A Beginner’s Guide to Website Staging

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Redesigning your website is a great way to stay current with evolving trends and generate traffic. While it takes weeks to develop a website, a small issue can make it unusable.

According to a Forbes report, the first impression formed of a website is around 94% related to design. The report also states that 88% of the users are less likely to revisit the website after a poor experience. This is where staging a website becomes important to overcome website difficulties.

Website staging acts as a clone of your live website where you can test features, fix bugs, try out new themes, and plan a strategy before the final implementation.

This article will explain everything that you need to know about staging, the benefits of staging websites, and instructions on how to proceed with it.

What is Staging?

Website staging is the process of creating a clone of your business website. It acts as a development site to test new features and work on errors without affecting the performance of your live website.

This is a great way to maintain business quality since the test site remains out of sight for viewers, and you can fine-tune your site to keep it updated. A staging environment is the last step before your business goes into production and becomes visible to customers.

It acts as a model for the production platform, making it easier to move with just a click. Next, let's examine staging servers and staging sites.

What is Staging Server?

A staging server is a feature of the staging environment. It consists of multiple systems used to test software and features in the staging environment. This helps to mimic production as closely as possible and is usually the last step for a new release.

A staging server helps spot issues during test runs so that the live website is ready for a smooth launch. Some of its uses include observing site performance, bug hunting, and clashes with other services.

The Benefits of Using a Staging Site

Businesses can maximize their website's potential with the help of a staging site. Sometimes, a simple WordPress plugin upgrade can jeopardize and crash the entire site. To avoid such risks, it is crucial to work on a clone of the website.

Here, we have mentioned some top benefits of staging websites.

1. Spot Bugs, Errors and Issues Easily

Sometimes, changes to the live website can negatively affect performance. This usually happens when you fail to spot a bug or an error. A new design feature can make the checkout process unresponsive.

A plugin update can also make your site glitchy and inoperable. A staging site can help you work on all these issues before switching to a live version.

2. Prevent Crashes and Data Loss

The staging site identifies problems so you can work on them without losing data. Errors or bugs found in the testing site might cause more damage to the live site, resulting in sudden crashes and conflicts.

3. Navigate Security Risks

Navigating security problems in a staging site is easier since you can test out all the changes. It does not allow any outside access, and the website is not exposed to extra risks. This helps improve your site's security, providing a positive user experience.

4. Update Your Site on Time and Rank Better

Updating your website, especially the core and plugin updates, helps to address security issues. Since web standards keep changing, site owners should keep their web components current. A staging website will make it easier to deploy the changes and test them out.

A problem-free site will match SEO standards, and search engines appreciate updated websites that help you rank better.

Now that you know the benefits of using a staging website, here is how you can create one for better website performance.

How to Create a Staging Environment?

Multiple hosting companies and CMS systems offer tools to navigate the staging environment. Regardless of which website-building platform you've used, the process of creating a staging site is similar. Below are some of the steps to create a staging website.

Step 1: Choose a Host

The first step involves choosing a host for your staging site features to access control panel software. Web hosts are a good option since the staging site will have the same configuration as the server and setup of the live site.

Step 2: Duplicate The Live Site

Once you've decided on a host, the next step is to make a clone of the live website. The host services should include a control panel offering the option of a staging site. While some hosts offer one-click solutions, others will involve guided steps and a lot of documentation.

Step 3: Pick a CMS Solution

WordPress is one of the most popular CMS solutions for layering the staging site. Companies offering hosting services enable users to simplify steps by clicking a button and working on WordPress.

Step 4: Use a Plugin If Needed

You can use a WordPress staging plugin to facilitate the process of making a copy of the live site. Make sure all the themes, plugins, and URL settings are in place and match the live site.

Step 5: Review The Site

Get a copy of your live website with each element in its place. Ensure that everything is working well, including the features, designs, themes, and updates. Review the site, knowing that you're not using the live data.

This is how you can create a staging environment and start regularly working on website updates and changes to improve the user experience.

Key Takeaway

A staging site acts as a private space for businesses to increase UI and UX experience and offer up-to-date features. Without disrupting the live site, one can easily test new things in the staging site.

Users will notice and appreciate the website's efficiency, leading to more revenue and traffic. However, everything begins with a responsive website that loads in less time.

If you're planning to launch a new website or redesign an existing one, Voldien has the right tools to help you get started. With smart WordPress management, a temporary domain, and one-click staging features, you can easily get started on your website.

Connect with Voldien for more information on hosting options.