Fix WordPress Post View Counter

PHP, JavaScript, AJAX, WordPress, CSS, MySQL, HTML, Debugging, Web Development, RESTful API · My WordPress website (tophawks.com) posts is showing the view counter on each post, yet the figure never increases. The count simply refuses to update after a page load, even though traffic is coming in. I first spotted the problem on the pages where I dropped in some Claude-generated custom code, so I suspect a conflict or a hook firing at the wrong moment.

Here’s what I need from you:

• Trace why the current counter logic is frozen. It could be in functions.php, a custom plugin, or the Claude snippet itself—please investigate every likely hook (wp_head, wp_footer, AJAX handlers, REST endpoints, etc.). • Repair or rewrite the routine so views increment reliably on standard Posts. If a lightweight, well-maintained plugin serves better than the present solution, feel free to recommend and configure it. • Preserve existing styling and make sure the final count displays exactly where it does now. • Test on a staging copy first, then confirm live results with a few manual refreshes and an incognito session so we both see numbers climbing.

You’ll have full admin and (if needed) FTP access. Deliver the fixed code, a quick change log, and a note on any plugin you add or remove.