Developing New Site while maintaining existing one

I’ve done this a few times, and I install WP into a folder on the site. This leaves the original site still working (whether it’s static or WP – even if it’s WP in a folder).
Develop the new site (you could do it on your own computer, but if you have to get approval of the new one before it goes live, it’s easier if it’s on the web).
When you are ready to go live, it’s a minor change to have WP control the root instead of the folder. See https://www.ads-software.com/support/article/giving-wordpress-its-own-directory/
To switch over, you have to remove the old site files, do the above change for the new to control the root, and make a change in your database for any internal links to remove the new folder name. The link changing is easy with a plugin like Search Regex.

If you choose to develop the site on your computer, it’s super easy to use a plugin to migrate the whole thing to your site. The migration plugins do the link changing for you. I suppose you could use one on the folder, but it’s a bit of overkill. I always install my WP in a folder anyway.

Thank you for your response Joy,

This solution seems to be perfect. Is there a specific plugin that you would recommend for migrating the local site on my computer to the live site?

Thanks,
Lachlan

Here’s a search for plugins: https://www.ads-software.com/plugins/search/migrate/
You’ll have to check if your current conditions are a problem. Since you didn’t say if your current site is static or WP, or whether you are reusing the media you already have, it might make a difference which plugin. Some can do a partial move, but most do all files and database while making whatever domain change you choose.
If you put the same media in a new folder, it would have a new address, so you might want a redirect for any links that are out there. Or not…

Hello Lachlan,

Does your webhost provide you with development, staging, and production severs?

If they do, then you can use the production server for your current site, and use development server for the site that you will eventually use as the production site. Development and staging can have a very unique domain name, and can be password protected too so that no one can see the front-end of the site without the credentials.

Hello Lachlan,

Does your webhost provide you with development, staging, and production severs?

If they do, then you can use the production server for your current site, and use development server for the site that you will eventually use as the production site. Development and staging can have a very unique domain name, and can be password protected too so that no one can see the front-end of the site without the credentials.

Thanks Alerbtsweb

I am using WPX hosting which I believe does have a staging server so this is definitely an option.

Thanks,
Lachlan