In today's digital world, a website is often the Centerpiece of a company or personal brand. Therefore, it is crucial to make your WordPress website back up regularly. Backups protect against data loss, whether due to server outages, hacker attacks or human error. There are various methods for performing backups, including manual backups and automated solutions using plugins such as UpdraftPlus, BackWPup and Jetpack VaultPress. In this article, you will learn why regular backups are important and which tools and methods you can use for this. Do you need help with this or would you like to use your limited time differently? Then we are happy to support you with our Maintenance service, Please contact us if you have any further questions.
Table of contents
What is a backup?
A backup is a copy of your data that is stored at a safe place is stored so that it can be used in the event of Restore lost data to be able to. For a WordPress website, a backup usually includes the database, the WordPress core files, your themes, plugins and any other custom files required to run your website. There are various methods for creating backups, including manual backups, which are performed via an FTP program and a database management tool, and automated backups, which are performed by special plugins or services.
Complete backup
A complete backup, also known as a full backup, includes the Backup of all data in a specific storage area. With this method, all files and databases are backed up in their entirety, regardless of whether they have changed since the last backup or not.
Advantages of a complete backup:
- Comprehensive security:
All data is completely backed up, which enables all information to be fully restored. - Simple recovery:
In the event of data loss, recovery is straightforward as all data is contained in a backup. - Clarity and overview:
Since each backup is a complete snapshot, it is easy to identify and restore specific versions.
Disadvantages of a full backup:
- High memory requirement:
Full backups require a lot of storage space, as each backup contains all data, even if it has not changed. - Long duration:
Creating a complete backup can be time-consuming, especially with large amounts of data. - High load:
Performing a full backup can impair system performance, as many resources are required.
Incremental backup
An incremental backup only backs up the data that has changed. since the last backup - be it a complete or an incremental - have changed. This means that only the new or changed data is saved for each backup process.
Advantages of an incremental backup
- Low memory requirement:
As only the changes since the last backup are saved, this method requires significantly less storage space. - Fast backup:
The backup time is shorter because less data needs to be backed up. - Efficient use of resources:
Incremental backups place less strain on system resources and can therefore be performed more frequently.
Disadvantages of an incremental backup
- More complex recovery:
Restoring requires multiple backup sets - the last full backup and all subsequent incremental backups - which can make the process more complicated and time-consuming. - Dependency on multiple files:
If one of the incremental backups is damaged, this can affect the recovery of the entire data chain. - Higher risk with long chains:
The longer the chain of incremental backups, the higher the risk of errors when restoring.
How often should backups be performed?
The frequency of backups depends on the Actuality and the dynamics Your website from. A static website that is rarely updated may need less frequent backups than an active blog or an online store that receives orders daily. As a general rule, you should back up your website at least weekly should be backed up. In the case of frequent changes or high activity, it may be advisable to perform daily backups.
Why are backups important?
- Protection against data loss:
Unforeseen events such as server failures, hacker attacks or human error can lead to the loss of important data. A backup ensures that your website Restore quickly without losing important information. - Security for updates:
Regular updates of WordPress, themes and plugins are necessary to Closing security gaps and improve the performance of your website. However, updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues or other errors. An up-to-date backup allows you to quickly revert to a working version of your website in the event of a problem. - Protection against malware and hacks:
WordPress websites are frequent targets of hacker attacks. Malware can attack your Damage website or they even render useless. With a backup, you can minimize the damage by restoring your website to a previous, secure state. - Simple recovery:
If your website goes offline for any reason, it is crucial that you keep it as as quickly as possible back online. A backup makes this process much easier and reduces the downtime of your website, which is especially important if you run an online business. - Conflict resolution:
Sometimes changes to your website or new plugins can lead to unexpected problems lead to errors. A backup allows you to quickly resolve these conflicts by undoing the changes and restoring your website to a stable state.
Create a manual backup
Manually creating a backup of your WordPress website is a valuable skill that gives you more control and understanding of your website. Although it more time-consuming and potentially more error-prone than using backup plugins, it gives you the Flexibilityto customize the process according to your needs.
Preparation and requirements
Before you start the backup process, you need access to your web server. This can be done via an FTP client (e.g. FileZilla). Make sure that you have the access data for your server and your database to hand. You can view these under the FTP menu item in the customer area of your web host.
