How to Back Up Your WordPress Site: The Ultimate Guide

Author Jovana Smoljanovic Tucakov

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One crucial aspect of website management that is often overlooked is creating a regular WordPress backup schedule. However, in order to do so, you first need to learn how to back up your WordPress site properly.

Having a regular WordPress backup plan allows you to restore your website to a previous state in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as cyber-attacks or unexpected technical failures. Whether you’re a small blog owner, an e-commerce entrepreneur, or managing a corporate website, the repercussions of data loss can be severe.

In this guide, we will explore the importance of backing up your WordPress site and provide you with knowledge on how to do it. We’ll cover the intricacies of various WordPress backup types, including manual processes and WordPress backup plugin solutions You will also learn how to test the integrity of your WordPress backups, troubleshoot common issues, and implement best practices that will safeguard your site against potential threats.

So, let’s start!

Note: you can always jump straight to our WordPress backup guides section, where you’ll find detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to backup a WordPress site successfully.

Table of Contents

Why Is WordPress Backup Important?

Potential risks and threats to a WordPress site

1. Malware attacks

Malware is a term that covers a wide range of threats like viruses, ransomware, and spyware. These attacks can compromise the integrity of your website, leading to data theft, unauthorized access, and even a complete takeover of your website.

Malware typically exploits vulnerabilities in your WordPress site, often targeting outdated plugins, themes, or insecure login credentials. Once infiltrated, it can inject malicious code, deface your content, or compromise user data.

Regular WordPress backups are an effective defense against malware attacks. By maintaining up-to-date backups, you create a restore point that allows you to roll back your website to its clean state before the malware infiltrated. Additionally, when you pair WordPress backup strategies with robust security measures such as firewalls and malware scanners, you improve your overall protection against potential threats.

2. Server failures

Your website’s server is the backbone of its existence, hosting all the files and data required for seamless operation. However, servers are not infallible, and various factors, including hardware malfunctions, software errors, or even natural disasters, can lead to server failures.

Server failures can result in extended downtime, rendering your website inaccessible to users. Nearshore software development companies can provide efficient solutions for resolving server failures and minimizing downtime. Moreover, if you fail to do a backup of your WordPress site, crucial data stored on the server may be irreversibly lost, leading to a painstaking recovery process.

Creating regular WordPress backups is like creating a safety net for your website. If a server failure does happen, you can swiftly restore your website to its previous state, minimizing downtime and ensuring that your users continue to have access to your content.

3. Human errors

Despite technological advancements, human errors still pose a significant threat to the integrity of your WordPress site. Common human errors typically include accidental file deletions, mismanagement of settings, or unintentional changes to the website’s code. If not addressed promptly, these actions can have cascading effects on your site’s performance.

If you back up your WordPress site regularly, you’ll provide a safety net against the effects of human errors. Whether it’s reverting to a previous version of your site or retrieving deleted files, backups ensure that you have the means to undo unintended changes and maintain the continuity of your website.

4. Updates gone wrong

While updates are crucial for the security and functionality of your WordPress site, they also pose a potential risk if not managed carefully. WordPress updates can sometimes lead to compatibility issues, conflicts between WordPress plugins or themes, or unexpected errors that may disrupt your site’s operation.

WordPress updates, if not approached cautiously, can result in unexpected issues such as broken functionality, layout distortions, or even complete site crashes. These pitfalls are often a result of incompatible themes or plugins with the updated WordPress version.

A proactive approach to update management involves creating a WordPress website backup before initiating any updates. This ensures that if an update does cause issues, you can quickly restore your site to its previous state. Implementing a staging environment for testing updates before applying them to the live site is also a recommended practice to identify and address potential issues in a controlled environment.

Consequences of not having regular WordPress backup

Image by vectorjuice on Freepik

1. Data loss

Data loss is not merely an inconvenience; it can be a catastrophic event for your WordPress site. Imagine losing essential files, customer information, or valuable content due to unforeseen circumstances. The impact can extend beyond immediate setbacks, affecting your brand credibility and user trust.

