How to Set Up Automatic Backups for a WordPress Affiliate Site

Updated 2026-07-01 · Hosting Reviews

Choose the Right Hosting for Your Affiliate Site

If you’re building an affiliate website, the first thing you need is a reliable host that can handle WordPress, run fast, and stay secure. Shared hosting is the cheapest option – typically $3–$15 per month – and works fine for small sites. For more traffic or a larger niche, consider a cloud plan or VPS, which can cost $10–$30 per month but give you more resources and control.

Hostinger offers a solid entry‑level shared plan that includes a free domain for the first year, unlimited bandwidth, and a 30‑day money‑back guarantee. The servers run on LiteSpeed, which is faster than the Apache servers many hosts use. It also comes with a free SSL certificate and one‑click WordPress installation – perfect for beginners.

Register a Domain and Install WordPress

1. Pick a niche that matches a product category you’re passionate about and that has decent search volume.
2. Search for a short, memorable domain that ends in .com, .net, or .org. Hostinger’s registrar lets you add the domain to your hosting account in minutes.
3. Use the Hostinger control panel to run the WordPress auto‑installer. It will set up the database, create a wp‑admin user, and install the latest WordPress version.
4. Choose a lightweight theme like Astra or GeneratePress and install essential plugins: Yoast SEO, Rank Math, and an affiliate link manager.

Set Up Speed and Security Foundations

Speed and security are critical for SEO and user experience. Follow these steps:

• Cache everything: Install a caching plugin such as WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache. Hostinger’s servers support APCu and Redis, which makes caching fast.
• Compress images: Use an image optimizer like ShortPixel or Smush to keep file sizes low.
• Enable SSL: Hostinger gives you a free Let’s Encrypt certificate. Activate it through the control panel and force HTTPS in WordPress settings.
• Keep WordPress updated: Enable automatic core updates and update plugins manually.
• Backup regularly: This is the focus of the article – see the next section for a clear backup strategy.

Setup Automatic Backups WordPress Affiliate Site

Automatic backups protect your content, affiliate links, and SEO rankings from accidental deletions, hacks, or server crashes. Here’s a practical, budget‑friendly approach using a plugin and Hostinger’s backup feature.

1. Use the built‑in Hostinger backup tool: In the control panel, navigate to Backup and enable automatic daily or weekly backups. This backs up the entire site (files and database) and stores it in a secure location separate from your server.
2. Install a WordPress backup plugin: Add a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup for more granular control. Set it to backup daily or after every post edit.
3. Choose a remote storage location: Configure the plugin to send backups to Google Drive, Dropbox, or an FTP server. Remote storage protects against server‑side data loss.
4. Schedule retention: Keep at least 5–7 recent backups. Older backups can be archived or deleted to save space.
5. Test restore: Once a backup is created, run a test restore on a staging site or local environment to ensure it works.

Combining Hostinger’s automated server‑level backup with a WordPress plugin gives you a multi‑layer safety net. If the host’s backup fails, you still have a local copy, and vice versa. It’s a simple setup that costs nothing beyond the hosting plan and keeps your affiliate site safe.

Launch and Monetize Your Affiliate Site

After backups are in place, publish high‑quality product reviews, comparison tables, and evergreen content. Use SEO best practices: keyword‑rich titles, meta descriptions, and internal linking. Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or niche‑specific networks. Track performance with Google Analytics and adjust content strategy accordingly.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to host an affiliate WordPress site?

Shared hosting is the most affordable option, usually $3–$15 per month. Hostinger’s beginner plan is a great choice because it bundles a free domain, free SSL, and a one‑click WordPress installer.

How often should I back up my affiliate site?

Back up at least daily if you’re publishing regularly, or weekly if your content schedule is slower. Use both server‑level and plugin backups for redundancy.

Can I use Hostinger’s free SSL for an affiliate site?

Yes. Hostinger provides a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate automatically when you set up a domain. Just activate it in the control panel and enforce HTTPS in WordPress.