- A website backup is a saved copy of your website’s files and database, allowing you to restore your site if it crashes, gets hacked, or loses data.
- Backups can be done manually, through your hosting provider, or by using plugins, with regular scheduling based on how often your site is updated.
- It’s important to store backups in a separate location from your main server and include both files and the database for a full recovery.
Websites are made up of many files, databases, and code that work together. If any part of it breaks or disappears, your website may stop working. This is why backing up your website is a smart and necessary step. It gives you a copy of your data so that if something goes wrong, you can quickly restore it.
Here’s what a website backup is, why it matters, and how you can do it properly. Whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or someone managing a large company site, this guide will help you protect your online work.
What Is Website Backup?
A website backup is a copy of all the files, folders, and databases that make up your website. This includes everything from your website’s layout and content to its images, plugins, and settings. Backups are usually stored in a safe location, separate from your live site.
Why Do You Need to Back Up Your Website?
Websites can crash or get hacked at any time. A backup allows you to fix the problem by replacing the damaged or lost files with a working version. Here are some common situations where backups are useful:
- Software updates may cause errors or conflicts.
- Cyberattacks can delete or corrupt files.
- A hosting server may fail or be shut down.
- Accidental deletion of files can break your site.
Without a backup, you may need to rebuild your website from scratch. That takes time, money, and technical support. With a backup, you can quickly restore your site and move on.
How Often Should You Back Up a Website?
The frequency of your backups depends on how often your website changes. If you post content daily, back it up daily. If you make updates once a week, then weekly backups might work for you.
However, it’s better to back up more often than less. Even if you don’t change your site often, something unexpected could still happen. Regular backups reduce the risk of losing important data.
How to Back Up a Website
There are several ways to back up a website, depending on your setup and technical knowledge.
Use Hosting Provider Tools
Many web hosting companies offer backup features. Some include this in their basic plans, while others offer it as an added service. These tools often let you set up automatic backups, so you don’t have to do anything manually.
You can log in to your hosting dashboard and look for backup options. There, you may be able to download full backups or schedule them to run regularly.
Use Backup Plugins (for CMS-based Sites)
If your site runs on a content management system like WordPress, you can use plugins to make backups easy. These plugins let you copy your files and database with a single click. Some even store your backup files on cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
It’s a good idea to test your plugin once in a while to make sure it’s working as expected.
Back Up Manually
For those comfortable with technical steps, manual backups offer full control. This involves downloading your website files through FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and exporting your database through your hosting panel.
Manual backups require attention and time, but they are a good choice if you want to store backups in multiple locations or manage larger websites with complex structures.
Where to Store Website Backups
Storing your backups in the same place as your website is risky. If the server fails or gets hacked, your backups could be lost too. That’s why it’s better to keep them in a different location.
Options include external hard drives, cloud storage platforms, or even a different hosting server. Keeping multiple copies in different places gives you more safety.
What to Include in a Backup
A full backup includes both the files and the database. Files include your themes, images, and plugins. The database holds your content, user information, and settings. If you only back up one and not the other, your website won’t work properly when restored.
Some people choose partial backups, like just backing up the database or only the files. However, full backups are better for complete recovery.
At CanSpace Solutions, reliability and data protection are our top priorities. Trusted by Canada’s largest corporations and government organizations, we give you peace of mind knowing your website is secure. All accounts are backed up nightly (optional on Starter plans), with a full week of backups retained. And to make switching seamless, our team will migrate your website and data to our servers—completely free of charge. Speak to us today!
