A website backup is like an insurance policy for your business. If your site crashes, gets hacked, or an update breaks something, a recent backup allows you to restore it quickly. Relying solely on your hosting provider’s backups isn’t enough—you need an offsite backup solution to ensure you always have access to your website’s data.
Why Offsite Backups Matter
- Protection Against Data Loss – If your hosting provider’s server fails or your account is compromised, you need an external backup to restore your site.
- Quick Recovery from Errors – Updates, plugin conflicts, or accidental deletions can break your site. A backup lets you roll back easily.
- Extra Security – Offsite backups prevent total data loss in case of a cyberattack, hacking attempt, or malware infection.
How to Set Up Offsite Backups with UpdraftPlus
UpdraftPlus is one of the most reliable backup plugins for WordPress. It allows you to schedule automatic backups and store them offsite in cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3.
Step 1: Install UpdraftPlus
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Plugins > Add New and search for UpdraftPlus.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
Step 2: Configure Backup Settings
- Navigate to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
- Click Settings to configure automatic backups.
Step 3: Choose a Cloud Storage Destination
- Under Choose Remote Storage, select your preferred backup location (Google Drive, Dropbox, or another option).
- Click Save Changes, then follow the prompts to connect UpdraftPlus to your cloud storage account.
Step 4: Set a Backup Schedule
- Choose how often you want backups to run.
- Daily if you make frequent changes.
- Weekly if your content updates are less frequent.
- Select how many backups to retain before old ones are deleted.
- Click Save Changes.
Step 5: Run Your First Backup
- Go to UpdraftPlus > Backup/Restore.
- Click Backup Now and select Include Database and Files.
- Wait for the process to complete and verify that your backup has been stored in your chosen cloud storage location.
Best Practices for Website Backups
- Store backups in multiple locations – Keep a local copy and an offsite backup for extra protection.
- Test your backups regularly – Ensure you can successfully restore your site from a backup if needed.
- Schedule automatic backups – Set a consistent schedule based on how often you update your website.
What’s Next?
A solid backup strategy is a must-have for every business website. But backups are just one part of maintaining a secure and high-performing site. A Website Diagnostic Review can help identify other areas for improvement, from security vulnerabilities to outdated plugins and slow-loading pages. Learn more about the service here.
