How To Backup CMS Content
BeginnerQuick Answer
TL;DR
Back up CMS content using a combination of automated and manual approaches: schedule regular automated backups of your CMS database and media files, export content via the CMS API or CLI tools, store backups in a separate location from your CMS (different cloud provider or region), test backup restoration regularly, and maintain multiple backup generations (daily, weekly, monthly). For self-hosted CMS, also back up configuration files, themes, and plugins. SaaS CMS platforms typically handle backups automatically but verify their backup policies.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule automated backups of database, content, and media files
- Store backups in a separate location from your primary CMS
- Test backup restoration regularly — untested backups aren't reliable
- Maintain multiple backup generations with appropriate retention policies