A website backup strategy protects more than pages and images. For a small business, it may preserve customer enquiries, product data, orders, editorial work and months of SEO progress. The best plan is automatic, separate from production and tested regularly.

What should a website backup include?

For WordPress, back up the database and the full wp-content directory. The database contains posts, pages, settings, users and WooCommerce records. Files contain uploads, themes and plugins. Also document DNS, email, PHP and other configuration details that are needed to rebuild the site.

How often should a website be backed up?

Choose a schedule based on how often content and transactions change. A brochure site may need daily backups, while an online shop or busy publisher may need more frequent database snapshots. Keep multiple restore points so one damaged or compromised backup does not become the only copy.

Use the 3-2-1 backup principle

Keep at least three copies of important data, on two different types of storage, with one copy stored separately from the live website. The exact tools can vary, but the principle reduces the risk of one account failure affecting every copy.

Test the restore process

  1. Restore files and the database into staging.
  2. Check that the site loads without PHP or database errors.
  3. Test images, forms, logins and checkout if applicable.
  4. Confirm links, permissions and scheduled tasks.
  5. Record how long the restore took and improve the runbook.

Backup questions to ask a hosting provider

Ask how often backups run, how long they are retained, where they are stored, whether they are encrypted and whether support can help restore a site. Review WebFulHost backup and hosting plans before choosing a setup for your business.