When managing your own site, it is always best to have on hand a current backup copy of your site. This is important in case your site breaks, is hacked or you may be moving your site to a new server. A full backup means: server files + MySQL database. Here are a few easy ways you can do this:
1) 1-Click Backup.
Most WordPress friendly servers have an easy 1-click backup of your public_html directory (all server files) and MySQL databases. As an example, here is how I can download my backups from my BlueHost CPanel:
LOGIN TO YOUR CPANEL
Click on ‘Site Backup Pro’. You do not have to signup for their Pro services in order to download a .zip copy of your server files & databases. The Pro services only add additional conveniences, like restoring your websites, etc.
DOWNLOAD .ZIP OF WEBSITE FILES & MYSQL
Scroll down on the Site Backup & Restore page until you see a list of options to download. Click ‘Download’ under Website files, choose the most recent date, .zip & then click ‘Download Now’. Do the same under MySQL
Once your .zip files are finished downloading, you’re done!
2) Install Backup Plugin
BackupBuddy is a fantastic WordPress plugin to automate full-site backups. However, there are many free alternatives in the WordPress plugin directory that can also get the job done. For example, WordPress Backup to Dropbox. Keeping regular backups offline is ideal for a WordPress website so it can be restored if something did happen. These plugins can backup both WordPress files and your MySQL database. You will need both in order to restore your site if needed.
- UpdraftPlus – Free with premium upgrades. Backup to Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, +more.
- BackupBuddy – Premium plugin with annual subscription. Can backup to FTP, Amazon S3, Dropbox and more
- WordPress Backup to Dropbox – Free with premium upgrades – Can backup to Dropbox only
- VaultPress – Premium plugin with monthly subscription. Service from Automattic, developer of WordPress
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*We do not guarantee the stability or reliability of any of these suggested plugins or services. Please refer to the terms of use of these plugins & services for more information. Reliance upon any suggestions written here is entirely at your own risk. We are not liable for any lost site content, broken sites or site downtime.
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Backup CSS & Preset
If you have made any adjustments to your Custom CSS stylesheet, before upgrading your theme – it would be a good idea to back up that stylesheet before you click the Theme Update button. Copy a back up to a Notepad, just in case. 🙂
To backup your Custom Preset, follow this guide: Import & Export Custom Preset