Regular WordPress backups serve as a fail-safe mechanism against data loss. By preserving copies of your website’s data at different points in time, you create a safety net that allows you to restore lost or corrupted information, ensuring the continuity of your online presence.

2. Downtime

Website downtime is more than just a technical glitch; it has tangible financial and reputational consequences. Users who encounter a non-functional website may turn to competitors, resulting in potential revenue loss. Moreover, the longer the downtime, the more it can impact your brand’s reputation and user trust.

Knowing both when and how to backup your WordPress site plays a pivotal role in minimizing website downtime. If you experience website failure or data loss, having a recent WordPress backup allows you to quickly restore your site to its previous state. This swift recovery ensures that your website is back online promptly, reducing the financial and reputational fallout associated with extended downtime.

3. Negative impact on SEO

Search engines prioritize user experience, and an unstable website can negatively affect your SEO rankings. Factors such as slow loading times, broken links, or missing content can add to a negative perception by search engines, leading to a decline in organic traffic.

A consistent WordPress website backup schedule acts as a preventive measure against SEO setbacks. By ensuring that your website is stable and functional, you contribute positively to your SEO efforts. Regular backup of your WordPress site allows you to quickly address issues that could negatively impact your SEO rankings, preserving your site’s visibility in search engine results.

How to Back Up a WordPress Site: 4 Possible Methods & Step-By-Step Guides

Learning how to backup a WordPress site successfully is not that difficult; you first need to decide whether you prefer to do it manually (three methods available) or automatically (by using a WordPress backup plugin):

Manual WordPress website backup
Automated WordPress backup using a WordPress backup plugin
- How to backup a WordPress site with UpdraftPlus

Manual WordPress website backup

A manual WordPress website backup involves the hands-on process of creating copies of your WordPress site’s files and database without relying on automated tools or plugins. While automated backups are efficient, manual WordPress backups provide users with greater control and a deeper understanding of the entire backup process.

The role of a WordPress manual backup in website security is crucial, offering several advantages:

Complete Control: Manual backups give you full control over what gets backed up and when. This level of control is beneficial when you want to focus on specific aspects of your website or perform backups at strategic points in your site’s development.
Learning Experience: Engaging in manual backup procedures enhances your understanding of your site’s architecture. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the structure of WordPress files and the database, empowering you to troubleshoot issues more effectively.
Customization: Manual backups enable you to customize the backup process according to your specific needs. You can choose which directories or files to include, tailor the backup frequency, and decide where to store the backup files.

While a manual WordPress backup may require more hands-on effort, it offers a valuable learning experience and a deeper level of customization for users seeking granular control over their website backups.

How to back up a WordPress site manually via FTP

Backing up your WordPress site using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) involves transferring files between your local computer and the server hosting your website. This manual approach requires an FTP client, such as FileZilla, and access to your hosting server.

Step 1: Connect to Your Server Using FTP

Open your FTP client and enter your server’s connection details (host, username, password, and port).

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Connect to your server.

Step 2: Navigate to Your WordPress Directory

Locate the root directory of your WordPress installation on the server.

Step 3: Download WordPress Files

Select WordPress files and folders in the root directory you wish to back up.
Right-click and choose the “Download” option to transfer these files to your local computer.

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How to back up a WordPress site manually via cPanel

Creating a manual backup of your WordPress site using cPanel provides added versatility, allowing you to capture both files and databases efficiently. cPanel is a popular web hosting control panel that simplifies various website management tasks. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of cPanel backup procedures:

Step 1: Access Your cPanel or Web Hosting Account

If your WordPress site is hosted on a platform like GoDaddy, Hostgator, Kinsta, or any other company, follow these steps:

Direct cPanel Access:
- Log in to your hosting account and navigate to cPanel. If locating cPanel or the file manager proves challenging, consult your hosting provider’s documentation.
Accessing cPanel:
- Type your website address followed by “/cpanel” in the browser’s address bar (e.g., yourwebsite.com/cpanel).
Providing Credentials:
- Enter credentials given to you by your hosting service, including your username and password.

