Why use a temporary domain name with Managed Hosting for WordPress?
Building a new WordPress site or migrating from another host? Temporary domains let you develop and test your site thoroughly before updating DNS, keeping your current site running without interruption.
What is a temporary domain?
A temporary domain is a placeholder URL that lets you access your WordPress installation while your actual domain name points to another host. When you set up Managed Hosting for WordPress, we provide a temporary domain name so you can view and work on your site without changing your domain's DNS settings.
This enables you to keep your existing site live while you work on a new one behind the scenes.
Example: If your real domain is coolexample.com, your temporary domain might look like: abc.123.myftpupload.com.
Why WordPress needs temporary domains
WordPress uses absolute rather than relative paths for its internal links, file structures, and resources. This is a fundamental aspect of how WordPress stores site information in its database.
The difference:
Relative paths (which many systems use):
<a href="/directory/file.extension">link text</a>
Absolute paths (which WordPress uses):
<a href="http://coolexample.com/directory/file.extension">link text</a>
What this means for your site
WordPress stores your domain name in the database (specifically in the wp_options table as siteurl and home values). It then uses these absolute URLs everywhere:
- Internal navigation links
- Media files and images
- Stylesheet references
- JavaScript file paths
- Plugin and theme assets
The Problem: When your actual domain name does not point to your hosting account, WordPress tries to load resources using paths that reference that domain. Since the domain points elsewhere, it can't find the files it needs. This completely breaks the site: stylesheets won't load, images won't display, navigation links fail, and the site becomes unusable.
The Solution: By using a temporary domain name, WordPress treats it as the site's domain. All the absolute paths it generates use the temporary domain, making all resources accessible and allowing the site to function properly while you develop and test.
Next steps
Once you've finished building and testing your site on the temporary domain, it's time to go live with your real domain name.
If your domain is registered with GoDaddy:
Use the domain change feature in your hosting control panel. Our system will automatically update WordPress settings and handle the transition. Your site will seamlessly switch to using your permanent domain.
If your domain is registered elsewhere:
- You'll need to update your domain's DNS settings to point to the correct IP address.
- Find the IP address you need to update the DNS for your domain.
- Once DNS propagates (typically 24-48 hours), your site will be accessible via your permanent domain.
- Use the domain change feature to update WordPress settings.