Back up your WordPress website files
- Connect to your server:
Use your FTP client to establish a connection to your web server. - Backup of the data:
As soon as the connection to the server is established, the FTP client shows all the files of your WordPress website that are stored on the server on the right-hand side. You can now simply drag and drop these files into the desired folder on the left-hand side of the FTP client and save them to your hard disk. Depending on the file size, this process may take some time. - Which data should be stored:
wp-content: Here you will find your own data (uploads, plugins and themes.
wp-config.php: Access to the database, security settings and configuration files.
.htaccess: Individual settings and server instructions.
The other folders and files only contain the standard WordPress files (WordPress Core) and do not necessarily have to be backed up with every backup. For a first complete copy of the website, it is nevertheless advisable to back up all data once.
Checking and saving the backup
Check the downloaded files and the database to ensure that everything is correct. was correctly secured. Save the backup files in a secure location, preferably on a external hard disk or in a Cloud-Storage service.
Save database
The database is the heart of your website and is often even more important than your images and other files. All settings, links and content that are essential for the functionality of your website are stored in the database.
When the database is corrupted, your website is unusable. Even if you have backed up all files and folders, your website cannot work properly without the database intact. WordPress needs the information from the database to know how to process and display the data. Therefore, it is crucial to create regular backups of your database to fully protect your website.
- Access to phpMyAdmin:
Most web hosting providers offer access to phpMyAdmin, a tool for managing MySQL databases. First open phpMyAdmin and enter your username and password. You can find these either in the database management section of your hosting provider or in the wp-config.php file. - Select database:
Select the database that your WordPress installation uses. The name of the database can be found in the wp-config.php file of your WordPress installation. - Exporting the database:
Click on "Export" and select the export format (usually SQL). Save the exported database file on your local computer.
Advantages and disadvantages of manual backups
Advantages:
- Control: You have complete control over the backup process and can ensure that all relevant files and data are backed up.
- Understanding: The manual backup gives you a better understanding of the structure and functionality of your WordPress website.
- Flexibility: You can decide which files and databases should be backed up and customize the process as required.
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming: The manual backup process can be time-consuming, especially for large websites with many files and extensive databases.
- Prone to errors: Without the automation of backup plugins, there is a higher risk that files or databases will be overlooked or incompletely backed up.
- Complexity: For less experienced users, the manual backup process can be complicated and confusing.
Our maintenance service
The care and maintenance of a website is a decisive factor for business success. We at Bajorat-Media ensure that you can concentrate on your core business without having to worry about the technical details of your WordPress website. We have made it our mission to provide you with the Maintenance to decrease. Get in touch with us if we can help you.
A comprehensive maintenance concept for your website
Our services go far beyond simple updates. We offer you a Comprehensive maintenance conceptwhich covers various essential aspects.
Daily cloud backups
Your data is in safe hands with us. Through daily cloud backups, we ensure that your valuable information is always secured and can be restored quickly in an emergency.
Security
Security vulnerabilities and threats on the Internet are constantly increasing. We monitor your website continuously for potential threats and take proactive measures to protect your website.
Performance and uptime monitoring
A fast and constantly available website is essential for the success of your company. Our performance and uptime monitoring ensures that your website is up and running at all times. runs optimally and is accessible for your customers.
Customized maintenance packages for individual needs
Every website is unique and has specific requirements. That's why we offer customized maintenance packages that are tailored exactly to your needs. Our services include, among other things:
- Adjustments to the theme:
We adapt the design of your website to your ideas and current trends. - Setup of additional plugins:
We integrate new functions by installing and configuring suitable plug-ins. - Development of individual plugins:
If necessary, we develop customized plug-ins that fit your requirements perfectly. - Performance optimization:
We optimize the speed and efficiency of your website to improve the user experience and reduce loading times.
Professional expertise for your data security
We have specialized knowledge and Extensive experience in the field of data backup. We are always familiar with the latest technologies and best practices to store your data securely and restore it if necessary.
Fast recovery in an emergency
In the event of data loss or failure of your website, we are able to provide a Fast and efficient recovery to ensure that your website is up and running. This minimizes downtime and allows you to get your website back online quickly so that your business can continue to run smoothly.
Plugins for backups
The use of plugins to create backups in WordPress offers a convenient and often automated Possibility to back up your website. To reduce the effort of a manual backup, or if you don't have the confidence to do so, appropriate plugins are a good alternative.