Step 2: Use the File Manager for Manual Backups of WordPress Core Files and Media Files

1. Locate File Manager:

- Upon login, find the File Manager. For those with a direct cPanel login, click on the File Manager icon

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2. Choose “public_html”:

- While in the File Manager, you are typically directed to the “public_html” folder. Click on it to expand it. If managing multiple websites, opt for the folder associated with your specific website or domain.

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3. Compressing Files:

- Right-click on the folder with the name of your website and select the compress option from the top navigation menu.

4. Select Compression Type:

- Next, a popup will emerge; opt for either Zip Archive or Gzipped Tar Archive as the compression type.

5. Compress File(s):

- Click the “Compress File(s)” button to compress only the selected folder, minimizing server load and conserving space.

Step 3: Download the Backup File

Select the Zip File:
- Following compression, select the .zip file and proceed with the download. It’s best to establish a dedicated WordPress backup folder on your local storage for better organization.
Secure Your Backup:
- Ensure the secure storage of the backup file in a location of your preference, safeguarding the core files and media files of your WordPress website.

Congratulations! You now know how to do a backup of a WordPress site manually via cPanel. Regularly repeat this process to maintain up-to-date backups and enhance the security of your website.

In case you’re unable to access cPanel due to hosting restrictions, consider using alternative methods like FTP, as outlined in our guide on How to backup a WordPress site manually via FTP.

Additional tips:

Backup Frequency: Schedule regular backups through cPanel, especially before making significant changes to your site or installing updates. This ensures you have recent backups available.
Storage Considerations: Be mindful of your hosting account’s storage limits. Download the backup file promptly and consider deleting older backups to free up space.
Test Your Backups: Periodically test the restoration process using your cPanel backups to ensure they are viable and effective.

How to do a manual WordPress database backup

Backing up your WordPress database manually is crucial when it comes to protecting your website’s essential data. While the database doesn’t contain media files (such as images or videos), it stores vital information, including posts, pages, comments, user details, and site settings. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do a manual WordPress database backup:

Step 1: Access Your Hosting Control Panel or phpMyAdmin

Log in to your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel) or navigate to phpMyAdmin, a web-based database administration tool provided by many hosting providers.

Step 2: Select Your WordPress Database

In the control panel or phpMyAdmin, locate the section labeled “Databases” and choose the specific database associated with your WordPress site from the list.

Step 3: Initiate Database Export

Look for the “Export” tab in phpMyAdmin or a similar option in your hosting control panel.

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Choose the option for a custom export if available. This allows you to select specific tables or settings.

Step 4: Configure Export Settings

Select all tables within your WordPress database for a complete backup.
Ensure that the export method is set to quick.
Choose the SQL format.

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Step 5: Save the Database Backup

Click on the “Go” or “Export” button to start the database export process.
Save the exported SQL file to your local computer.

Congratulations! You have successfully created a manual WordPress database backup. This SQL file contains all the necessary information to restore your site’s content and configurations.

Additional tips:

Regularly Perform Database Backups: Schedule regular intervals for database backups, especially during periods of active content creation or updates. This ensures that you have the latest version of your content readily available.
Name and Date Your Backups: Maintain an organized backup strategy by including the date in the file name. This practice makes it easier to identify and manage multiple backup files over time.
Store Backups Securely: Keep your database backups in a secure location, separate from your live website. Consider using encrypted cloud storage or an external hard drive to prevent data loss in case of server issues.

