Backing up your WordPress website is very important to ensure the safety and security of your data. Whether due to accidental deletion, hacking attempts, or server crashes, having a backup of your WordPress website can save you from significant losses. According to a study by Kinsta, over 30,000 websites are hacked daily, and WordPress sites are a common target of hackers. Additionally, 60% of small businesses that lose their data shut down their business within six months.
This guide will walk you through different methods, including using WordPress backup plugins and manual techniques to perform a website backup.
Why You Should Backup Your WordPress Site
A website backup in WordPress ensures that you have a copy of your site stored safely in case of unexpected failures. Here are some key reasons why backing up your WordPress website is essential:
- Protection Against Data Loss: Server failures, malware, and accidental deletions can result in data loss.
- Easy Restoration: A backup allows you to restore your website quickly in case of issues.
- Hacker Protection: If your site gets hacked, a backup ensures that you can revert to a clean version.
- Website Migration: Backups are useful when transferring your site to a new hosting provider or server.
Best Methods to Backup Your WordPress Website
There are multiple ways to backup your WordPress site, including plugins and manual methods. Below, we explore both options in detail.
1. Using WordPress Backup Plugins
WordPress backup plugins make the process easy by automating backups and storing them securely. Below are some of the best WordPress backup plugins:
a) UpdraftPlus
One of the best WordPress backup plugins, UpdraftPlus, allows you to backup your WordPress site with ease. It provides automatic scheduled backups and stores them in cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3.
How to Backup Using UpdraftPlus:
- Install and activate UpdraftPlus from the WordPress plugin repository.
- Navigate to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
- Click on Backup Now to create an instant backup.
- Configure scheduled backups for automatic backup processes.
- Choose a remote storage location for added security.
UpdraftPlus is currently used by over 3 million WordPress websites, making it one of the most trusted backup plugins.
b) BackupBuddy
Another top backup plugin for WordPress is BackupBuddy, which offers complete backup and restore options. It allows you to schedule backups and store them securely off-site.
How to Backup Using BackupBuddy:
- Install and activate BackupBuddy.
- Configure backup settings under BackupBuddy > Settings.
- Schedule backups to run automatically.
- Choose cloud storage options such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
c) WPvivid Backup Plugin
WPvivid is an all-in-one backup WordPress solution that provides migration, restoration, and backup features.
Steps to Backup Using WPvivid:
- Install WPvivid Backup Plugin.
- Go to WPvivid Backup > Backup & Restore.
- Click on Backup Now to initiate the backup.
- Schedule automatic backups to ensure continuous protection.
d) Akeeba Backup for WordPress
Akeeba Backup WordPress plugin is a reliable solution that creates site backups with a single click. It allows users to backup and restore WordPress site to a new server easily.
Steps to Use Akeeba Backup:
- Install and activate the Akeeba Backup plugin.
- Configure the backup settings as per your needs.
- Click on Backup Now to generate a backup.
- Store the backup in a secure location.
2. Manual WordPress Backup
If you prefer not to use a backup plugin for WordPress, you can manually backup your site by following these steps:
a) Backup via cPanel
- Log into your web hosting cPanel.
- Navigate to File Manager > public_html.
- Select all files and click Compress to create a ZIP file.
- Download the ZIP file to your local computer.
b) Backup WordPress Database
- Access phpMyAdmin via cPanel.
- Select your website’s database.
- Click on Export, choose SQL format, and download the file.
3. Automatic WordPress Backup Solutions
Some hosting providers offer automatic WordPress backup solutions. Popular hosts like SiteGround, Bluehost, and WP Engine provide daily backups as part of their hosting services. According to statistics, automated backups reduce recovery time by up to 90% compared to manual backups.
How to Restore a WordPress Backup
Restoring a backup is as important as creating one. If your site crashes or gets hacked, follow these steps:
- Using a Plugin:
- Open your backup plugin (e.g., UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy).
- Click on Restore Backup and select the latest backup file.
- Follow on-screen instructions to restore your site.
- Manual Restore:
- Upload your backup files via FTP.
- Import the database backup through phpMyAdmin.
- Update
wp-config.phpif required.
Conclusion
A backup of your WordPress website is essential to protect against data loss, hacks, and server crashes. Whether you choose a plugin WordPress backup solution like UpdraftPlus or opt for a manual backup, regular backups ensure peace of mind. Investing in the best plugin for backup WordPress and scheduling automatic backups will help safeguard your site effectively.
By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently create and restore backups, ensuring the security and longevity of your WordPress website. Remember, 70% of businesses that experience data loss fail within a year—so make sure you have a reliable backup strategy in place.