Yes, you still need backups even if you use WordPress backup plugins, because plugins can fail, get misconfigured, or stop working at the exact moment you need a restore.
A backup plugin is helpful, but it is not the same as a reliable backup plan. Plugins run inside WordPress, so if your site gets hacked, your database gets corrupted, an update breaks the admin area, or the server has a problem, the plugin may not run or may not be able to restore cleanly. In Florida, we also see plenty of “non-technical” risks like power and network interruptions during storms, which is another reason offsite copies matter.
What plugins do well, and where they fall short
| Backup option | What it typically covers | Common gaps | How we use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress backup plugin | Site files and database on a schedule, often with one-click restores | Can fail if WordPress is down, storage fills up, permissions break, or the plugin is disabled; restores can be incomplete if the site is heavily customized | Great as one layer, especially with offsite storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or S3 |
| Host-level backups | Server snapshots or account backups run outside WordPress | Restore process can be slower; some hosts store backups on the same server or keep short retention | Best baseline because it still works when WordPress is broken |
| Offsite backups | Copies stored in a different system or provider | Needs setup and periodic checks; credentials and access must be controlled | Non-negotiable for disaster recovery |
A practical backup setup for most small businesses
For most Orlando-area service businesses, we like a layered setup: (1) host-level automated backups, (2) plugin-based backups saved offsite, and (3) a simple “before big changes” backup before plugin/theme updates. If you want a hosting plan built around this, our WordPress hosting work focuses on uptime, security basics, and recoverability, not just storage space.
Here’s what to check in your backup plan: the backup includes both the database and wp-content (themes, plugins, uploads), backups are stored offsite (not only on the same server), retention is long enough for your business (at least a few weeks is common), and you have a clear restore path with the right logins. A backup you cannot restore is just a file, so doing a test restore to a staging copy once in a while is worth the small effort.
If your site handles bookings, payments, or frequent content changes, daily backups are a starting point, and more frequent backups can be smart. If your site is mostly brochure-style and rarely changes, weekly plus “before updates” is often fine, but offsite storage still matters.
If you are new to the platform, our FAQ on what WordPress is and why businesses use it can help you understand where plugins fit and what they control. And if your forms collect sensitive info, talk with your compliance team about what data should live in WordPress at all, because backups copy that data too.
When you want us to review your current setup, we usually start by mapping what can break (updates, security, human error) and pairing it with a backup and restore plan that matches how your business actually runs, then we fold that into your site build or upkeep through web design support if needed.