Automatic WordPress Backups Using a WordPress Backup Plugin

1. How to choose the best WordPress backup plugin

Selecting the right WordPress backup plugin is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your backup strategy. Here are key criteria to consider when choosing a suitable backup plugin for WordPress:

User-Friendly Interface: Look for a plugin with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. A well-designed dashboard can simplify the backup process, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
Comprehensive Backup Options: Ensure the backup plugin provides comprehensive backup options, including both files and databases. This ensures a complete snapshot of your site, allowing for thorough restoration if needed.
Automated Scheduling: Look for a WordPress backup plugin that offers automated scheduling, allowing you to set up a regular backup of your WordPress site without manual intervention. This feature ensures that your site is consistently backed up, reducing the risk of data loss.
Storage Options: Consider the storage options offered by the plugin. Some plugins allow you to store backups on external services or cloud platforms, providing an extra layer of security and accessibility.
Restoration Features: Check for easy and reliable restoration features. A good backup plugin should make it straightforward to restore your site to a previous state in case of emergencies.
Compatibility: Ensure the plugin is compatible with your WordPress version and other plugins/themes installed on your site. Regular updates and a responsive support team can be indicators of a well-maintained and compatible WordPress backup plugin.

2. Popular backup plugins in the WordPress ecosystem

The WordPress ecosystem offers a variety of backup plugins, each with its unique features and capabilities. Here’s an overview of some popular WordPress backup plugins widely used in the community:

BlogVault

BlogVault is a WordPress backup and migration plugin and service. It’s designed to help WordPress site owners securely back up their websites and migrate them to different hosts or servers if needed. BlogVault offers features such as automatic backups, incremental backups (only makes a copy of changes made since the last backup), easy site migration, and website staging for testing changes before deploying them live. It’s a popular choice among WordPress users for its reliability and user-friendly interface.

UpdraftPlus

UpdraftPlus is a feature-rich backup plugin with a user-friendly interface. It allows you to schedule automated backups, store them on various cloud services, and easily restore your site when needed.

BackupBuddy

BackupBuddy is a comprehensive WordPress backup solution that offers both manual and automated backup options. It provides features like site migration, scheduled backups, and offsite storage integration.

VaultPress (Jetpack Backup)

VaultPress, now part of Jetpack, is a subscription-based service offering real-time backups and automated security scans. It seamlessly integrates with the Jetpack plugin, providing a holistic approach to site management.

Duplicator

Duplicator is not just a WordPress backup plugin but also a migration tool. It allows you to create full backup of your WordPress site, including files and database, and facilitates easy site transfers to different hosts.

BackWPup

BackWPup is a free WordPress plugin with a range of backup options, including database-only backups, full backups, and optimized backups for specific components. It supports various storage destinations, making it flexible for users.

WP Time Capsule

WP Time Capsule is known for its incremental backups, meaning it only backs up the changes made since the last backup. This reduces server load and makes the backup process faster.

When choosing a WordPress backup plugin, assess your specific needs, consider the scale and complexity of your website, and test different plugins to find the one that best fits your requirements. Always check plugin reviews, user ratings, and the support offered by the plugin developers to ensure a reliable and compatible choice.

In the following section, we’ll explore the installation and activation process of the UpdraftPlus plugin, highlighting the steps to configure backup settings for optimal website protection.

How to back up a WordPress site with UpdraftPlus

UpdraftPlus is a popular and user-friendly backup plugin for WordPress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to simplify the installation and activation process:

Step 1: Navigate to the WordPress Dashboard

Step 2: Access the Plugin Section

In the dashboard, go to “Plugins” in the left-hand menu.

Step 3: Click on “Add New”

Click on the “Add New” button at the top of the Plugins page.

Step 4: Search for UpdraftPlus

In the search bar, type “UpdraftPlus” and press Enter.

Step 5: Install UpdraftPlus

Locate UpdraftPlus in the search results and click the “Install Now” button next to it.

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Step 6: Activate the Plugin

Once the installation is complete, click the “Activate” button to activate the UpdraftPlus plugin.

Step 7: Access UpdraftPlus Settings

After activation, you will see a new option in the dashboard menu called “UpdraftPlus.” Click on it to access the plugin settings.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed and activated UpdraftPlus. Now, let’s move on to configuring backup settings.

Configuring backup settings

Step 1: Access UpdraftPlus Settings

In the WordPress dashboard, go to “Settings” and then click on “UpdraftPlus.”

Step 2: Navigate to the Settings Tab

Once inside UpdraftPlus settings, click on the “Settings” tab.

