How to back up a website
The saying “better safe than sorry” perfectly applies to backing up your website. It might seem like a small task, but if something goes wrong, having a recent backup can save you from losing all your hard work. Whether it’s a hacker attack, a server crash, or a simple mistake, backups ensure your site can be restored quickly.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about backing up your website, including what backups are, why they matter, and how to do it step by step.
What Are Website Backups and Why Are They Important?
A website backup is a copy of your site’s files and database. If something goes wrong, like a cyberattack or accidental deletion, you can use this backup to restore your site. Backups are your safety net, protecting you from losing data, time, and money.
When Should You Back Up Your Website?
It’s best to back up your website regularly. How often depends on how frequently you update your site. For busy sites like online stores or blogs with constant updates, daily backups are ideal. For sites updated less often, like small business websites, weekly backups are usually enough.
Always back up your site before making major changes, switching hosts, or updating your domain. This ensures you have a recent copy in case something goes wrong.
What You Need to Back Up: Files vs. Database
Your website has two main parts that need backing up: website files and the database. Website files include your site’s code, images, themes, and plugins. They’re usually stored in folders like “public_html” or “htdocs.”
The database stores dynamic content like user information, posts, comments, and product details. For a complete backup, you need to save both your files and database.
How to Back Up Your Website
There are four main ways to back up your site: manual backups, using your hosting provider, using a backup tool, or using a plugin. Each method has its own advantages, so let’s explore them in detail.
Manual Website Backups
Manual backups are best for tech-savvy users who want full control over the process. To back up your website manually, you’ll need to use an FTP client like FileZilla to download your website files. These files are usually stored in folders like “public_html” or “htdocs.”
Next, you’ll need to back up your database. This is often done through phpMyAdmin, where you can export your database as an SQL file. While manual backups give you full control, they can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Backing Up Through Your Hosting Provider
Many hosting providers, like Progressive Robot, offer automated backups. This is the easiest option because your host handles everything. You can usually restore your site with just one click.
Backing up through your host is simple and hassle-free. Your backups are stored securely, and you don’t need to worry about extra tools or plugins.
Using a Backup Tool
Third-party backup tools automate the process and store your backups in the cloud. They’re great for added security and convenience. These tools often come with extra features like cybersecurity protection, making them a good choice for busy websites.
Using a Backup Plugin
If you use WordPress, plugins like UpdraftPlus, Jetpack, or BlogVault make backups easy. They let you schedule automatic backups and store them in the cloud. Plugins are a quick and convenient option, especially if you’re not comfortable with technical tasks.
Best Practices for Website Backups
To ensure your backups are effective, follow these best practices:
Choose a Backup Method
Decide if you want to back up manually, through your host, or with a tool or plugin. Consider your technical skills and how often your site is updated.
Set a Schedule
Consistency is key. Back up daily for busy sites, weekly for less active sites, and always before making major changes.
Use the 3-2-1 Backup Rule
Keep three copies of your data: the original and two backups. Store them on two different types of media, like an external hard drive and a cloud server. Keep one backup off-site for extra security.
Test Backup Restoration
Regularly test your backups to make sure they can be restored properly. This ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
Secure Your Backups
Protect your backups with strong passwords and encryption. Limit access to trusted individuals to prevent unauthorized access.
Final Thoughts
Backing up your website is essential for protecting your data and ensuring your site can recover quickly from any disaster. Whether you choose to back up manually, through your host, or with a tool or plugin, the important thing is to do it regularly and securely.
If you’re a Progressive Robot customer and need help with backups, our support team is available 24/7 to assist you. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start backing up your website today!
