Can I build a WordPress website, then attach it to a host that my current site is using?

Hi Dan, Excellent question. Though the answer can quickly get complicated, depending on your current host. Generally speaking, the process looks like something like this:

1. Develop your site locally, or on a staging server.
2. When you're happy with your site, upload it or deploy it to your live, or production server.

Many of the Managed WordPress hosts we recommend include a staging server at no additional cost to you. This allows you to build your new site, then push it to the production server whenever you're ready. If your host doesn't include a free staging server, you might consider WP Stagecoach. It's a third-party WordPress staging solution that works with any host. Another alternative you might consider is Local. It's probably the easiest way to create a fully-functional WordPress install on your own computer. Then, you can develop your site locally (on your own computer), and when you're happy with it, you can deploy it with one click. But here's the catch... you can only deploy sites to Flywheel. Currently, no other WordPress hosts are supported from within Local. That said, you can always develop your site on your computer using Local, then deploy it to your current host using a plugin like BackupBuddy or BlogVault. So, there you have it. Several ways to develop your WordPress site offline, then deploy it to your live hosting environment. ​Hope this helps!