Step 3: Configure Backup Schedule

Under the “Files Backup Schedule” and “Database Backup Schedule” sections, set the desired frequency for your backups. You can choose from options like daily, weekly, or manual backups.

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Step 4: Choose Storage Options

Scroll down to the “Choose your remote storage” section. UpdraftPlus allows you to store your backups in various locations, including Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, and more. Select your preferred storage destination and follow the prompts to connect UpdraftPlus with the chosen service.

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Step 5: Adjust Additional Settings

Explore other settings such as whether to include files in the backup, encryption options, and whether to retain old backups. Adjust these settings according to your preferences and requirements.

Step 6: Save Changes

Once you’ve configured the settings, don’t forget to click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the page.

UpdraftPlus is now configured to perform automated backups based on your specified schedule and store them securely in your chosen remote storage. Regularly check your backups to ensure they are running smoothly, and consider performing a manual backup to test the restoration process.

Troubleshooting Common Backup Issues

A. Failed backup attempts

Check Storage Availability:
- Insufficient storage space can lead to failed backup attempts. Ensure that you have enough space in your chosen storage destination, whether it’s local storage or a cloud service.
Review Server Resources:
- Limited server resources may cause timeouts or failures during backup processes. Check with your hosting provider to ensure that your server has adequate resources for the backup operation.
Address Connectivity Issues:
- Intermittent or unstable internet connections can disrupt backup processes, especially for cloud-based backups. Verify your internet connection and consider performing backups during periods of network stability.
Plugin Conflicts:
- Incompatible or conflicting plugins may interfere with the backup process. Temporarily deactivate plugins one by one to identify if any specific plugin is causing the issue.
Update Backup Solution:
- Ensure that you are using the latest version of your chosen backup plugin. Developers regularly release updates to address bugs and improve compatibility.

B. Issues with restoration

Incomplete or Corrupted Backup:
- If the backup is incomplete or corrupted, restoration may encounter issues. Ensure that your backups are regularly tested and verified for integrity.
Server Configuration:
- Server configurations at the restoration destination may differ from the original server. Ensure that the new server environment is compatible and meets the requirements of your WordPress installation.
File and Folder Permissions:
- Incorrect file and folder permissions may prevent the restoration process from completing successfully. Verify and adjust permissions to ensure proper access.
Database Conflicts:
- Incompatibility between the backup database and the server’s MySQL or MariaDB version can cause issues. Confirm that the database version at the restoration destination matches the version used in the backup.
Update WordPress Core:
- Ensure that both the source and destination WordPress installations are running the same or compatible versions. If needed, update the WordPress core on the destination server.

C. Compatibility Issues with Plugins/Themes

Check Plugin and Theme Updates:
- Outdated plugins or themes may not be compatible with the latest WordPress version or backup solutions. Ensure that all plugins and themes are up to date.
Temporarily Deactivate Plugins/Themes:
- Temporarily deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme before initiating a backup. If the backup succeeds, reactivate plugins and themes one by one to identify the compatibility issue.
Update Incompatible Plugins/Themes:
- If a specific plugin or theme is identified as causing compatibility issues, check for updates or contact the developer for assistance. Consider using alternative plugins or themes if necessary.
Test Compatibility in a Staging Environment:
- Before performing backups on your live site, test plugin and theme compatibility in a staging environment. This allows you to identify and address issues without affecting your production site.

By troubleshooting these common WordPress backup issues, you can enhance the reliability of your WordPress backup strategy. Regular testing, monitoring, and addressing issues promptly contribute to a robust and effective backup and restoration process.

Amelia: The Best Booking Plugin for Your WordPress Site

Amelia stands as an exceptional booking plugin within the WordPress ecosystem, elevating the way businesses manage appointments and bookings online.

With its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, Amelia streamlines the entire booking process, offering seamless integration into WordPress sites.

From scheduling appointments and managing staff availability to facilitating secure payments, Amelia ensures a hassle-free booking experience for both businesses and their clientele.

