Running a WordPress site to sell infoproducts—like eBooks, online courses, or digital downloads—means your website is your business. It holds your products, customer data, and sales records. But what if something goes wrong? A hack, a server crash, or even a simple mistake could wipe out everything. That’s where backup and recovery come in. This guide will explain what backups are, why they’re essential for your business, and how to set them up on WordPress—all in simple, beginner-friendly steps.
What Are Backup and Recovery?
A backup is a copy of your website’s files and data. It’s like a safety net—if something breaks, you can restore your site to how it was before. Recovery is the process of using that backup to get your site back online.
For your infoproduct business, backups protect:
- Your product files (eBooks, videos, etc.).
- Customer information and purchase history.
- Your site’s design, content, and settings.
Without backups, a single issue could cost you your entire business. But with them, you’re prepared for anything.
Why Backup and Recovery Matter for Your Infoproduct Business
Imagine waking up to find your site hacked, your products gone, and your customer data lost. Or maybe a plugin update breaks your site, and you can’t fix it. Backups save you from these nightmares.
Here’s why they’re crucial:
- Protect Your Products: Your infoproducts are your income. Backups keep them safe.
- Safeguard Customer Trust: If you lose customer data, you lose trust—and sales.
- Quick Recovery: A good backup means you can restore your site fast, minimizing downtime and lost revenue.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re prepared lets you focus on growing your business, not worrying about disasters.
Backups aren’t optional—they’re a must for any serious infoproduct seller.
Key Concepts for Backup and Recovery
Before diving in, let’s cover the basics.
What to Back Up
- Files: Your WordPress core, themes, plugins, and uploads (like product files and images).
- Database: Where your content, settings, and customer data live.
How Often to Back Up
- Daily or Weekly: For active sites with frequent updates or sales.
- Before Major Changes: Like updating WordPress, themes, or plugins.
Where to Store Backups
- Offsite: Store backups away from your server—like on cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an external drive.
- Multiple Locations: Don’t rely on one place. Use at least two storage options.
Manual vs. Automated Backups
- Manual: You do it yourself, which is time-consuming but free.
- Automated: A plugin or service handles it for you—easier and more reliable.
For most businesses, automated backups are the way to go.
How to Set Up Backups for Your WordPress Site
Let’s get your backups running. We’ll cover both free and paid options.
Step 1: Choose a Backup Method
- Free Plugins: UpdraftPlus is a top choice. It’s easy to use and offers cloud storage options.
- Paid Plugins: BackupBuddy or VaultPress provide extra features like one-click restores and priority support.
- Manual Backups: Use FTP (like FileZilla) for files and phpMyAdmin for the database. This is more technical and time-consuming.
For beginners, a plugin like UpdraftPlus is perfect.
Step 2: Install and Configure UpdraftPlus
- In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New, search for “UpdraftPlus,” and click Install Now.
- Activate the plugin, then go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
- Click Backup Now to create your first backup.
- Choose where to store it—Google Drive, Dropbox, or even email.
- Set a backup schedule—daily or weekly works for most sites.
Step 3: Automate Your Backups
- In UpdraftPlus, go to the Settings tab.
- Set how often to back up your files and database.
- Choose how many backups to keep (e.g., the last 7 days).
- Save your settings, and you’re done!
Now, your site will back up automatically.
How to Recover Your WordPress Site from a Backup
If disaster strikes, here’s how to restore your site.
Step 1: Access Your Backup
- If you’re using UpdraftPlus, go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
- Click the Restore button next to the backup you want.
Step 2: Restore Files and Database
- Select what to restore—files, database, or both.
- Follow the prompts to complete the restore.
- If you’re using a different plugin or manual backups, check their specific restore instructions.
Step 3: Test Your Site
- After restoring, check your site to make sure everything’s working.
- Look at your product pages, checkout, and customer areas.
Testing ensures your backup was successful and your site is fully functional.
Tips and Best Practices
- Schedule Regular Backups: Automate them to run daily or weekly.
- Store Backups Offsite: Use cloud storage or an external drive—never keep backups on the same server.
- Keep Multiple Versions: Save at least a few days’ worth of backups in case one is corrupted.
- Test Your Backups: Restore a backup on a test site to make sure it works.
- Backup Before Changes: Always back up before updating WordPress, themes, or plugins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Testing Backups: A backup is useless if it doesn’t work. Test them regularly.
- Relying on One Backup Method: Use at least two storage locations for safety.
- Forgetting to Update Backup Settings: If you add new products or features, make sure they’re included in backups.
- Ignoring Backup Notifications: Plugins like UpdraftPlus can email you after backups—check these to ensure they’re successful.
Resources for Further Learning
- UpdraftPlus Documentation: A complete guide to using the plugin.
- BackupBuddy Tutorials: If you’re using a paid plugin, check their support docs.
- WordPress Codex on Backups: The official WordPress guide to backing up your site.
- WPBeginner’s Backup Guide: A beginner-friendly tutorial with screenshots.
Backups are your safety net—they protect your infoproduct business from disaster. Set them up once, automate them, and you’ll never have to worry about losing your site again. With this guide, you’re ready to keep your business safe and sound. You’ve got this!