Managing WordPress Backups with 4 Proven Methods

Protecting your WordPress website is not just a good practice; it's an absolute necessity. Whether you're running a personal blog, an e-commerce site, or a corporate portal, the potential threats to your online presence are myriad. The risks are real and ever-present, from malicious hacking attempts to server failures and accidental data deletions. This is where the importance of website backup comes into play. Let’s consider how to backup a WordPress site in 4 different ways.

What is Website Backup?

Website Backup refers to the process of duplicating and storing your website's data, including files, databases, and configurations, to safeguard against potential loss or corruption. Essentially, it creates a safety net that allows you to restore your site to a previous state in the event of a disaster.

Why You Need to Backup WordPress Site

The reasons for backing up your WordPress site are manifold. Firstly, it protects against data loss due to cyber attacks, such as hacking, malware infections, or ransomware. Secondly, it provides insurance against server failures or crashes, ensuring that your site remains accessible even in the face of technical issues. Additionally, regular backups mitigate the risks associated with human error, such as accidental file deletions or misconfigurations. Ultimately, website backup is a proactive measure that safeguards your hard work and investment in your online presence.

How Often You Need To Backup WordPress

The frequency of WordPress backups depends on several factors, including the frequency of content updates, the level of site activity, and the criticality of the data. As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to perform regular backups at least once a week. However, for high-traffic sites or those with frequent updates, more frequent backups may be warranted, such as daily or even hourly backups.

What Exactly You Need to Backup

When it comes to backing up your WordPress site, it's essential to ensure that all critical components are included in the backup. This typically includes:

• WordPress core files: These are the essential files that make up the WordPress software itself.
• Themes and plugins: Any custom themes or plugins installed on your site should be included in the backup to ensure seamless restoration.
• Media uploads: This includes images, videos, and other media files uploaded to your site.
• Database: The WordPress database contains all your site's content, including posts, pages, comments, and user data. It's crucial to include the database in your backups to preserve the integrity of your site's content.

By backing up these components regularly, you can ensure comprehensive protection against data loss and ensure a smooth recovery process in the event of a disaster.

The Ways to Backup WordPress Site

There are several methods available for backing up your WordPress site, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here, we'll explore four common methods:

1. Plugins

WordPress plugins offer a convenient and user-friendly way to automate the backup process. Popular backup plugins like BackWPup, UpdraftPlus, and VaultPress allow you to schedule automatic backups and store them securely on remote servers or cloud storage services.

2. CPanel (Manually)

For those comfortable with server administration tasks, backing up via cPanel provides a more hands-on approach. With cPanel, you can create full backups of your site, including files, databases, and email accounts, and download them to your local machine for safekeeping.

3. FTP Client (Manually)

Using an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client, such as FileZilla, you can manually download your site's files and databases to your local computer. While this method requires more manual effort compared to automated solutions, it provides greater control and flexibility over the backup process.

4. Host Backup

Many web hosting providers offer built-in backup solutions as part of their hosting packages. These host backups typically allow you to create and restore backups directly from your hosting control panel, making it a convenient option for users who prefer an all-in-one solution.

Now, let's delve into each method in more detail, exploring the steps involved in backing up your WordPress site and the pros and cons of each approach.

How to Backup WordPress with a Plugin

Plugins provide a user-friendly way to automate the backup process. Let's take a closer look at how to backup your WordPress site using a plugin like BackWPup.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

Begin by installing the BackWPup plugin from the WordPress plugin repository. Once installed, activate the plugin from the Plugins page in your WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Configure Backup Settings

Navigate to the BackWPup settings page and configure your backup settings. This includes specifying which files and databases to include in the backup, selecting the backup destination, and scheduling automatic backups.

Step 3: Run the Backup

Once you've configured your backup settings, initiate the backup process by clicking the "Run Now" button. BackWPup will then create a backup of your site's files and databases according to your specified settings.

Step 4: Verify Backup Completion

After the backup process is complete, verify that the backup files have been successfully created and stored in the designated backup destination. You can then download the backup files to your local computer for safekeeping.

Pros and Cons of Plugin Backup

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Automated backups
• Wide range of features and customization options

Cons:

• Dependency on third-party plugins
• Potential for conflicts or compatibility issues
• Limited control over backup process

While plugin backups offer convenience and automation, it's essential to choose a reliable plugin from a reputable developer and regularly monitor the backup process to ensure its effectiveness.

cPanel WordPress Backup

For users comfortable with server management tasks, backing up via cPanel provides a more hands-on approach. Let's explore how to backup your WordPress site using cPanel.

