There are hundreds of free WordPress backup plugins, but only a few deliver what’s expected from them. After performing a great deal of research on my test blog I came across a wonderful solution, which is to Backup WordPress on Dropbox.
The majority of WordPress backup plugins fall in two categories i.e. the plugins which create backup on same server and ones that backup information on some remote-server. Both kinds of plugins have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The plugins that backup WordPress on your own server are usually free and more robust, but are of no use in case of server side damage. All files including backup-files will be lost forever. On the other-hand, the plugins that store data on their own server happen to be well equipped for such disaster, but have their own issues. Most probably you will be prompted to show-the-money at some point (expiry of trial period, for more storage space, and other similar issues). In addition, I would be a bit skeptic in sharing my information with others, and specially when my site matters in a particular niche.
How To Backup WordPress On Dropbox?
Well, you don’t require to copy-paste all files to your Dropbox account nor that will help. The solution lies in a simple WordPress plugin named WordPress Backup to Dropbox. It is a simple and effective solution that ensures your files remain with you, at one of the safest location, and easily accessible at the time of need. You can easily download WordPress Backup to Dropbox Plugin from here. It will backup your WordPress files as well as the associated database.
Once, you have activated it on your WordPress Installation:
- Visit Dashboard and click on “WPBD” option placed in the vertical menu bar and select “Backup Settings”.
- Soon, you will be redirected to another webpage with a button to initiate WordPress authorization.
Click on it, and you will be presented the following prompt for granting a few permissions to the app.
- To proceed, click on “Allow” button.
- On visiting back to the presentation page, you will find a new set of controls (You might require reloading webpage).
- Now, fill-in the form entries as per requirement.
- Select the check-box on top to specify name for backup folder. Otherwise,leave it blank.
- Then comes the turn to define the day and time for scheduled backups.
- In the bottom section, you will be presented the list of folders inside your WordPress directory. You can exclude certain folders by selecting the check-box against it.
- Finally, click on ‘Save Changes’ button.
The only issue is that you will require to restore files and database manually. It suits best in scenarios where you did something wrong while editing WordPress files. To cope up you will simply require replacing the damaged file with the one on your DropBox account.
The process to Backup WordPress on Dropbox is somewhat slow in comparison to other alternatives, but worth it. One recommendation by my side is to check over the quantity of spam. It dosen’t makes much sense to backup content full of spam. These Anti Spam Plugins for WordPress are likely to help you in fighting spam.
Tanks, I’m going to have to start using dropbox to back-up my website.
Just went through the process of downloading the WordPress Backup to DropBox, a little time consuming, but definitely helpful in clearing out the amount of spam I have apparently collected. Only issue I can see would be the amount of space available/the possibility of filling up the dropbox. All in all a very useful tutorial, definitely simple steps to follow. Thanks!
I am a new bee to this business, so your article was very informative. I like the fact that it helps you to weed out a lot of spam. Your right why would I want to save that information. Do you know how much space you get in your drop box?
Is there any other god alternative to dropbox that i can use with wordpress??
Great tutorial! If your blog is large, this could fill up your Dropbox. There are a few ways to gain extra space like sharing a referral with friends and colleagues or signing up for beta features with Dropbox.
Thanks for posting this – it’s very timely for me as I’ve been testing new backup plugins at the moment. I usually use the kind where you download the backup archive but a lot of people have recommended dropbox recently so I’ve been thinking of trying it.