Why is a WordPress backup so important?

A WordPress backup is key to protecting your website from data loss and crashes. Find out why it's worth taking care of regular WordPress backups.

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Backup WordPress: Basic information

In this day and age, when cyber attacks and various technical glitches are the order of the day, the importance of backups cannot be underestimated. WordPress backup is the process of creating and storing a copy of a website's data to protect against the loss of important information. It is crucial not only in the event of a server failure, but also in the event of hacking attacks, user errors or updates that may cause unforeseen problems.

Which methods are best?

When planning a WordPress backup, it is useful to know the various methods that can be used to effectively secure your site:

• Manual method: Backing up using the manual method involves downloading all the website and database files to your own device. I recommend this method mainly for advanced users.
• Automatic tools: The most popular method is to use WordPress plugins such as UpdraftPlus, BackWPup or Duplicator. These automate the entire process and allow regular copies to be created without our involvement.
• External services: We can also use services that offer data backup and archiving, such as VaultPress or BlogVault. With these, we can be sure that backups are stored safely off our server.

When and how often to back up?

The answer to this question depends on how often you update your site. If you run a blog with articles published once a week, a weekly WordPress backup should be sufficient. However, for online shops or sites with frequent updates, I recommend daily backups.

Regular copying of data is key so that if problems arise, you can quickly get your site back up and running. It is also important to test the backup restore to ensure that the process works flawlessly.

Best practice when backing up WordPress

In addition to the choice of method and frequency, it is also worth bearing in mind a few practical principles:

• Automation: Even if you opt for a manual method, it is worth automating at least part of the process. For example, using cron jobs on the server.
• Storage of copies in different locations: Let's make sure that backups are stored in different places - both on the server and in the cloud.
• Regular testing: At least once every few months, let's check that the backups can be restored without any problems.

Which plug-ins are worth considering?

There are numerous plug-ins available on the market that make it easy to back up, and here are some of the most popular:

• UpdraftPlus: A multifunctional plug-in that allows automatic backup and storage in the cloud.
• BackWPup: A powerful plug-in that offers multiple backup options, including saving a copy to a server, Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Duplicator: A plug-in that, in addition to backup, also enables cloning and migration of WordPress sites.

Is it worth investing in paid solutions?

Both free and paid WordPress backup plugins have their advantages. The free options are often sufficient for small sites that do not require advanced features. However, for large portals, online shops or corporate websites, it is worth investing in the paid versions, which offer additional features such as advanced backup schedules, technical support, and the ability to quickly restore data.

If you are looking for more information on effective WordPress server administration, I encourage you to visit the article Effective WordPress server administration: A comprehensive guide.