Why backups matter
Updates, plugin conflicts, or hacks can take your site down. A reliable backup with offsite copies and tested restores lets you recover fast without losing posts, orders, or media.
Step-by-step
Pick a backup method
Use a reputable plugin (UpdraftPlus, Jetpack Backup, BlogVault) or host snapshots. For most beginners, plugin + offsite storage is simplest.
Connect offsite storage
Link to Google Drive, Dropbox, S3, or Backblaze B2. Offsite copies protect you if the server is compromised.
Schedule automatic backups
Set daily database and weekly full backups. Align schedules with your post frequency. Keep at least 7–14 days of retention.
Include database + files
Back up wp-content (themes, plugins, uploads) and the database. Exclude cache folders to reduce size.
Test a restore
Run a restore to staging or a local environment. Verify homepage, blog posts, admin login, and media load correctly.
Secure and monitor
Encrypt archives when possible, restrict backup file access, and enable email alerts for failed jobs.
Checklist
- Backup plugin installed and storage connected
- Daily DB and weekly full backups scheduled
- Offsite storage verified
- Cache folders excluded
- Test restore completed on staging
- Alerts enabled for failures
FAQ
How often should I back up?
Daily database and weekly full backups cover most sites. Increase frequency if you publish or sell often.
Where should I store backups?
Use offsite storage like S3/Backblaze/Drive and avoid keeping backups on the same server.
Do backups slow my site?
Schedule during low traffic and exclude caches. Incremental backups minimize load.
Final thoughts
A working backup is your safety net. Keep it simple: automate, store offsite, and test restores regularly. Do this once and you will never fear an update or plugin conflict again.