lightpowerhealth.com

Light Power Health

Research company · maintenance

stagelectrical.co.uk

Stag Electrical

Electrician · Kirkby-in-Ashfield

How it works

Four clear stages, with a fixed price agreed before any work starts.

STEP 1

Assess

I look at the error, take a backup and check the logs.

STEP 2

Restore

The site is brought back online as quickly and safely as possible.

STEP 3

Fix

The underlying cause is fixed and everything is retested.

STEP 4

Prevent

You get advice, or a care plan, to stop it happening again.

Common questions

What does "There has been a critical error on this website" mean?

WordPress has hit a PHP error it cannot recover from, usually caused by a plugin, theme or custom code after an update. The error logs show exactly which one.

Can you fix it if I cannot log in?

Yes. Most fixes can be made through your hosting account or server access, even when the WordPress admin area is not working.

How quickly can you fix it?

Most messages get a same-day reply, and many sites are back online the same day once I have access.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the cause. I take a look first and give you a price before any work starts.

Should I roll back the update myself?

If you have a recent backup you trust, restoring it can get you online quickly. If not, it is safer to get help before changing anything else.

Do you help businesses outside Nottinghamshire?

Yes. Fixes are done remotely for sites anywhere in the UK.

Related services

Hacked WordPress repair

Malware removal and security hardening.

Website maintenance

Updates, backups and monitoring from £45 a month.

Speed up a slow WordPress site

Find and fix what is slowing your pages down.

Urgent help

Site broken? Message me now.

Send your site address and what you are seeing. Most messages get a same-day reply, every day 09:00–21:00.

hello@simonsayswebdesign.com WhatsApp 07572 422758

Same-day reply on most enquiriesEvery day 09:00–21:00

Fixed-price quotes, scoped up frontNo open-ended hourly billing

Built and maintained by one developerNothing outsourced, ever

5.0 31 reviews