Its customizable booking forms, intuitive dashboard, and comprehensive reporting tools empower businesses to efficiently organize and optimize their booking operations.

With Amelia, you’ll revolutionize your appointment management system, enhance customer satisfaction, and streamline your business operations effortlessly.

Ready to transform your booking experience?

Explore Amelia today and elevate your WordPress site’s booking capabilities!

Best Practices for a Successful WordPress Website Backup

Establish a regular WordPress backup schedule

Establishing a consistent schedule for backing up your WordPress site is essential for optimal website protection. Consider the following guidelines:

Frequency: Determine how often you need to back up your site based on its activity and content updates. High-traffic sites or those with frequent content changes may benefit from daily backups, while less active sites may opt for weekly or bi-weekly backups.
Automate Scheduling: Utilize the scheduling features of your chosen backup solution. Automated backups ensure a regular and reliable process, reducing the risk of oversight or neglect.
Coordinate with Site Changes: Schedule backups to coincide with low-traffic periods or non-peak hours to minimize potential disruptions during the backup process.

Store your WordPress backup securely

There are two ways in which you can store your WordPress backup – locally and by using cloud solutions.

Storing backups locally ensures swift access and, when implemented correctly, offers a secure option. Also, the process of restoration is faster as files are stored on the same server. Another advantage of having local storage is that you get full control over security measures, as well as full access to your storage.

On the other hand, leveraging cloud solutions for offsite backup storage adds an extra layer of security. The biggest advantage is that cloud storage providers often have multiple data centers, which helps minimize the risk of data loss. In addition, you can access your backups from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

Test your WordPress website backups

Emphasizing the significance of routinely testing backups for reliability is a critical aspect of a robust WordPress website backup strategy.

First off, testing backups ensures the integrity of the backup files. Verifying that the backup contains all the necessary files and data is crucial for a successful restoration process.

Next, regular testing helps identify any potential corruptions or errors in the backup files. This proactive approach allows you to address issues before they become critical during an actual restoration scenario. Moreover, testing provides an opportunity to validate the restoration process. Knowing how to restore your site from a backup is as important as having the backup itself. Testing ensures that you are familiar with the steps and can swiftly recover your site if needed.

Let’s not forget that WordPress, themes, and plugins are continually updated. Testing backups ensures compatibility between your backup files and the current state of your WordPress installation. This is crucial for a seamless restoration without compatibility issues.

Ultimately, knowing that your backups are regularly tested and reliable provides peace of mind. In the event of a crisis or unexpected issue, you can confidently rely on your backup strategy to restore your site efficiently.

Monitor backup logs for errors

Proactively monitoring backup logs for errors is a crucial step in ensuring the reliability of your WordPress backup process.

Routinely review backup logs to identify any errors or warnings. Most WordPress backup plugins provide a log section where you can track the success or failure of each backup operation.

Also, configure your backup solution to send notifications or alerts in case of backup failures. This allows you to address issues promptly.

Finally, actively investigate the cause of any errors or warnings. Common issues include connectivity problems, storage limitations, or plugin conflicts. Addressing these promptly enhances the overall reliability of your WordPress backup strategy.

How to Back Up Your WordPress Website: Wrap-Up

In conclusion, the importance of knowing how to backup your WordPress site cannot be overstated. A regular WordPress backup serves as a fundamental pillar of website security, providing a safety net against unforeseen circumstances and potential risks.

WordPress backups ensure the preservation of critical website data, including posts, pages, configurations, and user information. In the event of data loss or a compromised site, these backups enable a swift and reliable recovery process, minimizing downtime and associated impacts.

Remember, a proactive and well-executed WordPress backup strategy is your best defense against the uncertainties that may arise in the dynamic landscape of website management. By taking these steps, you not only protect your valuable data but also fortify your WordPress site against potential threats.

Your website is a reflection of your brand, efforts, and creativity. Safeguard it with the strength of reliable backups, ensuring its resilience and longevity in the ever-evolving digital world. Take the initiative today to implement a comprehensive backup strategy, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your WordPress site is secure and well-protected.