Setting up a staging instance for your WordPress website: 3 ways in comparison

Do you want to update your WordPress website securely without jeopardizing the live site? Then a staging instance is the ideal solution. Whether you want to test a new plugin, try out a fresh design or import important updates – in the staging instance, you can make and check changes in a protected environment before they go live.

In this post, we’ll show you three easy ways to set up staging for your WordPress website. We’ll look at hosting solutions, the UpdraftPlus plugin and local tools like Local by Flywheel.

What is a staging instance and why do you need it?

A staging instance is an exact copy of your website for tests and experiments. Changes in this environment are invisible to visitors and do not affect the live site. This is particularly useful for major updates or adjustments, as you can detect and fix errors or technical problems in advance.

A staging instance allows you to:

• plugins or themes for compatibility before you activate them.
• Test changes to the code or design without affecting the live site.
• Ensure that your website works smoothly after an update.
• Major changes to the content or structure of your website

This helps you avoid stress and protect the user experience of your visitors. Especially for business-critical websites, a staging instance is essential to ensure smooth processes.

3 ways to set up a staging instance for WordPress

There are different methods that have their advantages and disadvantages and are suitable for different needs. Below we will show you how to set up staging via your hosting provider, with the UpdraftPlus plugin or in a local environment such as Local by Flywheel.

1st staging instance directly integrated with a hosting provider

One of the easiest ways to set up a staging instance is via your web host’s staging option, which is often already directly integrated. Many providers offer this beginner-friendly function. The process is usually straightforward:

1. Log in to your hosting account and open the administration for your WordPress website.
2. Look for the “Staging” or “Cloning” option. With providers such as SiteGround or WP Engine, this function is usually directly available.
3. Clicking on “Create staging” creates a direct copy of your website on a temporary subdomain.
4. You can test changes and go live later with a single click.

Note: Going live on a WordPress website follows the same steps as creating a staging instance. A structured deployment process is essential to ensure that the live site functions correctly. This should include tests and a documented configuration of the settings for future deployments.

Advantages:

• Quick and easy
• No additional tools required

Disadvantages:

• Usually only available with expensive hosting packages

2. staging with UpdraftPlus and cloud storage

The UpdraftPlus plugin offers another way to set up a staging instance – regardless of the hosting provider. UpdraftPlus is one of the most popular backup plugins for WordPress and offers an integrated staging function in the premium version. This is how it works:

1. Install and activate the UpdraftPlus plugin on your website.
2. Select the staging function in the settings (available in the Premium version).
3. Create a backup of your website and upload it to a cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
4. Set up an empty WordPress installation (e.g. on a subdomain or in a local environment) and import the backup.

Advantages:

• Flexible: Also works without special hosting options.
• Safe: Your live website remains untouched.

Disadvantages:

• Premium version required.
• Some technical know-how required.

3. local staging with tools such as Local by Flywheel and UpdraftPlus

If you want to test changes locally on your computer, a setup with Local by Flywheel is an excellent option. In combination with the free UpdraftPlus backup plugin, you can clone and edit your existing website locally. This is how you proceed:

• Create a backup: Install the free UpdraftPlus plugin on your WordPress website. Create a complete backup of your website and download it. This includes the database, plugins, themes and media files.

• Set up a local instance: Download Local by Flywheel and install it on your computer. Then create a new, empty WordPress instance in Local.

• Import backup: Install the UpdraftPlus plugin in your local WordPress instance, import the previously created backup and restore it.

• Test changes: You now have an exact copy of your website running locally. Test all desired changes here without affecting your live site.

Advantages:

• Free of charge: The basic version of UpdraftPlus and Local by Flywheel is sufficient.
• Secure: Your tests remain completely offline.
• Flexible: You have full control over the local instance.

Disadvantages:

• Manual upload of changes required.
• Some technical know-how required, especially for complex changes.