Back-up Your Blog: Blogger Edition

Do you ever worry about your blog disappearing?  All that hard work you have put into it, gone within a blink of an eye?  I know I do!  This is why it is so important to back-up your blog on a regular basis.  I have always used Bloggiesta as a way to remind myself to do this crucial task, but let's be honest ... this is a task that needs to be done more than twice a year.  While I was participating in one of the most recent Bloggiesta chats, Rebecca from Love at First Book gave me a wonderful idea, something that I was shocked that I didn't already figure out on my own.  She recommended setting a reminder on your calendar to back-up your blog on a monthly basis.  Simple, yet brilliant, right?!?

Let's take a quick look at the specific steps you need to take to make this happen.  Please Note:  This is for Blogger only.  

How to Back-up Your Content

1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Other.
3. Click on Export Blog.
4. You will receive a notice, explaining what Export Blog means.  Select Download Blog.

Your content is now on your hard drive!  However, this just includes the content, not your actual template and design.  Let's now look at how to back-up that material as well.

How to Back-up Your Template

1. Go to Template.
2. Select Backup/Restore.

Your template is now saved as well!  If you were to lose your blog for one reason or another, you can now sleep at night knowing that your work is saved!  BUT, before we sign off, let's also take a look at scheduling those reminders in your Google Calendar.

How to Schedule Reminders on Google Calendar

1. Select Create in your Google Calendar.
2. Name your Event.  I simply call it Back-up Blog!
3. Check All day event.
4. Check Repeat.  This will bring up another box with additional information.
5. Repeat Monthly.  Repeat every 1 Month.  Repeat day of the month.  Starts on (choose date).  I select the first of every month.  Ends Never (unless you choose otherwise).  Click Done.
6. Set your Reminder. I personally select an Email reminder 1 day in advance.
7. Save.

Special Note:  I create a special calendar devoted strictly to my blogging tasks in order to keep them separate from my personal and family events.

Voila!  You are set!  Now, go back-up your blog!

Do you back-up your blog on a regular basis?  What other blog tasks do you set regular reminders for?