More than three-quarters of WordPress users don’t backup their sites regularly — a risky practice that could result in irreversible data loss. Regular WordPress backups are critical to safeguard your digital work and presence. Still, most businesses skip this step because they don’t know how to backup WordPress sites.
Below, you’ll find the most convenient approaches to keep your WordPress websites safe at all times.
Table of Contents
Manual Backup Solutions
If you’re considering a hands-on approach to backing up your WordPress site, manual backup solutions are the right fit. This process, while requiring a bit more elbow grease, allows you complete control over every aspect of your backup.
Manual backups demand your direct involvement — you have to directly copy and store all crucial files and data from your WordPress site. This typically includes your:
- wp-content directory
- WordPress database
- .htaccess file
To manually backup your wp-content directory and .htaccess file, use an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client. One free and popular choice would be FileZilla. As for your WordPress database, you can do this by using phpMyAdmin in your web hosting control panel.
However, manually backing up your WordPress site involves more than copying files. You also need an organized and secure location for storing these backups. This can be a cloud storage provider like Dropbox or Google Drive, or an external hard drive.
The Downside
While manual backups allow maximum control, they do lack automatic scheduling and can be somewhat time-consuming. Therefore, consistency might be challenging if not properly managed.
Automated Backup Solutions & Plugins
Opting for an automated backup solution can be a game-changer for efficient data protection. These solutions perform regular backups of your WordPress site without you having to lift a finger.
Automated backing up is particularly convenient for busy business owners, bloggers, or professionals who may lack the time or technical knowledge for manual backups.
Automated solutions take snapshots of your website data at predetermined intervals. Depending on the solution you choose, you can even customize your backup schedule to suit your specific needs. It’s a great way to ensure you never miss a backup, helping reduce the risk of significant data loss. Some reliable automated backup solutions for WordPress are:
The Downside
Although these automated solutions are convenient, it’s also critical to monitor their performance. Always verify whether your backups are working correctly and ensure you can seamlessly restore your website from the backup files.
Built-in WordPress Backup Tools
While exploring your backup options, it’s worth noting that WordPress comes with several built-in tools ready to assist with your data preservation needs. These built-in solutions offer a direct way to safeguard your content without the need for additional installations or external services.
One such tool is the WordPress Export tool which allows you to manually export all your major site content — including posts, pages and comments — into an XML file. While it doesn’t cover everything (your themes, plugins and site settings need to be backed up separately), it’s still a substantial help in your overall backup strategy.
You can add an additional layer of protection to your website using the WordPress Database Repair and Optimization tool. Although primarily designed to fix and maintain database performance, it also serves as an implicit backup tool. Run it regularly to help maintain the integrity of your site’s database, reducing the risk of data corruption and loss.
TheDownside
While these built-in tools provide a basic level of backup, they’re not comprehensive. Therefore, they should be used in conjunction with either manual or automated backup solutions for maximum data protection. Lastly, just as with automated backups, always test and verify your backup files to ensure flawless recovery when needed.
Cloud-Based Backup Solutions
As technology advances, an increasing number of people are turning to cloud-based backup solutions for their WordPress sites. This compelling option primarily appeals to those seeking a solution that is both simpler and more reliable than manual or automated in-house backups.
Cloud-based backups work by saving your website’s data on servers located throughout the world. This means that even if something were to happen to your physical location or even to the data center where your website is hosted, your data would still be secure and readily available for recovery. Plus, like other backup solutions, cloud backups offer the advantage of scheduling, allowing you to automate your backup routine.
Some remarkable players in this field include:
The Downside
While cloud-based backups are an excellent choice, it’s essential to confirm that the cloud service provider is trustworthy. Always check their user ratings, read reviews, and compare their pricing and features before making a decision.
How To Backup WordPress Site: Key Takeaways
Backing up your WordPress site is a necessity. Whether you opt for a manual backup, an automated solution, a built-in WordPress backup tool, a cloud-based solution, or a reliable backup plugin, the most critical aspect remains the efficiency of the system you choose.
Remember to update and check your backup solutions regularly to guarantee optimal functionality. With your data secure, you’re free to focus on what matters: creating an engaging and user-friendly website.
How To Backup WordPress Site FAQs
Where can I find my WordPress backup?
WordPress backups are typically stored in the backup plugin’s designated directory or in an external storage service, such as a cloud storage provider like Dropbox, Google Drive, or an FTP server. Check your backup plugin settings to identify the storage location, or consult your hosting provider if they handle backups.
Does WordPress have automatic backups?
Yes, various plugins can automate the backup process.
What is the best free backup for WordPress?
UpdraftPlus is widely considered one of the best free backup plugins for WordPress. It offers reliable backup and restore functionalities, along with the option to store backups in various cloud services.
