10 Webmaster ESSENTIALS You’d Be Wise To Remember

It always amazes me how many webmasters don’t value the importance of a complete website backup (files and databases). They leave it to chance and good luck which poses a great risk to their online presence.

Can you relate to this? Read on…

Website backup is the most ignored of webmasters’ tasks, simply because there’s no immediate threat - until disaster strikes. Often, this task is delayed, avoided and generally regarded as a drag.

Many site owners just don't realize what’s at stake.

So before your website is wiped out by an unexpected server breakdown, hard disk failure, hacking, DDOS attack or some other nasty, let me share with you 10 Backup E-S-S-E-N-T-I-A-L-S you’d be wise to remember.

EXPECT the worst
Even the biggest and best webhosting companies can encounter problems; preparing for potential disaster will pay dividends later. The world wide web has never been so unpredictable. You’re simply ensuring the continuity of your online endevours.

SCHEDULE your backups
It doesn’t need to interrupt your busy timetable. Simply work out the most convenient time for you – maybe overnight when you’re away from your computer.

STICK with it
Just do it! Once you’ve worked out your schedule, keep to it. This is a tough challenge for busy webmasters, but the sooner backing up becomes a habit, the better.

EVALUATE your backed up files
After a while, test your backup files. A good backup can be tested by simply restoring it on another system. Evaluating your backup results from time to time is good way to check that you are keeping what you should keep - a complete and working backup.

NO Complacency!
After some time, your backup schedule may begin to slip; you’ll develop a tendency to forget and even intentionally miss it. Don't succumb to temptation.

TRASH it
Keep your backup process as quick and efficient as possible; dump unnecessary files, thus saving valuable space on backup mediums.

INSURE Yourself
A complete and up-to-date backup of all your important files and databases is your insurance policy for running an efficient website or service. No amount of cash can get you back online after an attack, without those all important backed up files.

AUTOMATE
If, like me, you’re a little lazy, consider installing and configuring software that generates fast and safe backups - without you lifting a finger. If your website is wordpress based, there are plenty of plugins that automatically backup at intervals of your choosing. There are also freeware utilities, for example Automatic Backup 2 Local  that constantly monitor and backup files, with very little use of system resources. Automation is king! But don’t become complacent.

LIBERATE
Free yourself from the worries and anxiety of the unexpected. With your backup systems established, you can sleep soundly at night in the knowledge your websites are safe.

SECURITY
There’s nothing like feeling secure, just look how the insurance business has flourished over the years. But more importantly, your commitment to backup your files will not only save you from stress, humiliation, frustration, anger and guilt, but also inspire you with confidence because you know at the end of the day, your self reliance is well worth it.