You don't need to become a member of your own publication to test your paywall. If you have installed a paywall, go to your website and click on “Sign in” (under “Already a member?”) once the paywall appears. When you log in, Steady automatically recognises you and lets you skip the paywall. You will then be redirected back to the article after logging in.
To see the paywall the way non-members see it, simply use your browser’s incognito mode.