If you’ve ever had a website go down, you’ll know how stressful it can be wondering if everything you’ve built can be recovered. That’s why having a solid backup plan is one of the most important parts of maintaining your website. For WordPress users, it’s something that shouldn’t be left to chance.
Does your hosting plan include backups?
Many well-known hosting providers such as SiteGround, VentraIP, Hostinger, Bluehost and WP Engine include automatic backups in some of their plans. However, it’s not always guaranteed, and the details can vary. Some hosts might only keep a few days’ worth of backups or charge extra for daily or manual options.
It’s worth checking your plan carefully so you know how often your site is backed up, where the backups are stored and how easily they can be restored if something goes wrong.
Backup plugins for WordPress
If your hosting doesn’t include backups or you’d like extra protection, there are several plugins that can create a full copy of your website, including your files and database.
Here are a few trusted options:
- UpdraftPlus – Lets you schedule automatic backups and save them to Google Drive, Dropbox or other cloud storage.
- Duplicator – Great for creating complete site copies when you’re moving to a new host or need a downloadable backup.
- Jetpack VaultPress Backup – Offers real-time backups and quick restore options, ideal for sites with frequent updates.
Even if your hosting plan includes backups, having your own plugin gives you an extra layer of security and control.
When to back up your website
Always create a fresh backup before you make any changes or updates. That includes updating WordPress Core, your theme or any plugins. Updates can sometimes cause issues or conflicts, and having a recent backup means you can easily roll back if needed.
It’s also a good idea to schedule regular backups, especially if your website changes often with new posts, products or client content.
Many backup options allow you to save a copy of your website to Google Dive or DropBox.
Your website backup checklist
Use this quick checklist to make sure your site is protected:
✅ Check if your hosting plan includes backups and how often they run
✅ Confirm how long backups are stored and how to restore them
✅ Install a reliable backup plugin (UpdraftPlus is a good starting point)
✅ Connect your plugin to cloud storage for off-site safety
✅ Run a manual backup before any updates or changes
✅ Schedule automatic backups weekly or daily depending on site activity
✅ Test restoring a backup at least once so you know the process works
Taking a few minutes to set up and maintain a backup plan can save you hours of stress later. Think of it as your website’s insurance policy; simple, smart and absolutely worth it.
Need help setting up a safe and reliable backup system for your WordPress site? Get in touch and let’s make sure your website is protected.