Error code 500: how to solve this problem on your website?

Find out why error code 500 occurs and how to resolve it to improve your users’ experience and your SEO.

Error code 500: why does it happen and how can I fix it?

Error code 500, or ” Internal Server Error “, is a generic error message that can have a significant impact on the user experience and performance of your site.

In this article, we’ll explain the common causes of error code 500 and suggest practical solutions to resolve it quickly. This will help you maintain the quality of your site and protect your click-through rate (CTR) as well as your SEO ranking.

What is error code 500?

Error code 500, or “Internal Server Error”, is an HTTP code indicating that the server has encountered an unforeseen condition that prevents it from responding to the user’s request.

Unlike more specific errors such as 404 (page not found), 500 is a generic error code that doesn’t give much information about the exact cause of the problem.

It’s a bit like a “sorry, something’s gone wrong, but I don’t know exactly what” message. In short, the waiter looks at you confusedly and says “It’s not me, it’s you”.

Why is this a problem for your website, and by extension for your business?

A 500 error code causes your site to stop working, preventing users from accessing your pages. Not only do you lose clicks, but you also risk frustrating your customers and making them lose confidence in your brand.

And let’s not even mention Google, which doesn’t like this kind of behavior at all.

Common causes of error code 500

Several factors can cause a 500 error code. Here are the main causes we’ve encountered among our customers, and how to resolve them.

Problems with .htaccess files

The .htaccess file is a crucial configuration file for websites using Apache as a server.

It controls several aspects of your server, including :

• redirects,
• error management,
• and file permissions.

Solution

Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_old to see if the error disappears. If the error disappears, this means that the file was the cause. You can then recreate a new .htaccess file or restore a previous version that worked fine.

Tip

Always have a backup copy of your .htaccess file before making any changes. This will enable you to go back quickly in the event of a problem.

Plugin and extension errors

If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, plugins are often responsible for 500 errors. A faulty plugin, incorrectly installed or incompatible with another extension can disrupt the proper functioning of the site.

Solution

Deactivate all your plugins via the dashboard (if you can access it) or via FTP by changing the name of the “plugins” folder. Reactivate them one by one to identify the one causing the error. Once identified, disable it permanently or look for an alternative.

Tip

To avoid such problems, make sure you regularly update your plugins and extensions. An obsolete plugin is often the cause of this type of error.

File permissions problems

File permissions on the server may also be responsible for the 500 error. If permissions are too strict or incorrectly configured, the server may not be allowed to execute certain files required for your site to function properly.

Solution

Check the permissions of your site’s files and folders. Directories should generally have permissions of 755, while files should be at 644. Use an FTP client to check and adjust these permissions if necessary.

Tip

If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your web host for advice. Many providers offer free assistance in resolving this type of problem.

Server resource limits

Another common problem is server resource limitations. If your server runs out of memory, or if the traffic on your site exceeds your server’s capacity, you may see 500 errors.

Solution

Check whether your server is using too many resources in your control panel or with your hosting provider. Consider upgrading to a higher hosting plan if the problem is recurring, especially if you notice an increase in your traffic.

Tip

Optimize your resources to avoid overloading your server. For example, you can compress your images or use caches to lighten the load on the server.

How do I quickly resolve error code 500?

Now that you know the possible causes, let’s see how to solve the problem quickly and efficiently.

Restart your server

If you have access to your server via a control panel like cPanel, you can try restarting the server. Sometimes, a temporary problem can result in a 500 error, and a restart may be enough to resolve it.

Tip

Never underestimate a simple server restart. It can solve minor technical problems that prevent your site from working properly.

Contact your host

If the error persists despite your best efforts, it’s important to contact your web host to check whether there are any deeper technical problems. Sometimes, 500 errors can be linked to problems on the host’s side (such as a server update gone wrong).

Tip

When you contact your host, be precise in your description of the 500 error and tell them what you’ve already tried. This will speed up resolution of the problem.

Review your error logs

Server error logs are files that record events and errors that occur on your server. They can provide crucial clues as to the exact origin of the error. You can usually access them via your control panel or FTP client.

Solution

Examine the error logs to identify the problematic file or process. If you find specific errors, look for solutions online or contact a developer to help you solve the problem.

Tip

If you have a dedicated technical team or developer, don’t hesitate to ask them to take a look at the error logs. They can often pinpoint the cause quickly, thanks to their expertise.

The importance of acting fast

Error code 500 is not to be taken lightly.

Every minute that your site is inaccessible can affect your click-through rate (CTR) and therefore your sales performance. Users don’t like sites that don’t work. And if your site is often offline, this can have a negative impact on your reputation and your SEO.

As a marketer or business owner, it’s essential to deal with this problem quickly to limit disruption. The return on investment (ROI) of your marketing actions depends largely on the technical performance of your site.

Conclusion: an error-free site is a site that performs well!

The 500 error, although seemingly frustrating, is often easy to solve with a little methodology and patience.

A well-functioning site is essential:

• to deliver a good user experience,
• to guarantee visibility on search engines,
• and to maximize your click-through rate.

At AntheDesign, we understand how crucial website performance is to the success of your business. If you need help resolving a 500 error code or optimizing your site’s performance, contact us.

We’re here to help you keep your online site running smoothly, without bugs or interruptions!