Every WordPress site owner knows they should have backups.
But here’s the real question: will your backup actually work when you need it?
Too often, we see businesses discover that their “backup system” was either outdated, incomplete, or impossible to restore. By then, it’s already too late.
Here’s how to build a backup strategy that truly protects your site.
Step 1: How Often Should You Back Up?
It depends on your site’s activity:
- 📰 Blogs → at least weekly
- 🛒 eCommerce stores → daily (or real-time for orders)
- 📊 High-traffic sites → hourly or continuous backups
The golden rule: back up as often as you update.
Step 2: Where to Store Your Backups
Never rely on just one location.
- 🖥 Local server → fast but risky (if the server fails, backups go with it)
- ☁️ Cloud storage → Google Drive, Dropbox, S3, etc.
- 🔒 Off-site hosting → external backup services
Best practice: 3 copies → local + cloud + off-site.
Step 3: How to Test Recovery
A backup is useless if you can’t restore it.
- Run a monthly test restore in a staging environment
- Verify database + media files are intact
- Document the recovery process so your team knows what to do under pressure
Real-World Impact
One client of ours thought they had “daily backups” included with hosting.
When their site broke, they discovered the backups were only monthly — and missing weeks of orders.
That mistake cost them over €5,000 in lost sales and refunds.
✅ Free Download: Backup & Recovery Checklist
We’ve created a practical 1-page checklist that covers:
- How often to back up depending on site type
- Where to store backups safely
- How to run a recovery test
Final Thoughts
Backups aren’t just a box to tick. They’re your insurance policy against downtime, hacks, and data loss.
With the right frequency, storage, and testing, you can be confident your site will survive anything.
At Portnov Agency, we include structured backup and recovery systems in every support plan.
👉 Protect your site today: portnov.agency/support