Selection of a suitable plugin
There are many backup plugins for WordPress that offer a variety of features. Some of the most popular and reliable plugins are:
- UpdraftPlus
- BackWPup
- Jetpack VaultPress
UpdraftPlus
UpdraftPlus is one of the most popular and most commonly used backup plugin for WordPress. It offers a variety of features that make it an excellent choice for backing up your website.
UpdraftPlus is a powerful and easy-to-use versatile Backup plugin for WordPress that offers many useful features in both the free and premium versions. The free version is great for most basic backup needs, while the premium version offers additional benefits and advanced features that are particularly useful for larger websites or users with specific requirements.
Advantages
- Simple operation:
The UpdraftPlus user interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so that even users with no prior technical knowledge can easily create and manage backups. - Automatic backups:
- UpdraftPlus allows you to set up automatic backups at regular intervals. You can adjust the frequency of the backups according to your needs (daily, weekly, etc.).
- Flexible storage options:
The plugin supports a variety of storage locations for your backups, including Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, Rackspace, FTP, SFTP, email and many more. This gives you flexibility in your choice of backup location. - Simple restoration:
UpdraftPlus offers a simple restore function that allows you to restore your website from a backup with just a few clicks. This is particularly useful in the event of a website outage or data loss.
Differences between the free and premium versions
While the free version of UpdraftPlus already offers many useful functions, there are some additional benefits and extended functions in the premium version.
- Advanced storage options:
The premium version offers additional storage options such as Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Storage, SFTP and WebDAV. - Cloning and migration:
With the Premium version, you can easily clone or migrate your website. This is particularly useful if you want to move your website to a new server or domain. - Additional database encryption:
The Premium version offers additional security by encrypting your database backups to better protect your sensitive data. - More storage locations per backup:
With the Premium version, you can specify multiple storage locations for each backup, which additionally secures your data. - Premium support:
The Premium version offers access to prioritized support that can help you with problems or questions faster and more efficiently. - Developer tools:
For advanced users and developers, the premium version offers additional tools and options to customize and optimize the backup process.
Prices
The premium version of UpdraftPlus is offered in various price models:
- Personnel: $70 per year for up to 2 websites
- Business: $95 per year for up to 10 websites
- Agency: $145 per year for up to 35 websites
- Enterprise: $195 per year for unlimited websites
- Gold: $399 per year for unlimited websites and extended storage options
Disadvantages
Despite the many advantages UpdraftPlus offers as a backup plugin for WordPress, there are some disadvantages that users should be aware of.
- Limited real-time backups:
UpdraftPlus does not offer true real-time backups, which can be a disadvantage, especially for highly active e-commerce websites or websites with frequent updates. Real-time backups are important to ensure that no data is lost, especially for websites that are constantly updated - Limited real-time backups:
UpdraftPlus does not offer true real-time backups, which can be a disadvantage primarily for highly active e-commerce websites or websites with frequent updates. Real-time backups are important to ensure that no data is lost, especially for websites that are constantly updated - Costs for extended functions:
Although the free version of UpdraftPlus offers many basic features, some advanced features such as backup encryption, migration and the cloning service are only available in the paid premium version. This can be particularly problematic for users on a tight budget - Complexity of the settings:
The variety of settings and options available can be overwhelming for some users, especially those without technical knowledge. This can make setting up and managing the plugin more complicated than with simpler alternatives - Lack of integrated migration tools:
While UpdraftPlus offers a migration feature, it is not as seamlessly integrated as some other backup plugins. Users may need to take additional steps or use external tools to migrate their website to a new server or domain
BackWPup
BackWPup is a widespread WordPress backup plugin that offers many useful features to securely store your website data.
BackWPup is an excellent choice for website owners looking for a reliable and user-friendly backup solution that offers both basic and advanced features.
Advantages
- Simple operation:
BackWPup's user interface is intuitive and allows users to set up automatic backups with just a few clicks. - Versatile storage options:
BackWPup supports a variety of storage locations for backups, including Dropbox, Amazon S3, Rackspace, FTP, email and local storage. - Automatic backups:
You can schedule automatic backups according to the update frequency of your website. - Comprehensive backups:
The plugin enables complete backups of your WordPress installation, including database, files and wp-content directory. - Free and premium versions:
BackWPup offers a free version with basic features and a premium version with advanced features such as encrypted backups and prioritized support.
