A WordPress site backup is like essential insurance, which is important when issues arise in most websites powered by WordPress.
Backing up is a difficult task, even for e-commerce or high-traffic sites. But don’t worry; now you can back up your WordPress sites without extra effort.
Here in this article, we’ll guide you with the easy methods to back up wordPress sites in minutes, ensuring your site’s long-term safety. So let’s get started…
Table of Contents
Understand About The WordPress BackUp
A WordPress backup is almost the same as your website and can be used to restore it in case any issues occur.
Various methods are there for backup WordPress sites, including relying on your web host, using WordPress backup plugins, or manual backups.
However, it’s important to note that not all backups offer the same level of protection. WordPress backups are essential for peace of mind, ensuring that your website data remains safe.
This is especially critical for e-commerce sites holding customer and order information, as well as for professional sites like law firms.
Unforeseen events like server failures, malware attacks, or even simple human errors can erase months of hard work and result in significant losses. In this case, backups serve as a safeguard against such scenarios.
What Are The Components Of WordPress Sites
A WordPress site comprises two primary components: Files and a Database.
1. The files encompass essential elements such as WordPress core files, plugins, themes, configuration settings, and uploaded media.
2. The database stores diverse content like user details, posts, pages, links, comments, and various user-generated data, organized into tables like wp_posts and wp_comments, among others.
That’s it! These two components work in tandem to create your complete WordPress website.
When it comes to WordPress backup, it’s generally recommended to avoid partial backups of just files or the database, as restoring from such backups can be complex.
Instead, opt for full WordPress backup and select specific elements to restore as needed.
Here Are The Three Easy Methods For WordPress BackUp
Here are three simple ways to create backups for your WordPress website. There are various methods that offer distinct pros and cons, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with all three options. Let’s explore them:
Method 1: Install A WordPress Upgrade Plus Plugin For Automated Backups.
Using a plugin offers a simpler and quicker way to back up WordPress compared to manual methods.
Certain plugins like updraft plus allow you to set up automated backup schedules, freeing up your time and mental space.
To employ this backup approach, start by installing and activating your chosen plugin.
Once that’s done, you can configure the backup schedule, specify the storage location for backups, and choose the files you wish to include.
UpdraftPlus, like many other WordPress backup plugins, offers options to save backups either locally or in the cloud, offering an extra layer of security by keeping copies in multiple locations.
However, a potential drawback of plugin-based backups is the challenge of monitoring their progress.
In contrast, manual backups provide visibility into the process. Yet, there is a way to combine the advantages of both methods.
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Method 2: Handling Backups Via Your Hosting Provider.
Certain hosting providers, such as DreamHost, offer a backup service. The process for accessing, scheduling, storing, and recovering your backups can differ based on your specific provider.
At DreamHost, they extend the convenience of one-click backups to all customers, and for those on managed WordPress plans, automated daily backups are available.
Automated backups are incredibly convenient as they operate in the background without any intervention needed on your part.
Additionally, you have the flexibility to complement these with on-demand backups whenever necessary, like before making significant updates to your live website.
If you’re a DreamPress customer, accessing your backups is very easy. Simply log in to your account, navigate to the WordPress section in the sidebar, and select DreamPress.
From there, you can choose the domain you wish to back up and click the Manage button. The Backups tab will display all your backups, and you can effortlessly create or restore them with just a single click.
While relying on your hosting provider for automated backups is typically a “set it and forget it” approach, it’s still prudent to maintain multiple backup copies for added security.
It’s essential to note that storing backups on the same server as your website can pose a risk if your site encounters server issues – a situation best avoided.
Method 3: Manual WordPress BackUp.
Creating a manual backup for your WordPress site can be challenging but becomes necessary in situations like being locked out due to errors or security issues.
This method involves two key steps which is backing up your files and your database. Below are the stepwise Instructions:
Step 1. Gather Your SFTP Credentials: Begin by collecting your Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) credentials, typically found in your hosting account’s backend. If you can’t locate them, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
Step 2. Choose an SFTP Client: Download and launch an SFTP client like FileZilla, a reliable, free, and open-source option.
Step 3. Connect to Your Server: Enter your SFTP credentials in the appropriate fields within FileZilla. This establishes a connection between your computer and your web server.
Step 4. Create a Destination Folder: Right-click in the top-left quadrant within FileZilla to create a destination folder for your backup. Give it a meaningful name.
Step 5. Backup Your WordPress Files: In the top-right quadrant of FileZilla, locate your WordPress files on the server. Drag and drop these files into the destination folder you just created. This process may take some time.
Step 6. Backup Your WordPress Database: To back up your database, access the phpMyAdmin tool in your hosting provider’s backend.
Step 7. Select Your Database: Once inside phpMyAdmin, choose your WordPress database from the sidebar.
Step 8. Export the Database: Navigate to the “Export” tab at the top of the screen. Select the “Quick” export method, click “Go,” and save the downloaded file to your computer. This file serves as a backup of your database.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully created a manual backup of your WordPress site, safeguarding both your files and database.
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What Is The Importance Of WordPress BackUp On Your Website?
Backing up your WordPress website is of utmost importance. Essentially, a WordPress backup is a duplicate of all your site’s data, including files and the database.
These backups serve as a lifeline for restoring your site in case it falls victim to hacking, data corruption, or accidental deletion. The frequency of your backups should be tailored to your website’s nature and scale.
Daily backups are advisable if you manage a dynamic site like an e-commerce platform. Conversely, websites with predominantly static content can suffice with less frequent backups.
It is best to create multiple backups and store them in diverse locations. Just as your website can face threats, your backups may also be at risk of destruction or deletion.
Maintaining several backups ensures that you always have a recent and accessible copy, even when others are compromised or unavailable.
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Conclusion
WordPress backups are an essential component of your website. Once you’ve learned how to Backup WordPress site, it’s equally crucial to grasp the process of restoring it should any issues arise.
Also, simplifying the restoration process to a single click can be achieved by installing plugins like UpdraftPlus. Hope you liked this post; share your queries in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I back up my entire WordPress site?
Ans: The simplest method for WordPress site backups is using a plugin like BlogVault. It can automatically back up your core files, plugins, themes, and the database. You can customize what to back up or go with the default settings.
Q. Is it necessary to back up my WordPress site?
Ans: Absolutely, you should always have a backup of your WordPress site. Backups act as a safety net in case your website crashes. Instead of starting from scratch, you can easily restore it from a backup.
Q. How do I back up my WordPress site without plugins?
Ans: You can back up your WordPress site through your web host or manually from cPanel. However, these methods can be unreliable during restores. Generally, using plugins is the safest and most efficient way to back up WordPress sites.
Q. Can backups be automated?
Ans: Yes, backups can and should be automated. Automated backups occur at regular intervals with minimal manual involvement. Most web hosts and backup plugins offer options to set up automated backups for your WordPress site.