Step 1: Access cPanel

Login to your web hosting account and navigate to the cPanel dashboard.

Step 2: Locate Backup Tools

In the cPanel dashboard, locate the backup tools section. Depending on your hosting provider, this may be labeled differently, but common options include "Backup Wizard" or "Backup & Restore."

Step 3: Generate Full Backup

Follow the on-screen instructions to generate a full backup of your website. This typically includes selecting the backup type (full or partial), specifying the backup destination, and initiating the backup process.

Step 4: Download Backup Files

Once the backup process is complete, download the backup files to your local computer for safekeeping. You can then store them securely or transfer them to remote storage for added redundancy.

Pros and Cons of CPanel Backup

Pros:

• Direct server access
• Customizable backup options
• No dependency on third-party plugins

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge
• Manual setup and configuration
• Limited automation compared to plugin backups

While cPanel backups offer greater control and flexibility, they require a basic understanding of server administration and may not be suitable for novice users.

FTP Client WordPress Site Backup

Using an FTP client, such as FileZilla, you can manually download your site's files and databases to your local computer. Let's explore how to backup your WordPress site using an FTP client.

Step 1: Install and Configure FTP Client

Download and install an FTP client like FileZilla on your computer. Once installed, configure the FTP client with your website's FTP credentials, including the hostname, username, password, and port number.

Step 2: Connect to Your Website

Launch the FTP client and connect to your website's server using the provided FTP credentials. Once connected, you'll see a list of files and directories on your website's server.

Step 3: Download Website Files

Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation and select all the files and directories to be backed up. Right-click and choose the "Download" option to initiate the file transfer process.

Step 4: Export Database

Access your website's database using a tool like phpMyAdmin or MySQL Workbench. Export the database to a SQL file, which contains all your site's content, including posts, pages, comments, and user data.

Step 5: Save Backup Files Locally

Once the file transfer and database export processes are complete, save the backup files to your local computer for safekeeping. You can then store them securely or transfer them to remote storage for added redundancy.

Pros and Cons of FTP Client Backup

Pros:

• Greater control over backup process
• Flexibility to choose which files to backup
• No dependency on third-party plugins or control panels

Cons:

• Manual process requires more time and effort
• Steeper learning curve for novice users
• Limited automation compared to plugin or cPanel backups

While FTP client backups offer greater control and flexibility, they require more manual effort and may not be suitable for users looking for a fully automated solution.

Host Backup

Many web hosting providers offer built-in backup solutions as part of their hosting packages. Let's explore how to backup your WordPress site using your hosting provider's backup service.

Step 1: Access Hosting Control Panel

Login to your web hosting account and navigate to the hosting control panel provided by your hosting provider.

Step 2: Locate Backup Tools

In the hosting control panel, locate the backup tools section. Depending on your hosting provider, this may be labeled differently, but common options include "Backup & Restore" or "Site Backup."

Step 3: Generate Backup

Follow the on-screen instructions to generate a backup of your website. Depending on your hosting provider, you may have the option to create full or partial backups, specify the backup frequency, and choose the backup destination.

Step 4: Verify Backup Completion

Once the backup process is complete, verify that the backup files have been successfully created and stored in the designated backup destination. You may also have the option to download the backup files to your local computer for safekeeping.

Pros and Cons of Host Backup

Pros:

• Simplified backup process
• Integrated with hosting infrastructure
• No additional cost or setup required

Cons:

• Limited control over backup process
• Dependency on hosting provider's backup infrastructure
• May not offer advanced features or customization options

While host backups offer convenience and simplicity, they may lack the advanced features and customization options available with third-party backup solutions.

Restoring Website from Backup

While backing up your WordPress site is crucial, equally important is the ability to restore your site from backup in the event of a disaster. Stay tuned for our dedicated guide on restoring your website from backup, where we'll explore the steps involved in recovering your site and getting back online quickly.

Conclusion

Backing up your WordPress site is not just a best practice; it's a fundamental aspect of maintaining a secure and reliable online presence. By implementing a robust backup strategy and regularly backing up your site's files and databases, you can mitigate the risks associated with data loss and ensure a swift recovery in the event of a disaster. Whether you choose to backup via plugins, cPanel, FTP clients, or your hosting provider's backup service, the key is to find a method that works for you and incorporate it into your regular maintenance routine. Remember, when it comes to website backup, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Rely on the expertise of the IT Monks WordPress development team for flawless backup processes. Our professional WordPress maintenance service includes regular website backups, comprehensive security tasks, and more. Get in touch today to learn how our services can elevate your website!