The Best Way to Backup WordPress – Step by Step

Backup Before You Crackup

WordPress is such an awesome software for building your website or blog but we all know there can be many plugins and core updates that happen every month.

We always see the message,

“PLEASE BACKUP BEFORE YOU UPGRADE”.

I have worked with WordPress for several years and I have seen many issues that can be caused by updates.  The best and only way I feel secure now before an update is to back everything up just in case things on the site go haywire.  I can just restore the site and my sanity.  There are plugins available that do this process easier than what I am going to show you below, but these plugin are not compatible with every theme and the process below is full proof 100% with any WordPress installation.

Below is a Step by Step guide on how to backup your WordPress site or blog with no mistakes.

STEP #1

Install and activate WordPress plugin WP Backup.  For info on installing and activating WordPress plugins, CLICK HERE

STEP #2

Once WP Backup is installed and activated, run Backup (found in the tools area of admin area).  Select all tables to be saved and choose to save the backup on the server.  If will create a folder and backup file on your host server.

STEP #3

You will need some form of FTP program to transfer the installed files  on your site to your local hard drive or storage device.  If you do not have an FTP client visit FileZilla.com and download one for FREE.  Works on PC and Mac.

STEP #4

Obtain your FTPlogin from your website Host and follow the instructions below for setting this connection up on FileZilla .

1. Launch FileZilla from your computer.
2. Complete the following fields, and then click Quickconnect:
   • Host — Enter your hosting account’s primary domain name. For example, coolexample.com.You do not necessarily need any prefix to the host you enter. However, if you experience any issues connecting, you can try using ftp.coolexample.com where coolexample.com is your hosting account’s primary domain name.
   • Username — Enter your hosting account user name.
   • Password— Enter your hosting account password.If you have problems connecting to your hosting account, it is most likely caused by an incorrect password.
   • Port — Leave this field empty, or type 21.

STEP #5

Once your are connected to your site via FTP you should see a list of files in the FTP program.  Look for a folder named public_html.  Click on this folder and drag it to your desired location of backup.  This folder contains all of the files related to your WordPress installation including the backup file you made in step #2.  If you do not see this folder when you first lo into your FTP client, then simply select all the files you see initially and drag and drop those into your backup location.

Check out this great post on how to Backup your website using your C-Panel

That is it.  Let me know if you want to know how to restore as well.