The rule of thumb
Keep at least one recent copy somewhere other than your web server. If your host has a problem, a backup on the same server goes with it.
How often
As often as your site changes. A shop taking daily orders needs daily backups; a brochure site changed monthly can back up weekly.
By platform
- WordPress: use a backup plugin or your host’s backups, sent off-site.
- Shopify, Squarespace, Wix: the platform keeps the service running, but restoring your own deleted or changed content can be limited. Export products, pages and orders regularly, or use a backup app.
Test it
Once or twice a year, restore a backup to a test copy of the site and check it works.
Our care plans include off-site backups and restore tests.
