Websites and digital presence
Back up a website before making changes
What to check before editing a website so there is a safer path back if something breaks.
What you will learn
You'll know what to check before relying on a website backup.
Before you continue
Do not update plugins, themes, DNS or website settings if you do not know how recovery would work.
Stop and get help before making changes if the site takes bookings, payments, enquiries or other business-critical information.
A backup is your way back
Website changes can affect pages, forms, plugins, themes, images and settings. A backup gives you a safer way to recover if a change causes trouble.
It does not guarantee every problem can be undone.
Check what the backup includes
A website may have files, images, a database, theme settings, plugins and form entries. Some backup tools include everything. Others only include part of the site.
Write down what is included before you rely on it.
Check when it last ran
A backup from yesterday may be useful. A backup from six months ago may not include recent pages, enquiries or settings.
If the change matters, take a fresh backup first where your platform allows it.
Check how recovery works
Knowing a backup exists is not the same as knowing how to restore it. Find out whether recovery is handled by the website platform, hosting provider, developer or plugin.
If recovery requires paid support, make that clear before starting risky work.
Make one change at a time
After the backup is checked, make small changes and test the site. Check key pages, forms, contact details and mobile layout before moving on.
What to expect
You understand what is backed up, how recent it is and who can restore it if needed.
Sources and further reading
- How to back up your files and devices · Australian Signals Directorate
Supports the principle of keeping recoverable copies of important information.