OUTLINE:
Introduction to WordPress
✅ What is WordPress, and why is it used?
✅ Understanding the concept of CMS (Content Management System).
✅ Difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
Task: Write a short article titled “WordPress.com vs WordPress.org.”
Basics of Domain and Hosting
✅ What are domain and hosting, and why are they important?
✅ Setting up a localhost (installing XAMPP or WAMP).
Task: Set up a localhost on your system.
WordPress Installation
✅ Installing WordPress (local and live installation).
✅ Overview of the WordPress dashboard:
- Introduction to Posts, Pages, Media, Settings, etc.
Task: Install WordPress and explore the dashboard.
Introduction to Themes
✅ What are themes, and how do they work?
✅ Using and installing default themes.
✅ Customizing themes.
Task: Install a free theme and customize it (e.g., site title, tagline, colors).
Outcome:
By the end of this stage, the learner will understand the basics of WordPress setup and be able to customize a simple design.
Intermediate Level
This stage covers the intermediate steps of building a website.
1. Content Creation
✅ Posts vs Pages: Understanding their differences and use cases.
✅ Using categories and tags effectively.
✅ Utilizing the Media Library (uploading images and videos).
Task: Write a blog post, insert an image, and publish it.
2. Introduction to Plugins
✅ What are plugins, and how do they work?
✅ Installing and activating plugins.
✅ Useful Plugins for Beginners:
- Elementor (Page Builder)
- Yoast SEO (for basic SEO)
- Contact Form 7 (for forms)
- WPForms (simplified form builder)
Task: Install Elementor and design a simple page.
3. Menus and Widgets
✅ How to create and manage menus.
✅ Understanding widgets and their usage.
Task: Create a menu and use it in the widget area.
4. Website Settings
✅ General settings: site title, tagline, time zone, etc.
✅ Importance of permalink settings.
✅ Understanding user roles and permissions.
Task: Change the website’s title and tagline and assign a user role.
Outcome:
By the end of this stage, the learner will be able to publish content and perform basic customizations on their website.
Advanced Level
This stage delves into advanced concepts and techniques.
1. SEO and Analytics
✅ Introduction to SEO and using the Yoast SEO plugin.
✅ Setting up Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
Task: Optimize a blog post using the Yoast SEO plugin.
2. Website Security and Backup
✅ Using security plugins (e.g., Wordfence, Sucuri).
✅ Creating backups with plugins like UpdraftPlus.
Task: Install a backup plugin and back up your website.
3. Speed Optimization
✅ Optimizing website speed (using cache plugins, image compression).
✅ Recommended Plugins:
- WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache (for caching)
- Smush (for image optimization)
Task: Install a speed optimization plugin and test your website’s speed.
4. E-commerce Setup
✅ Using the WooCommerce plugin.
✅ Designing product pages and setting up payment methods.
Task: Install WooCommerce and upload a product.
5. Advanced Customization
✅ Using custom CSS and advanced design techniques.
✅ Detailed use of page builders like Elementor or Divi.
Task: Design a professional landing page.
Outcome:
By the end of this stage, the learner will be proficient in building a professional WordPress website with advanced features, SEO optimization, security, and e-commerce integration.