Common Issues

Work through the quick fixes first, then the specific sections.

Quick fixes

1. Clear caches - browser, WordPress page cache, and CDN.
2. Flush permalinks - Settings -> Permalinks -> Save Changes (needed after changing the cloak prefix).
3. Test in an incognito window to rule out session/impression limits.
4. Temporarily deactivate other plugins to check for conflicts.

Plugin will not activate

• Confirm PHP 7.4+ (Tools -> Site Health -> Info -> Server).
• Confirm WordPress 5.8+.
• Raise the PHP memory limit to 128MB+.
• Check the error log for the specific fatal message.

Menu not appearing

• Clear the browser cache and refresh.
• Log out and back in.
• Confirm the user has administrator (manage_options) capabilities.

Ads not showing

Check each item:

• The ad is Published, not Draft.
• The Enabled toggle in the Ad Status metabox is on (a disabled ad never serves).
• At least one placement is checked, or you are using a shortcode with the correct ID.
• The start date has passed and the end date has not.
• The Session limit or Impression cap for this ad has not been reached - test in incognito.
• Disable for admins or Disable for logged-in users is not hiding the ad from you (Settings -> General).
• The placement is open under Settings -> Placements.

Debug: try [wbam_ad id="123"] directly on a page, and view the page source to see whether the ad container renders.

Shortcode shows as plain text

• Confirm the plugin is active.
• Check the spelling: wbam_ad, not wbam-ad.
• Remove stray spaces inside the shortcode.
• Switch to a default theme temporarily to rule out a theme issue.

Same ad always shows

• Only one ad is assigned to that placement - add more ads with the same placement checked.
• Aggressive page caching is serving a cached pick - clear caches and test in incognito.

Clicks or impressions not tracking

• Confirm the destination URL starts with http or https.
• Test in incognito - ad blockers can interfere with the tracking request.
• Check the browser console for JavaScript errors.
• Confirm the tracking request is not blocked by a CDN or security plugin (the tracking routes are rate-limited per IP).

Cloaked links 404 or redirect unexpectedly

• Flush permalinks after changing the Cloak prefix.
• Check Settings -> Link Cloaking -> Inactive link action - an expired or inactive link follows that setting (404, home, or custom URL).

Partnership form submits but nothing happens

• Check the browser console for JavaScript errors.
• The same email cannot submit against the same target page more than once per 24 hours - later attempts in that window are ignored by design.
• Confirm WordPress can send email (the accept/reject flow relies on it).

Still stuck?

Gather the plugin version, WordPress version, PHP version, and the exact steps to reproduce, then contact support.