Best method to build new websites for clients with existing websites/domains?

[IslandDude]

Hello! I'm looking for the best method for building websites for clients and then handing them off, assuming they already have an existing website/domain and I want to build a new site without using their existing domain or interrupt existing website up time during development.

Would you: Cpanel AddOn Domains, choose any domain you own, build the website, then switch the URL/nameservers when done? Or something else?

Please help!

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[cPanelLauren]

Really the best way to do this is to build the site on a server where the actual domain doesn't live, then you can modify your local hosts' file to point your local machine to view the site as it would be viewed on your server. This is discussed here: Tutorial - Editing your local hosts file to preview sites

Alternatively, if you need to do this on the client's server why not use a subdomain of the client domain?

 

[Thomass1]

Hey, sorry for the delay, could you please tell me if you find a good solution for your needs? I've been wanting to design a blog-type site for a while now for my mother's business and I really want to acquire more info about what people have used and whether they are pleased by the results. Personally, I found a really nice website customizer that also has nice prices for their services and I think this is the best option for me, but I'm still interested in what other people that went through this process have to say. Thanks!