Essential Guide to Backing Up Your WordPress Site Without Plugins

Backing up your WordPress site is a critical step in ensuring that your hard work doesn’t go to waste. If you’re managing a website, especially for clients as an agency or freelancer, having a reliable backup system is non-negotiable. In the unfortunate event of a hack or a need to revert to a previous version, a solid backup can save the day.

While plugins like WP Umbrella offer automated backup solutions, some users prefer the control that comes with manual backups. If you’re hesitant about using plugins, you can easily create a backup using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and PHPMyAdmin. Here’s how you can do it.

Why Regular Backups Matter

At its core, backing up means creating a duplicate of your website. This includes your site’s theme, plugins, and database, which houses your posts, comments, and user data. Think of backups as similar to saving vital documents in multiple locations—whether on Google Drive, Dropbox, or an external hard drive. It’s always wise to have more than one copy of important files, and the same applies to your website.

Backing Up Without Plugins

While automated solutions like WP Umbrella can make the process straightforward, there are valid reasons to consider manual backups. Some plugins prioritize simplicity over features, which can limit customization options. For users with specific needs, a do-it-yourself approach may be more suitable.

Automatic vs. Manual Backups

Here’s a quick guide on when to choose each method:

• Choose Automatic Backups if:
  • You need regular backups (daily to weekly).
  • You manage multiple WordPress sites.
  • You backup on behalf of clients.
  • You want a mix of backup sources for added security.
  • You’re uncomfortable with manual backups.
• Opt for Manual Backups if:
  • You require specific settings and advanced customization.

Step-by-Step Guide to Manual Backups

If you prefer to perform manual backups, follow these steps:

Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Files

Your WordPress site consists of various files, including core installation files, plugins, themes, and media. While you may primarily interact with plugins and themes when building sites, it’s essential to back up everything to avoid missing any critical components. Here’s how:

1. Download and install FileZilla, a free FTP client.
2. Connect to your site using your FTP credentials.
3. Locate and select all your site’s files.
4. Download them to a designated folder on your computer.
5. Check the folder to ensure all files were transferred successfully.

Your FTP login details can usually be found in your hosting provider’s dashboard or within your cPanel account. To download your site, right-click on the root directory and select “Download.”

Step 2: Backup Your WordPress Database

Backing up your site files alone isn’t enough; you also need to secure your MySQL database, which contains all your content, including posts and comments. To back up your database:

1. Access your hosting panel and find PHPMyAdmin.
2. Select the database you want to back up.
3. Click on the “Export” tab, choose the SQL format, and select “Quick” for a straightforward backup.
4. Click “Go” to download the database backup.

This file can be restored later through the “Import” tab in PHPMyAdmin.

How Often Should You Backup?

The frequency of your backups should be based on how often you update your site:

• **Hourly or Real-time Backups:** Essential for WooCommerce sites.
• **Daily or Weekly Backups:** Ideal for sites with frequent updates.
• **Monthly Backups:** Sufficient for sites that are rarely updated.

For added security, consider keeping multiple backup copies stored in various locations, such as local drives or cloud services.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do I need to back up?

  You must back up both your database and files to ensure a complete backup of your WordPress site.

• How long does it take to back up an entire site?

  Typically, you should set aside about 30 minutes for a manual backup, though larger sites may take longer.

• Is backing up WordPress complicated?

  No, it’s quite manageable. If you opt for an all-in-one solution like WP Umbrella, you can complete a backup in just a few clicks!

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