Complete Guide to Backups for WordPress Websites

Backups for WordPress websites are not just a safety net – they are a vital part of website management. Whether you run a small business on the Gold Coast or manage a large online store, a single technical failure, hack, or hosting issue can lead to significant data loss.

This guide explains everything you need to know about creating and maintaining reliable backups, so your WordPress site is always protected.

What Are Backups for WordPress?

A WordPress backup is a copy of your website files and database that can be restored if something goes wrong. A complete backup usually includes:

• Files: Themes, plugins, media uploads, and core WordPress files.
• Database: All your content, user data, and settings.

Some backups only cover the database, while others include both files and data. For robust protection, you need both.

Why Regular Backups Matter

For a website that is updated regularly with new and fresh content, you will most definitely need daily backups. There is nothing worse than losing months of content from your website, whether it is images or written content.

Hackers and bots frequently target WordPress websites. There are so many WordPress websites in the world that it is worth targeting, as you’ll most certainly be able to get one to compromise with the same amount of effort.

Even a single plugin vulnerability can leave your site open to attack. Backups ensure you can quickly restore your site after:

• Cyberattacks or malware infections.
• Server crashes or hardware failures.
• Accidental file deletions or updates that break the site.
• Plugin or theme conflicts are causing downtime.

For e-commerce websites or business sites that generate leads, losing data can mean lost revenue. Regular backups are an essential component of a comprehensive disaster recovery plan.

Types of WordPress Backups

There are different types of backups, and understanding them helps you choose the best solution:

• Manual Backups: Performed using cPanel, phpMyAdmin, or FTP. These are time-consuming and prone to human error.
• Automated Backups: Scheduled backups that run at specific intervals without your involvement.
• Full Backups: A copy of all files and databases, ideal for complete site recovery.
• Incremental Backups: Only the files changed since the last backup are saved, reducing storage needs.
• On-site Backups: Stored on the same server as your website. Quick to access but risky if the server fails.
• Off-site Backups: Stored on cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or AWS S3, ensuring safety even if your hosting fails.

Best Tools and Plugins for Backups

Plugins make WordPress backups simple and reliable. Popular options include:

• UpdraftPlus: Offers scheduled and on-demand backups with cloud storage options.
• BlogVault: Provides incremental backups and one-click restores.
• BackupBuddy: Great for complete site migration and scheduled backups.
• Jetpack VaultPress: A premium backup and security service.
• ManageWP: Another third-party backup service provider, allowing you to backup and update your website from a central control panel.

If you use managed hosting services like Pressable, automated daily backups are often included. For added security, you can connect backup plugins to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Backups

Here is a simple process using UpdraftPlus as an example:

1. Install and activate the UpdraftPlus plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
3. Select your preferred remote storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
4. Set a schedule for automatic backups (e.g., daily or weekly).
5. Click Backup Now to create your first backup.
6. Test the restore function to ensure your backups work correctly.

Advanced Backup Strategies

For larger or high-traffic websites, consider these strategies:

• Multiple Restore Points: Keep several backups in case one is corrupted.
• Incremental Backups: Reduce server load by only saving changed files.
• Use a Staging Site: Test changes on a clone of your site before going live.
• Automated Monitoring: Use plugins that notify you of failed backups.

Common Backup Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best backup strategy can fail if common mistakes are made:

• Relying solely on your hosting provider’s backups.
• Not testing backups for restoration.
• Storing backups on the same server as the live website.
• Failing to schedule backups frequently enough, especially for e-commerce sites.

How Backups Fit Into WordPress Maintenance

Backups are a crucial part of ongoing WordPress maintenance. They work hand in hand with security checks, updates, and performance monitoring. For business owners who lack the time or expertise, professional services like WordPress Maintenance & Support ensure backups are properly configured and regularly tested.

For additional security measures, read our WordPress Website Security 2025 guide for more tips.

How “Mesh With Us” Handles Backups for WordPress

Every agency would have its own way of doing backups and its own internal standard operating procedures. At Mesh, we have learnt over the years what works best for us and our customers. We employ a three-tiered approach to backups.

1. Hosting Backups
2. Third-party Backup Provider
3. Manual backups

Hosting Backups

High-quality daily backups from our hosting partners, such as Pressable managed hosting.

Third Party Backup Provider

Jetpack and ManageWP are our third-party backup providers offering off-server daily backups.

Manual Backups

Updraft is our tool of choice for manually created backups, which are then stored on our own storage devices and personal cloud storage services, such as Google Drive and Dropbox.

If you’d like someone to handle the maintenance and backups for WordPress, please check out our WordPress website maintenance care plans.

FAQs About Backups for WordPress

Related Blog Posts

• WordPress Maintenance Help: 9 Crucial Reasons Gold Coast Sites Need It
• Hacked WordPress Website? 7 Steps Gold Coast Business Owners Should Follow
• WordPress Website Security 2025: 11 Key Tips to Stay Safe

Need help setting up a backup strategy? Our Gold Coast team can configure, monitor, and manage your WordPress backups to ensure your site is always secure and recoverable. Contact Mesh With Us today for expert WordPress maintenance.