This article explains how to create a staging site where you can test changes to your website safely before making them live.
What is a Staging Site?
A staging site is an exact copy of your live website where you can test changes without affecting your visitors. Think of it as a practice area where you can try new themes, test plugins, or make content changes without breaking your main site.
Creating Your Staging Site
1. Access Your Web60 Portal
Log into your Web60 portal at portal.web60.ie using your account email and password. If you need help accessing your portal, read Understanding Your Web60 Portal.
2. Find the Staging Option
Once logged in:
- Click on your website name
- Look for the "Staging" tab in the main menu
- Click "Create Staging Site"
3. Wait for Creation
Web60 will create an exact copy of your live site. This usually takes 2-5 minutes depending on your site's size. You'll see a progress bar showing the copying process.
4. Access Your Staging Site
Once ready, you'll see two URLs:
- Staging URL: A temporary web address to view your staging site (usually contains "staging" in the name)
- Admin URL: The WordPress dashboard for your staging site
Bookmark both URLs as they're different from your live site.
Using Your Staging Site
Making Changes
- Click the staging admin URL to open the WordPress dashboard
- Make your changes (install plugins, change themes, edit content)
- Use the staging URL to preview how changes look to visitors
- Test everything thoroughly
Moving Changes to Live Site
When you're happy with your changes:
- Return to your Web60 portal
- Go to the Staging tab
- Click "Push to Live"
- Confirm you want to replace your live site
This copies everything from staging to your live website.
Important Notes
Always test first: Never make major changes directly to your live site. Use staging for testing WordPress themes or plugins.
Staging sites expire: Your staging site automatically deletes after 7 days to save space. Create a new one when needed.
Database changes: Any forms submitted or comments left on your staging site won't appear on your live site.
If you're still stuck, contact our support team through your Web60 portal and we'll help you set up your staging environment.
FAQ
Q: How long does a staging site take to create?
A: Usually 2-5 minutes, depending on your website's size and number of files.
Q: Can visitors see my staging site?
A: No, staging sites are private and only accessible to you through the special staging URL provided.
Q: What happens if I don't push changes to live?
A: Nothing changes on your live site. Staging changes stay separate until you specifically push them live.
Q: Can I create multiple staging sites?
A: You can only have one staging site at a time. Delete your current staging site to create a new one.
Q: Will pushing to live affect my backups?
A: Web60 automatically creates a backup before pushing staging changes live, so you can restore if needed.
Q: Can I edit my live site while staging exists?
A: Yes, but changes made to your live site won't appear in staging. Staging is a snapshot from when you created it.
Last updated: 1 March 2026