Why You Should Backup Your Blog Automatically
Picture this: You've been blogging consistently for two years, and one morning, you log into your Blogger dashboard only to find all your posts… gone. It may sound dramatic, but accidental deletions, hacks, or platform policy violations can wipe out months or even years of hard work in an instant. As content creators, we often focus on growth—SEO, traffic, monetization—but overlook the most basic insurance of our work: backup.
Automatic blog backups aren't just for tech-savvy developers. In 2025, with so many beginner-friendly tools available, it's easier than ever to ensure your posts are saved elsewhere, like Dropbox. Unlike Google Drive, Dropbox allows easier API access, automation, and direct file handling. It’s reliable, syncs fast, and gives you version control with minimal setup.
Backing up manually? That’s fine—until you forget, or you’re away on vacation, or your RSS feed malfunctions. That’s where automation saves the day. Let’s look at how we can automate Blogger backups to Dropbox with zero cost and minimal technical effort.
Overview of Dropbox and Blogger Backup Integration
Blogger (owned by Google) doesn't natively support exporting content to external services like Dropbox. But thanks to its RSS feed structure and Google ecosystem compatibility, we can create smart automation workflows using either Google Apps Script or no-code platforms like Zapier.
Dropbox acts as a cloud storage vault. Once your blog posts are converted into .txt, .html, or .json files, you can push them directly into a designated Dropbox folder. Dropbox's file history and sync features make it ideal for storing daily snapshots of your blog.
Method 1: Using Google Apps Script
How Google Apps Script Can Automate Your Blogger Backup
This method requires a Google account and basic understanding of Google Apps Script. Don’t worry—it’s beginner friendly. Apps Script lets you programmatically fetch data from Blogger and save it to Dropbox using the Dropbox API.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to script.google.com and start a new project.
- Use Blogger’s built-in feed (`https://YOURBLOG.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=json`) to fetch recent posts.
- Use UrlFetchApp to parse the feed.
- Format posts into readable .txt or .md content.
- Authenticate Dropbox with API Token.
- Use Dropbox's upload endpoint to push files to your folder.
This script can be scheduled to run daily via triggers. You don't need to open it manually every time.
Method 2: Using Zapier (Free Tier Option)
Setting Up Zapier with Blogger RSS and Dropbox
Zapier is perfect if you don’t want to touch code. On the free plan, you get 100 tasks/month, which is usually enough for smaller blogs.
Here’s how you set it up:
- Create a Zap: Trigger = RSS Feed → Action = Dropbox
- Use your Blogger RSS feed as the source (e.g., `https://yourblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss`)
- Connect Dropbox and define the path & file format (e.g., create a new .txt file for every blog post)
Every time you publish a new post, it automatically shows up in your Dropbox. No coding, no maintenance.
Exploring Other Tools Like IFTTT or Backupify
While Apps Script and Zapier are the most popular, other tools like IFTTT, Integromat (now Make), or Backupify can be used. Most of these support RSS-to-cloud flows, but free tier limitations and complexity vary.
Pros: Easy setup, lots of pre-made templates
Cons: Often requires premium accounts for file-specific actions
Comparison Table: Features and Limitations
| Method |
Cost |
Ease of Use |
Automation Level |
Format |
| Google Apps Script |
Free |
Medium |
High |
Custom (txt, md, html) |
| Zapier |
Free (limited) |
High |
Medium |
txt |
| Third-party tools |
Varies |
High |
Medium |
txt/json |
Best Practices for Blog Backup Automation
What You Should Always Do
- Backup at least weekly if you publish often
- Store files in organized folders (by date or title)
- Keep a second backup (e.g., Google Drive or local disk)
- Test your automation every few months
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Things Beginners Often Miss
- Only backing up RSS, which omits some content
- Forgetting to authenticate Dropbox API tokens
- Overwriting the same file without version control
Real-World Example: How I Automated My Backup Flow
Personally, I use a hybrid of Google Apps Script and Dropbox. It took me about an hour to build the script, and now it runs daily—fetches my latest posts, saves them into a neatly organized Dropbox folder, and even adds timestamps. I’ve recovered accidentally deleted posts twice thanks to this setup. Trust me—it’s worth the initial effort.
FAQs
How can I use Google Apps Script to backup my Blogger posts to Dropbox?
You write a script that fetches your Blogger JSON feed, converts each post to text, then uploads via Dropbox API using UrlFetchApp. You can schedule it to run daily.
Is Zapier free for Blogger to Dropbox integration?
Yes, but with limits. You get 100 tasks/month and 5 Zaps. It works well for small blogs but not for high-volume posting.
Can I schedule daily automatic blog backups?
Yes. Google Apps Script supports time-based triggers. Zapier can monitor your RSS every 15 minutes on paid plans, or every 1-2 hours on the free plan.
What if I use WordPress, not Blogger?
WordPress offers plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup. This guide is specific to Blogger users, but the concepts apply broadly.
Conclusion and Further Reading
Backing up your blog should never be an afterthought. With these free tools, you can set it and forget it — ensuring your content stays safe no matter what happens. Whether you choose Google Apps Script for flexibility, Zapier for ease, or a third-party tool for convenience, automating your blog backup is a smart move every serious blogger should make.
Want to compare storage options? Check out our detailed post on Dropbox vs Google Drive pricing and features for bloggers and creators.
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