How to backup a WordPress site (manually + plugin)

Choosing the best method to backup a WordPress site can be subjective, therefore, it’s recommended to consider multiple options to ensure the safety of your website. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have provided information on the top backup techniques for WordPress. Utilizing multiple backup solutions is also an option to guarantee the protection of your site. In this guide, we’ll show you how to manually backup your WordPress site and how to use a plugin to automate the process.

Manually Backup a WordPress Site

Choosing manual backup for your WordPress site means you need to make a daily copy of your site by hand. The advantage is that you’ll have a thorough backup of the most recent version of your website. However, this method is time-consuming and there is a risk of human error, leading to the possibility of an incomplete backup. The rest of this article will guide you through the manual backup process.

Through Database

• Log in to your website’s cPanel or hosting account
• Navigate to the database section and locate the database for your WordPress site
• Export the database as a .sql file to your computer

Through Files

• Log in to your website’s cPanel or hosting account
• Navigate to the file manager and select the WordPress folder for your website
• Compress the folder and download it to your computer

Backup a WordPress site using a Plugin

Choose a Backup Plugin

There are several free and paid backup plugins available for WordPress. Some of the popular options include:

• UpdraftPlus
• VaultPress
• BackupBuddy

Install and Activate the Plugin

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard
• Go to Plugins > Add New
• Search for the backup plugin you have chosen
• Install and activate the plugin

Configure the Backup Settings

• Navigate to the plugin settings page
• Set the backup schedule, backup location (e.g. remote storage like Google Drive or Dropbox), and other options
• Save the changes and verify that backups are running correctly

Backup WordPress Site using UpdraftPlus Plugin

UpdraftPlus is a popular backup plugin for WordPress. It allows you to easily backup your website’s data and content, including your database, files, and plugins. With UpdraftPlus, you can schedule regular backups, store backups on remote storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and more, and restore your site with a single click.

Some key features of UpdraftPlus include:

• Easy Backup and Restore: With UpdraftPlus, you can create full backups of your site with just a few clicks. Backups can be automatically scheduled to run at set intervals, and restoring your site is just as easy.
• Remote Storage: You can store your backups on remote storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and more. This keeps your backups safe and secure, even if your website gets hacked or suffers a server failure.
• Site Migration: UpdraftPlus can help you migrate your site from one host to another, or from one domain to another.
• Easy Restore: If your website is hacked or goes down for any other reason, you can restore it quickly and easily with UpdraftPlus. Simply upload your latest backup and your site will be back up and running in no time.
• Customizable Backup Schedules: You can set your backup schedule to run daily, weekly, or monthly, and you can choose which files and databases you want to include in your backups.

Overall, UpdraftPlus is a reliable and user-friendly plugin that makes backing up your WordPress site a breeze. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced WordPress user, UpdraftPlus is a great choice for anyone who wants to protect their site and keep their data safe.

WordPress Backups Help Secure Your Content

By implementing regular WordPress backups, you can safeguard your content and protect it from potential loss. In the event that your hosting provider experiences any failures, you will have a backup in place, preventing the need to rebuild your site from scratch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, backup a WordPress site is an essential step in protecting your website data and content. There are two main methods for backing up a WordPress site: manually and using a plugin. Manually backing up your WordPress site involves exporting your database and compressing your files, while using a plugin like UpdraftPlus to automate the process and add additional features like remote storage and customizable backup schedules. Both methods have their benefits, but using a plugin is generally easier and more convenient. Regardless of which way you choose, regularly backing up your WordPress site is crucial for maintaining the security and stability of your website.