Missing and Irregular Backups – 2025: Regular backups are the foundation of a stable, crisis-proof WordPress agency operation as well as for every client project. This post explains why backups are essential for professional WordPress agencies, how to set them up properly, and what are security and performance best practices in 2025.
What needs to be secured?
A full WordPress backup consists of two components:
- File system (wp-content, themes, plugins, media): All design and feature files are included here. Without backing up the files, the restore lacks important design elements and features.
- Database: The database contains all content, settings, comments and users. A pure file backup is therefore never enough.
Only the combination of both parts enables complete recovery in the event of errors or attacks.
Agency Backup Methods
1. Automated Backup Plugins
- UpdraftPlus: Performs automatic backups and stores them securely in external cloud solutions (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.).
- Jetpack VaultPress: Provides backup and security in one package, suitable for agencies with many clients.
- BlogVault: Remains reliable even on large installations, offering incremental backups and one-click restore options.
Tip: Always choose backup storage outside your own server.
Best Practice: Combine daily incremental backups with weekly full backups.
2. Manual backups via hosting
Many hosts offer their own backup features. These are sufficient for small sites, but can be problematic in the event of a hoster change or server crash, as the backups are often not stored externally. Agencies should always store additional backups on their own cloud storage or offline systems.
Common mistakes and risks
- Storage only locally or on the production server: Backups on the same server become useless in the event of a server failure.
- Backups that are too infrequent: If you only back up pages monthly, you risk total loss after new content updates, clients or important changes.
- No backup test: Many backups are incomplete or corrupt. Agencies should regularly test backups on staging systems.
- Not all data backed up: Media uploads, up-to-date plugins or child themes are often forgotten – a mistake that agencies make regularly, especially with quick page launches.
Backup frequency and strategy
- Dynamic pages with high editorial activity, shops or portals: Daily backups are mandatory here, ideally incrementally.
- Static pages or portfolio presentations: Weekly backups are sufficient, as long as new files or content are not added daily.
- Automation: A backup without automation is error-prone. A good plugin or script-based solution does the work for the agency.
Secure location and access
- External clouds (Google Drive, Amazon S3, Dropbox, OneDrive) are standard for agencies – also because of data protection and compliance.
- Multiple redundancy: It is best to store backups in at least two external destinations in case a cloud provider fails.
- Encryption: Agencies should ensure that backups are transmitted and stored in encrypted form so that confidential customer data is not compromised.
- Access Management: Access to backup files should only be granted to a few authorized persons.
Backup plugins in detail
| Plugin | Particularities | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| UpdraftPlus | Automation, Multi-Cloud, Restore, Free+Pro | Free/Premium |
| Jetpack VaultPress | Real-time backup, security, easy restore | Premium |
| BlogVault | Incremental, WooCommerce compatible, staging | Premium |
| BackWPup | Flexible cloud options, automatic backups | Free/Premium |
| Duplicator | Backup & Migration, Easy Restore, Manual | Free/Premium |
Backup testing and recovery process
- Agencies should restore backups to staging every 4-8 weeks to detect errors and measure recovery times.
- A written documented restore process helps to save time in an emergency and prevents chaos in support.
Example: Restore checklist
- Identify and download the current backup.
- First import the database (e.g. in phpMyAdmin).
- Upload files via FTP or WordPress plugin.
- Check whether the site runs correctly and all media are there.
- Document errors and correct/fix backup for the next cycle.
Backups as a value add for agency customers
- Backups should be explicitly listed in the offer and monthly reports (e.g. “Your website is backed up daily and stored redundantly externally”).
- Agencies that deliver screenshot-based backup reports and restore confirmation are more trusted by customers and retain them for the long term.
- This not only protects against failures, but is a real selling point compared to freelancer solutions or low-cost hosts.
Conclusion
Backups are not an option, but an essential process for any WordPress agency. Automated, multi-redundant and regularly checked backups guarantee fast recovery in the event of errors and protect against data loss or hacker attacks. An agency that systematically secures, tests and documents gains professionalism, saves time and demonstrably delivers better service to customers.
A complete backup process in 2025 consists of:
- Automated, regularly tested backups
- Overall backup of files and database
- External and encrypted storage
- Clear restore processes
- Transparent communication with customers
By implementing these principles, every WordPress agency positions itself as a reliable partner in the digital value chain – secure, high-performance and competent.
