How To Build a New WordPress Site While the Old Site Is Live (3 Preffered Ways)

⚡ 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 by Flywheel 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, 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 automatically 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.

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 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 by Flywheel 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

Can I use staging if I’m building a new website from scratch?

Staging is better suited for modifying or improving an existing site. For building from scratch, using a temporary domain or local installation is more appropriate.

Which plugins can I use for staging?

WP Staging and Duplicator are popular and user-friendly options for creating staging environments.

Can hosting providers offer staging?

Yes, hosting providers like SiteGround offer built-in staging features that don’t require additional plugins.

What is a temporary domain, and how does it work?

A temporary domain lets you build a new site while keeping the old one live. It’s especially useful if you’re starting fresh with new content and design. Hosting providers like Cloudway often offer this feature for easy setup.

Can a temporary domain affect SEO?

Yes, incorrect migration from a temporary domain can affect SEO, so it’s important to do it carefully.

What are the benefits of installing WordPress locally?

Installing WordPress locally allows offline development and testing. Once done, use a migration plugin to move it to your live server.

How do I migrate my locally built WordPress site to a live server?

Many plugins, such as Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration, help with this process.

Can some plugins be used for both staging and migration?

Yes, certain plugins like Duplicator, BlogVault, and All-in-One WP Migration are designed primarily for migration but also support staging workflows.

🛠️ 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 by Flywheel: Tool for local WordPress development
XAMPP: Local server environment for developing PHP applications
Softaculous: Auto-installer for easy WordPress installation on hosting platforms

📘 Additional Resources:

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Alex

1 year ago

This is an excellent guide for anyone wanting to create a new WordPress site while keeping their old site live. The process is quick and easy to follow, and the benefits of doing so are clear. This will avoid any potential disruptions and help keep your existing site running smoothly.