Performing a backup in WordPress is one of the most important habits any website owner can have. Whether you run a small blog, an online store, or a business website, regular backups ensure that your data is always safe.
Imagine spending years building content, design, and SEO only to lose everything in a single server failure or hacker attack – that’s exactly what backups prevent.
In this guide, you’ll learn how often you should do a backup in WordPress, what types of backups exist, how to automate the process, and which best practices will keep your site protected every day.
What Is a Backup in WordPress?
A backup in WordPress is a copy of your website’s files and database stored safely in case of an emergency. This copy allows you to restore your site exactly as it was before a problem occurred.
Components of a WordPress Backup
A complete WordPress backup includes:
- Website files: themes, plugins, uploads, and core files.
- Database: posts, pages, comments, and settings.
Why Backups Matter
A backup acts as a safety net. If your site is hacked, updated incorrectly, or crashes due to server errors, you can restore it instantly and avoid downtime or lost revenue.
How Often Should You Do a Backup in WordPress?
The ideal frequency depends on how often your website changes.
| Type of Website | Recommended Backup Frequency | Reason |
| Personal blog (occasional updates) | Weekly | Few content changes |
| Small business site | Twice per week | Regular content updates |
| News or eCommerce site | Daily | Constant activity and transactions |
| High-traffic website | Real-time / Hourly | Frequent changes and data flow |
If you publish new posts, accept comments, or run an online store, it’s wise to schedule daily or real-time backups.
The Risks of Skipping Regular Backups
Neglecting backups exposes your site to several dangers:
- Data loss due to hosting issues or malware.
- Downtime that can harm your SEO rankings.
- Revenue loss if your site goes offline during peak traffic.
- Reputation damage if customer data is compromised.
A regular backup in WordPress ensures business continuity and peace of mind.
Types of WordPress Backups
Full Backup
A complete copy of your website (files + database). Ideal for full restoration.
Incremental Backup
Saves only changes since the last backup, saving storage space and time.
Differential Backup
Captures all changes made since the last full backup.
Real-Time Backup
Best for eCommerce sites – backups occur automatically whenever data changes.
Manual vs. Automatic Backups
Manual Backup
You can create backups manually via your hosting control panel or WordPress plugins.
Pros: Full control, no automation needed.
Cons: Easy to forget or skip.
Automatic Backup
Plugins or hosting services handle this for you.
Pros: Reliable, hands-free protection.
Cons: Requires configuration and storage management.
Keeping your plugins up to date is essential before running manual backups. Learn more in How To Update WordPress Plugins.
Best Plugins for Backup in WordPress
UpdraftPlus
One of the most popular tools – allows scheduling, cloud storage, and one-click restoration.
Jetpack Backup
Ideal for real-time backups with automatic syncing and daily storage.
BackupBuddy
Comprehensive solution for full-site protection, migrations, and automated backups.
BlogVault
Provides real-time backups and staging site creation for developers.
Where to Store Your Backups
It’s crucial not to keep your backup files only on your hosting server. Use external locations such as:
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Amazon S3
- External Hard Drive
- Dedicated backup servers
Tip: Always maintain at least three copies of your backups in different locations (the 3-2-1 rule).
How to Automate Backups in WordPress
Setting a Schedule
Most backup plugins let you choose frequencies – daily, weekly, or monthly.
For active websites, select daily backups and real-time database backups.
Notifications
Enable email alerts to confirm successful backups or detect failures.
Testing Your WordPress Backups
Creating backups is not enough – you must test them.
Follow these steps:
- Download your backup file.
- Restore it on a staging or test site.
- Check pages, links, and media files.
- Ensure your database restores correctly.
Testing ensures that your backup in WordPress will actually work when you need it.
How Backups Affect Website Security
Backups protect you from the consequences of attacks – not from the attacks themselves.
Combine backups with:
- Strong passwords
- Two-factor authentication
- Security plugins like Wordfence
- Regular WordPress updates
Together, they form a complete protection strategy.
Hosting Providers with Built-In Backups
Some managed hosting services include automatic daily backups:
- Kinsta
- WP Engine
- SiteGround
- Bluehost
These services simplify backup management and guarantee quick restoration options.
Cloud Backup Solutions for WordPress
Using cloud storage for backups ensures accessibility and redundancy.
Benefits include:
- Remote access from anywhere.
- Higher reliability than local storage.
- Automatic syncing with multiple devices.
Services like Google Cloud Storage or Dropbox Business offer encrypted, versioned storage perfect for WordPress sites.
The Cost of Not Having a Backup Strategy
Many businesses underestimate the impact of data loss.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of global cybercrime damage is expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
Without regular backup in WordPress, a single incident could mean losing your entire website – content, design and trust.
FAQs About Backup in WordPress
1. How often should I do a backup in WordPress?
For most sites, a daily backup is ideal. If your content updates less frequently, weekly backups can be enough.
2. Do I need both file and database backups?
Yes. Files hold your design and plugins; the database holds your content and settings. Both are essential.
3. Where should I store my backups?
Use cloud services like Google Drive or Amazon S3, never just your hosting server.
4. What happens if my backup fails?
Most plugins send failure alerts. Always keep multiple backup copies across different platforms.
5. How long should I keep backups?
Keep at least three months of backup history to ensure flexibility in restoration.
6. Can I restore my site from any backup version?
Yes, as long as the backup is complete and compatible with your current WordPress version.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule backups based on your update frequency.
- Always back up both files and database.
- Automate backups to avoid human error.
- Store backups securely in the cloud or external drives.
- Test backups periodically to ensure they work.
Protect Your WordPress Site Like a Pro
Performing regular backup in WordPress isn’t just a technical habit, it’s your website’s safety net. Every backup you create protects your time, your data and your business reputation.
If you want expert support to configure automated backups, improve your website’s performance, or ensure your WordPress stays secure 24/7, our team is here to help.
Contact HorizonWP and let’s make your WordPress site safer, faster and ready for anything.
Written by: André Caridade