So much to learn, so little time.
did you know that you can run your very own nostr relay on your current computer? windows, mac, and linux can all run this simple relay software from your system tray.
find the correct relay software for your system here:
https://github.com/CodyTseng/nostr-relay-tray/releases/tag/v1.6.0
after installing, add the relay ws://localhost:4869 to your relay configuration inside your favorite nostr client.
continue creating notes and sending zaps as normal. you'll now have a local backup of all of your content. that's it!
Discussion
there are so many different options. try them all out and see what works best. i personally don't use this relay. i run a relay on my phone and a relay on a server computer i have.