⚡ Quick Answer
The three most recommended ways to build a new WordPress site while keeping the old one live are:
🟡 1. Staging Environment: If you want to build a new version of your existing website, try this simple method. Install a plugin like WP Staging or enable your hosting provider’s staging feature. Then create a staging site where you can build, test, and push changes to the live site with a single click.
🟡 2. Temporary Domain: If you’re building a completely new site with different content, design, and structure, you can use a temporary domain that most hosting companies offer by default. Create a new WordPress application via your hosting control panel and build your new site while the old website remains live.
🟡 3. Local Development: Use tools like Local or XAMPP to install WordPress on your local computer. Once the new site is ready, migrate it to your main domain using plugins like Duplicator.
For the detailed information, please read below.
1. Staging for New Site
✅ Good option for those who want to build a new version of their existing website
❌ Not the best choice for those looking to build from scratch.
With staging, you can clone your live site, make significant improvements, or even redesign it entirely while keeping your current site online.
Many hosts, like SiteGround, offer built-in staging, so no extra plugins are needed.
However, if your hosting provider doesn’t have built-in staging, you can use a plugin like WP Staging, which is one of the most recommended options among users.
Here’s how you can use WP Staging to create a staging site:
➡️ Step 1: Install and activate the “WP Staging” plugin from Plugins > Add New. Then go to WP Staging in the menu and click Create New Staging Site.
➡️ Step 3: Enter a descriptive name for your staging site and click Start Cloning to begin copying your live site to the staging environment. The plugin will clone your database, files, and content.
➡️ Step 3: Once the cloning process is complete, you’ll receive a link to your staging site. Use the same admin login credentials as your live site to access the staging environment.
➡️ Step 4: Now you can freely make changes, test updates, or try new designs without any risk to your live site. Once you’re satisfied with the changes, you can migrate them from the staging site to your live site.
2. Using a Temporary Domain
✅ Good option if you’re building a completely new site (different content, design, and structure) while keeping the old one live.
❌ Requires manual migration and can affect SEO if not done properly
Some users prefer the temporary domain method. It allows you to work on the new site separately without interfering with the live version.
You can either set it up manually or use an automatic setup through your hosting company.
Most hosting companies, like Cloudways, provide a built-in function to duplicate an existing WordPress application to a new temporary domain with one click.
⚠️ Important: If your temporary domain is publicly accessible, search engines like Google might index it, which could harm your SEO. To prevent this, add a noindex directive, block it via robots.txt, or password-protect the site during development.
3. Install WordPress Locally
✅ Good option for developing and testing a new site offline without affecting the live site.
❌ Requires manual migration to hosting and can be too technical
Some users prefer to work offline, using a local installation.
This method involves using software like XAMPP or Local (formerly known as Local by Flywheel) to build the site on your computer and then moving it to your live server once complete.
➡️ Download Local Development Software: Download and install software like XAMPP or Local on your computer.
➡️ Install WordPress Locally: Set up a new local WordPress site through your chosen software.
➡️ Create and Design the Site: Design and develop your site offline, adding all your themes, plugins, pages, and content.
➡️ Migrate to Live Server: Once the site is ready, use a migration tool or plugin to move your local site to your live hosting environment.
FAQ
🛠️ Tools you may need:
- SiteGround: Fast and secure WordPress hosting with built-in staging feature
- WP Staging: Plugin for creating staging sites easily
- Duplicator: Plugin for migrating WordPress sites
- Local: Tool for local WordPress development (Formerly known as Local by Flywheel)
- XAMPP: Local server environment for developing PHP applications
- Softaculous: Auto-installer for easy WordPress installation on hosting platforms
📘 Additional Resources:
