• Based in Richmond, VA
web design world logo
Get Started
Course Content
01 – Website Setup & WordPress Basics
This module teaches the foundational steps required to build a fully functional WordPress website from scratch. You will learn how to choose and register a domain name, set up reliable hosting, configure SSL, create email accounts, and install WordPress using both 1-click and manual methods. The lessons guide you through the WordPress dashboard, essential settings, and the key differences between posts and pages. You’ll also learn how to install and configure critical plugins for SEO, security, and backups, as well as how to select and activate the right theme for your website’s goals. By the end of this module, you will understand how to create pages, build navigation menus, and implement basic security practices to keep your site safe. This section provides the technical foundation needed to confidently build and manage your WordPress website.
0/12
What You Need to Build a Website (Domains, Hosting, WordPress)
How to Choose and Register a Domain Name
Setting Up Hosting (cPanel, SSL, Email Accounts)
Installing WordPress (1-Click Install + Manual Install)
WordPress Dashboard Overview
General Settings (Permalinks, Reading, Writing, Timezone)
Installing Essential Plugins (SEO, Security, Backups)
Choosing and Installing a Theme
Understanding Posts vs Pages
Creating Your First Page
Creating a Navigation Menu
WordPress Security Basics
02 – Elementor Page Building
This module shows you how to design professional, visually engaging website pages using Elementor’s drag-and-drop page builder. You will learn how to install Elementor, navigate the editor, and use sections, columns, and widgets to create clean, modern layouts. The lessons cover global colors and typography, designing hero sections, using containers with Flexbox, and building fully responsive pages for desktop, tablet, and mobile. You’ll also learn how to add images, videos, icons, galleries, buttons, forms, and calls-to-action that drive user engagement. This module teaches you how to build site-wide elements such as headers, footers, and reusable templates using Elementor’s Theme Builder. By the end, you’ll be able to design polished, conversion-focused website pages—without writing any code.
0/12
Installing Elementor + Elementor Pro (Optional)
Overview of the Elementor Editor
Using Sections, Columns, and Widgets
Global Colors and Global Typography
Designing Hero Sections
How to Use Containers (If Elementor Flexbox is On)
Building Responsive Layouts (Mobile + Tablet)
Creating Buttons, Forms, and Call-to-Actions
Adding Images, Galleries, Icons, and Videos
Building Headers and Footers
Creating Reusable Templates
Using Elementor’s Theme Builder
03 – Business Website Essentials
This module teaches you how to structure, plan, and create the essential pages every high-performing business website needs. You’ll learn how to clearly communicate what your business does, who you help, and why visitors should choose you. The lessons walk you through building an effective Home page, writing a compelling About page, creating a Services page that converts, and designing a Contact page with professional forms. You’ll also learn how to add trust-building elements such as testimonials, logos, and badges, as well as how to set up strategic calls-to-action throughout your site. This module covers blog creation, content planning, and the structure of your first posts, along with important legal pages your site must include. By the end, you’ll know how to create a complete, conversion-optimized business website that supports your goals and builds credibility with your audience.
0/12
Planning Your Website Structure
Writing Clear Business Messaging (What You Do + Who You Help)
Creating an Effective Home Page
How to Write an Impactful About Page
Creating Your Services Page (Layout + Copywriting)
Building a Contact Page With a Form
Adding Trust Elements (Testimonials, Logos, Badges)
Setting Up Calls-to-Action That Convert
Creating a Blog Page
Structuring Your First Blog Posts
Adding Legal Pages (Privacy, Terms, Cookie Policy)
Connecting Social Media Links
04 – Branding & Visual Design
This module teaches you how to create a cohesive, professional visual identity for your website and brand. You’ll learn the fundamentals of branding, including how to choose color palettes, pair fonts, and create a consistent look across every page. The lessons cover layout balance, white space, and visual hierarchy so your designs are clean, modern, and easy to navigate. You’ll also learn how to create a simple logo using DIY tools like Canva, select brand-appropriate images, and use icons and graphics effectively. This module shows you how to build a complete brand style guide and avoid common design mistakes, while ensuring your website remains accessible for all users. By the end, you’ll be able to design a cohesive, visually appealing website that strengthens your brand identity and improves user experience.
0/12
Understanding Branding Basics
Choosing Color Palettes for Your Website
Typography Basics (Fonts, Pairing, Readability)
Creating a Consistent Brand Look
Designing With White Space + Layout Balance
Creating a Logo (DIY Tools like Canva)
Choosing Images That Match Your Brand
Using Icons and Graphics Correctly
Creating a Brand Style Guide
Visual Hierarchy Principles
Design Mistakes to Avoid
Designing for Accessibility
05 – SEO & Website Traffic
This module teaches you how to optimize your website for Google search and attract consistent, high-quality traffic. You’ll learn what SEO is, why it matters, and how to choose the right keywords for your business. The lessons cover on-page SEO essentials such as titles, meta descriptions, alt text, internal linking, and proper blog structure. You’ll also learn how to create local SEO pages, optimize images for speed, and set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your performance. This module shows you how to create content that ranks and attracts customers, as well as how to drive additional traffic through social media. By the end, you’ll understand how to build a search-friendly, high-visibility website that brings in more visitors and potential customers over time.
0/12
What SEO Is & Why It Matters for Small Businesses
Keyword Research for Beginners
How to Choose the Right Keywords for Your Website
On-Page SEO (Titles, Meta Descriptions, Alt Text)
How to Structure Blog Posts for SEO
Internal Linking for Better Rankings
Creating Local SEO Pages (Service Areas, Maps, NAP Info)
Optimizing Images and Speed
Setting Up Google Analytics
Setting Up Google Search Console
Creating Content That Attracts Customers
How to Get Traffic From Social Media
06 – Website Launch & Maintenance
This module teaches you how to successfully launch, manage, and maintain your WordPress website for long-term performance. You’ll learn how to follow a complete pre-launch checklist, test your site across devices, and ensure all links, forms, and layouts work correctly. The lessons cover essential speed optimization techniques such as caching and minification, along with key security practices including firewalls, malware scans, and automatic backups. You’ll also learn how to connect your domain using DNS, monitor site propagation, and use analytics tools to track traffic and performance. This module shows you how to safely update WordPress, themes, and plugins, troubleshoot common errors, maintain mobile responsiveness, and follow a monthly website maintenance routine. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your site fast, secure, and running smoothly long after launch.
0/12
Pre-Launch Checklist (Testing Links + Devices)
Speed Optimization (Caching, Minification)
Security Essentials (Firewalls, Malware Scans)
Setting Up Automatic Backups
Launching Your Website (DNS, Propagation)
Tracking Performance (Analytics + Search Console)
Updating WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Safely
Fixing Common WordPress Errors
Monitoring Uptime & Site Health
How to Add New Pages or Edit Existing Ones
Keeping Your Site Mobile Friendly
Monthly Website Maintenance Checklist
How to Make a Website

