Redesigning Website, Keeping Current Site Active

  • Resolved Cindy Lantier

    (@cjlantier)


    10 years, 9 months ago

    I’ve searched and looked through the forums; I’ve found several queries similar to mine, but none just like it. I don’t have the knowledge and experience to sift through that information to figure out what I need to do.

    I’ve built a few WP sites, usually the Headway Theme, with no real problems. One of my sites is badly in need of updating. I’m not just replacing old graphics, but completely revamping the site. Most of the content will be fresh, however, I would like to keep the content on my current blog. And, I’d like to do all of this behind the scenes, with the current website and blog available to my visitors until I’m ready to reveal the completed new site. In the past, I’ve just updated in a piece-meal fashion. I had a really disjointed site for several days, but I really want this update to be professional and seamless.

    I know this can be done, but I’ve no idea how! I’m smart enough to follow directions, but I’m not so versed in WordPress that I can figure out the answer for myself based on other people’s situations that are close to mine. In short, I need help!

    Thanks!

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

  • Cindy,

    What you are describing is called “staging” and there are a few ways to do this.

    This is a great idea because it allows you to get the site design exactly how you want it without disrupting the world until you are ready for a launch.

    #1 Ask your hosting company if they have a staging area. Some hosting companies specialize in WordPress and one of the advantages is that they provide a “staging area.”

    #2 Use https://www.ads-software.com/plugins/sandbox/

    #3 create a new (fake / temp) wp install. Export your content and import your content. Configure the site exactly like you want it. When you have exactly as you want then just install this on the live site and copy any required CSS or code.

    Granted option 3 could be the most complicated sounding option, it is the one that I prefer over option 2. This way I can freely play with new plugins etc. without the stress of crashing my live site.

    I hope that this helps.

    -Renee’

    Thread Starter Cindy Lantier

    (@cjlantier)

    Hi Renee,

    Thanks so much for the information! I like the sound of option #3. Could you direct me to more details about how I do that?

    Thread Starter Cindy Lantier

    (@cjlantier)

    I did some research on Google — much easier now that I know what terms to use! I found what appears to be a pretty good tutorial at https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-create-staging-environment-for-a-wordpress-site/ and I’m working through it. So far, so good.

    Thanks again for providing me with the information I needed to carry on with my project.

    Cindy,

    I am so glad that it helped and that you found wonderful information.

    -Renee’

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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