Differences between the free and premium versions
The free version of BackWPup offers basic backup functions that are sufficient for many small to medium-sized websites. The premium version, known as BackWPup Pro, extends these functions considerably.
- Advanced storage options:
The Pro version enables additional storage locations such as Google Drive. - Encryption:
BackWPup Pro offers AES encryption for backups to make your data even more secure. - Advanced backup planning:
With the Pro version, you can create detailed backup schedules and rules. - Multisite support:
The Pro version supports WordPress multisite installations and enables the backup of multiple websites in a network. - Web Cron Monitoring:
BackWPup Pro monitors all scheduled cron jobs and notifies you of any problems to ensure that backups are performed without failures. - Prioritized support:
The Pro version offers access to prioritized customer support that can help with problems more quickly.
Prices
The premium version of BackWPup is competitively priced and offers a good balance between cost and features:
- Standard: $59 per year for one website.
- Business: $99 per year for five websites.
- Developer: $169 per year for ten websites.
- Supreme: $199 per year for 25 websites.
- Agency: $299 per year for 100 websites.
Disadvantages
Although BackWPup offers many advantages, there are also some disadvantages that should be taken into account.
- Complex settings:
Some users find BackWPup's multitude of settings and options overwhelming, especially if they have no prior technical knowledge. This can make setting up and managing the plugin more complicated. - Lack of real-time backups:
Compared to some other backup plugins, such as Jetpack, BackWPup does not offer real-time backups. This can be a disadvantage for websites that are frequently updated or where real-time backups are required - Performance problems with large websites:
Users have reported that BackWPup can have performance issues with very large websites or websites with many files and databases. This can lead to longer backup times and a higher load on the server - Costs for the Pro version:
While the free version offers many basic features, some advanced features and options are only available in the paid Pro version. For users on a tight budget, this can be a disadvantage
Jetpack VaultPress Backup
Jetpack VaultPress Backupformerly known as VaultPress, is a backup plugin for WordPress developed by Automattic, the creators of WordPress.com. It offers a comprehensive solution for backing up and restoring WordPress websites.
Advantages
- Automatic backups:
Jetpack VaultPress Backup performs automatic backups of your website. For plans with daily backups, a new backup is created approximately every 24 hours. For real-time backups, a backup is created every time a change is made to the WordPress core tables, WooCommerce database tables, or related files. - Integrated security:
Jetpack VaultPress Backup monitors your website for suspicious activity and malware. In the event of problems, you receive immediate notifications so that you can react quickly - Comprehensive coverage:
The plugin secures both database and file systems and ensures that all aspects of your website are protected. - Usability:
Setting up Jetpack VaultPress Backup is easy and requires no technical knowledge. There is hardly any configuration and the plugin is ready to use immediately after installation. - Cloud storage:
Backups are stored on Automattic's servers and backed up redundantly at several locations worldwide. This ensures high availability and security of your data.
Prices
Jetpack VaultPress Backup offers different plans that can be selected depending on the specific requirements of your website.
- Security: €8.95 (current) per month
- Complete: €22.95 (current) per month
Compared to the other plugins, Jetpack allows you to purchase individual products/functions if you do not need a complete package. Additional functions can also be added to a package.
Disadvantages
- No support for multisite:
Jetpack VaultPress Backup does not currently support WordPress multisite installations, which can be a disadvantage for users with multiple websites on a network. - Loss of performance:
Some users report a loss of performance when the plugin performs backups. This can be particularly problematic for large websites. - Cost:
Although there are various plans available, the cost can be higher compared to some other backup solutions, especially if advanced features and real-time backups are required.
Conclusion
Regular backups of your WordPress website are essentialto prevent the loss of important data and ensure the security of your website. Manual backups offer control and flexibility, but are time-consuming and error-prone. Automated backup plugins such as UpdraftPlus, BackWPup and Jetpack VaultPress offer user-friendly and efficient solutions. While UpdraftPlus and BackWPup impress with their versatility and flexibility, Jetpack VaultPress scores with its simple setup and comprehensive security. Choosing the right backup tool depends on your specific requirements and budget. Invest in regular backups to protect the integrity and availability of your website. If we can help you with your website maintenance needs, please contact us.