Do you want to create a test site to run experiments and try new things without affecting your active site? A test site allows you to set up a safe environment where you can try and test things before implementing new changes to your active site. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to create a test site using three methods. We’ll also show you how to merge changes so you don’t have to replicate work on your active site.
What makes a good test site in WordPress?
A preparation or testing site is an active site clone where you can safely test whatever you want, such as new themes, plugins, updates, and other changes. You can hide it from the audience so that only you can see what is being tested on the preparation site. Many developers use a local environment to test the changes, and then migrate the changes from the local host to the active server. But sometimes this causes problems, colombia phone number data as what works on the site may not work when on the active server. With a test site, you won’t face these problems. But you’ll need to make sure you’ve set up a stable and efficient test environment.
Creating a WordPress Testing Site
There are several ways to set up a test site and each method meets a different purpose:
- Test plug-ins: This is the most recommended method because you can set up a test site without touching any code. You can merge your changes by clicking a button.
- Web Hosting: You can create a trial site for free from your hosting account. This is a manual method that requires a good dose of technical skill. It is also risky, in addition to promoting your new products as even a small mistake can damage your site.
- Temporary Test Site: This allows you to create a temporary test site with an entirely new WordPress installation. You don’t need a domain name or hosting plan to use this. These testing sites are useful for checking how WordPress works, quickly test plugins and themes, and more.
1. Create a test site using a WordPress plugin
Not long ago, you needed a developer and good coding skills to set up a testing environment, but WordPress plugins make it easy with just one click. Plug-ins ensure that your test site is hidden from visitors and search engines. And you’ll be able to seamlessly merge your changes without worrying about breaking the WordPress site. And the best part is that you will always have a support team that you can turn to for help. Now, there are many good test plugins that you can use. Here are the ones we recommend:
If you don’t have these details, global seo work you’ll find them on the page Account (Account – Account within your WP Stagecoach account. After doing this, WP Stagecoach will allow you to create your first test site.Step 2: Create a Test SiteIn the WP Stagecoach dashboard, you will see a welcome message and an option for creating a test site. All you need to do is enter a URL for the test site.
Then you will see options to disable the cache plug-ins and protect the website with password. We highly recommend adding a password to the site. This will ensure that the test site is hidden to the public and search engines. After entering all the details, click the button “Ride the Stagecoach”. . . The plugin will automatically back up your WordPress site and then create a test site. When the test site is ready, you will see URL links to the site and admin area. Just click the link and enter your credentials to access the site.
Now you can experiment freely and make any changes you want. The test site is a fully functional WordPress site, so you can use it the same way you would use a normal WordPress site.Step 3: Merging changes with active siteWhen you are satisfied with the test site, you will not need to return to the active site to replicate the changes. WP Stagecoach allows you to import changes to the active site. Go to the page WP Stagecoach “ Import Changes (Import Changes ) and click the button Check for Changes (Check for changes ).
The WordPress plugin will examine your test site for changes made and show you options to import them. You can choose to import only file changes, only database changes, or all changes. Then click on the button Import to continue. The plug-in will show the progress of the import and notify it when it is completed. All you need to do is view the active site and see that the changes have been imported successfully. We recommend that you delete the test site when you finish using it. Stagecoach will also delete all temporary WordPress files created.
Next time you want to run tests, you can create a new test site with the latest changes and work from it. This will ensure that you never merge an old trial version with your active website.
2. 2. Create a test site using your web host
You can create a test site with your host for free, but there are some disadvantages you should know about. To get started, you can set up a test site manually only if your hosting provider grants access to cPanel. If you’re using a managed WordPress hosting plan, you probably won’t have access to cPanel. In addition, the test site runs on the same server as your active site. This will increase your server load and slow down the active site. It is much simpler to use a plug-in.
1. If your web host provides Softaculous Apps Installer, you can easily set up a WordPress test site on your own. Log in to your web host account and open the cPanel” Softaculous Apps Installer.
Next to the name of your website, you will see an icon list to create a clone, backup or test site. Select the “Create Staging” icon to set up your test site.
On the next page, you can add a site name, create a new database, and disable the search engine view. Softaculous will copy your site and create the test environment for you. You will receive a link to your site along with the credentials to login. When you finish the test, you can use the Push to Live option to merge changes with the active site.
If you don’t have this application installer in the cPanel dashboard, you can follow the steps below to create one manually.2. Manual creation of a test site Before we start, you should know that the manual setting of a test site requires a reasonable amount of technical knowledge. It is also prone to errors, so we do not recommend it for beginners. There is also no option to merge the changes with your active site. Therefore, you will need to make the changes manually on the active site. With this in mind, you can follow the steps below to manually create a test site.Step 1: Create a subdomain The first thing you need to do is log in to your web hosting account and open the cPanel. Inside, navigate to the Domains section and select Subdomains.