A copy for testing.
WHY
Testing changes on a live site is how sites break publicly.
HOW
Create a subdomain, such as staging.yourdomain.com Copy the site files and database to it Update the copy's configured address
PROTECTING IT
Directory Privacy, immediately.
That prevents public access and keeps it out of search results.
WHY NOT JUST NOINDEX
A noindex tag relies on being read and respected.
Directory Privacy prevents access entirely, which is reliable.
WHAT TO TEST THERE
Plugin and theme updates PHP version changes Design changes Anything you would not want to break publicly
THE PUSH-TO-LIVE WARNING
Never copy a staging database over a live site with real data.
That overwrites every order, registration and comment since the copy was taken.
Copy files, or apply changes manually.
KEEPING IT CURRENT
Refresh from live periodically, or it stops representing your actual site.