Choosing & Installing a WordPress Theme

Module: Website Setup & WordPress Basics • Lesson: Choosing & Installing a Theme

This lesson covers how to choose the right WordPress theme for your website and how to install and customize it. You’ll learn the differences between free and premium themes, what features to look for, and how to activate a theme properly.

What Is a WordPress Theme?

A WordPress theme controls your website’s layout, styling, colors, typography, and overall design. Themes determine how your site looks, while plugins determine what your site can do.

What a Theme Controls

  • Page layouts and structure
  • Header and footer design
  • Fonts and typography
  • Color palettes
  • Blog and page templates
  • Responsive (mobile) design

Free vs Premium Themes

Free Themes

  • Available in the WordPress.org theme directory
  • No cost to use
  • Lightweight and beginner-friendly
  • Limited design options compared to premium themes

Premium Themes

  • Purchased from theme marketplaces or developers
  • More customization, templates, and features
  • Dedicated support and updates
  • Often include advanced page builder integrations

How to Choose the Right Theme

Selecting the right theme ensures your website looks professional and performs well.

What to Look For

  • Responsive design: Must work well on mobile and tablets.
  • Fast performance: Lightweight and well-coded.
  • Plugin compatibility: Works with major plugins like Elementor, WooCommerce, Yoast, etc.
  • Good reviews & regular updates: Indicates reliability and developer support.
  • Starter templates: Helpful for building pages quickly.
  • Customization options: Colors, fonts, layouts, header styles.
  • Accessibility-friendly: Improves usability for all visitors.

Popular Beginner-Friendly Themes

  • Astra (lightweight, many starter sites)
  • GeneratePress (fast and minimal)
  • OceanWP (feature-rich)
  • Blocksy (modern, fast, customizable)
  • Neve (simple & flexible)

How to Install a Theme

Method 1: Install a Theme from the WordPress Directory

  1. Go to Appearance → Themes.
  2. Click Add New.
  3. Search for the theme name (e.g., “Astra”).
  4. Click Install.
  5. Click Activate.

Method 2: Upload a Premium Theme (ZIP File)

  1. Download the theme ZIP file from the developer.
  2. Go to Appearance → Themes.
  3. Click Add New → Upload Theme.
  4. Select the ZIP file and click Install Now.
  5. Click Activate.

Basic Theme Customization

Most theme settings are found under Appearance → Customize (also known as the WordPress Customizer).

Common Customization Options

  • Site Identity: Logo, favicon, site title, tagline.
  • Colors: Brand color palette.
  • Typography: Font styles and sizes.
  • Header & Footer: Layout and navigation design.
  • Homepage Settings: Choose a static homepage or blog feed.
  • Menus: Assign or modify navigation menus.
  • Widgets: Sidebar and footer widgets (depending on theme).

Some modern themes also include their own dashboards or setup wizards for additional customization.

Activity: Install a Theme & Modify Basic Settings

Complete the following steps:

  1. Install a theme of your choice (Astra recommended for beginners).
  2. Activate the theme.
  3. Go to Appearance → Customize and adjust:
    • Site title & tagline
    • Logo (optional)
    • Color scheme
    • Typography
  4. Save your changes.

Assignment: Upload a screenshot of your customized homepage using the new theme.

Theme Selection Best Practices

  • Avoid themes bundled with too many built-in features (they may slow your site).
  • Choose themes updated regularly (check “Last Updated” date).
  • Preview demo templates to understand theme capabilities.
  • Avoid purchasing themes from unknown marketplaces.
  • Test responsiveness on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
  • If using a page builder, choose a builder-compatible theme (e.g., Elementor → Astra/Hello).

Next Lesson: Posts vs Pages

Previous
Next