Fortunately, backing up your site can be a straightforward process. There are different methods you can use, some of which won’t require much work on your part.
In this post, we’ll talk about the importance of regular backups. We’ll then walk you through three methods you can use to back up your site. Let’s get started!
Why You Should Perform Regular Backups
WordPress is the most popular Content Management System (CMS) on the market, powering over 40 percent of websites on the internet. While the system is powerful, it’s not foolproof, and a few security issues do exist. Moreover, its popularity makes WordPress a favorite target among hackers.
This means there are several issues that could pose a threat to your site. For instance, errors that crop up during WordPress updates could break your site. Alternatively, a poorly-coded plugin or a faulty theme could interfere with important features – in some cases, these kinds of errors may even lock you out of your site.
While there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your site, such as running updates when required and choosing secure WordPress plugins, you can never be completely protected from errors or attacks. This is why it’s so important to perform regular site backups.
How to Back Up Your WordPress Website (3 Methods Compared)
There are three main ways you can perform a backup of your site. Let’s take a closer look at these methods, weighing the pros and cons of each one.
1. Use a Backup Plugin
There are a few pros to using a backup plugin. For starters, you can generate a backup with just a few clicks. Depending on the plugin you choose, you may even be able to schedule automatic backups. Plus, you can select a preferred place to store your WordPress files, such as a secure cloud storage location like Google Drive.
However, like many plugins, this backup tool may cause some problems for your site if it’s not regularly updated by its developers. Moreover, if you’re relying on a plugin, you may be unable to perform a backup if you can’t log into your site’s dashboard due to an error or hack.
2. Create a Manual Backup
When you manually back up your site, you have more control over your WordPress files and databases. Therefore, you can choose which ones you want to save and which ones to leave out. Moreover, using this method means you can access your site even if it’s been hacked, or if an error is preventing you from logging into WordPress.
However, this process can be a bit time-consuming, especially if this is your first time using an FTP client. It will also be up to you to ensure that you perform backups on a regular basis.
3. Choose a Managed WordPress Hosting Plan
If you run a business on a WordPress site or are planning to build an eCommerce store, it may be wise to choose a managed WordPress hosting plan. This service normally offers full technical assistance, including troubleshooting and regular backups.
The main downside is that such hosting plans can be pricey. However, there are several options available, so you should be able to find a plan that suits your needs as well as your budget.
Conclusion
If you have a WordPress site, it’s vital that you perform regular backups to keep it safe. A hack or malfunction can lead to data loss. Having a recent backup can help you restore your site, so you won’t have to start from scratch again.
In this post, we looked at three effective methods you can use to back up your site:
- Use a backup plugin, such as UpdraftPlus
- Create a manual backup using an FTP client like FileZilla
- Choose a managed WordPress hosting plan
Do you have any questions about the backup methods discussed in this post? Let us know in the comments section below!
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