Building before launch.
WHY
Building a new site while the old one remains live.
HOW
A subdomain, protected with Directory Privacy Build there Test thoroughly Move to the main domain when ready
WHY PROTECT IT
An unprotected development site can be indexed by search engines.
That competes with your live site and exposes unfinished work.
WHEN READY TO LAUNCH
Move the files to the main domain's directory Update the configured address Update URLs in the database, with a serialisation-aware tool Redirect or remove the development subdomain Run AutoSSL Test everything
WHAT PEOPLE FORGET
Removing the development copy Updating the database URLs Checking search engine visibility settings
THAT LAST ONE
If the development site was set not to be indexed, that setting travels with it.
Check it after launch or your site vanishes from search.
