How to Clone a WordPress Website for a Client (Copy, Migrate, Reuse)
By Saurabh Pandey · · 2 min read
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When you build many similar sites, or move a site to a new host, there is no need to start from scratch. Here is how to clone a WordPress website safely, whether for a new client, a staging copy or a migration.
Before you clone
- Take a backup of the source site (see backing up WordPress).
- Clean up: delete unused plugins, themes, drafts and spam so the clone is smaller.
- Prepare the destination: hosting, domain or subdomain, and SSL.
Method 1: A migration plugin
- Install a migration plugin such as Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration on the source site.
- Create a package or export file (it contains files and the database).
- On the destination, follow the plugin's install method: a fresh WordPress with the plugin to import, or the plugin's installer script.
- Run the import; the plugin replaces old URLs with new ones.
- Log in with the source site's admin credentials and resave Settings > Permalinks.
Free versions may limit archive size; large sites may need the paid version or the manual method.
Method 2: Manual clone
- Copy all files via File Manager or FTP.
- Export the database from phpMyAdmin and import it into a new database.
- Update the database details in
wp-config.php. - Run a search-and-replace for the old URL to the new URL with a reputable tool.
Turning a clone into a new client site
- Replace all text, images, logo and contact details.
- Create new admin users for the client; remove or downgrade your own.
- Activate the client's own premium licences.
- Update SEO titles, analytics, Search Console and email settings.
- Check legal pages are correct for the new business.
Keep the clone out of Google until launch
Tick Settings > Reading > Discourage search engines or password protect the clone while you work, so two identical sites are never indexed. Untick it at launch.
Moving a live site rather than cloning? A staging copy is often safer: see how to set up a staging site. Duplicating just one page? See duplicating pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to clone a WordPress site?
A migration plugin such as Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration packages files and database into an archive you install on the new site. Free versions may have size limits.
Can I reuse a cloned site for a different client?
Yes, as a starting template, but replace all content, branding, images and licences, change the admin users and keep only plugins the new client needs.
Will cloning create duplicate content issues?
Only if both copies are publicly indexable with the same content. Keep the clone noindexed or password protected until its content is unique and it is ready to launch.
Do premium plugin licences transfer to a clone?
Usually not automatically. Most premium licences are per site; activate a licence the new client owns on the cloned site.
