• 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

Creating Your First Page

Module: Website Setup & WordPress Basics • Lesson: Creating Your First Page

This lesson guides you through creating your first WordPress page using the Block Editor (Gutenberg). You’ll learn how to add content, format sections, insert media, and publish your page.

What Is a WordPress Page?

A page is a static piece of content, such as your Home, About, Services, or Contact page. Pages form the primary structure of most websites and usually do not display dates or categories.

Unlike posts, pages are designed for permanent information that doesn’t change frequently.

Introduction to the Block Editor

The WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg) uses a block-based system to build content. Each paragraph, heading, image, or layout section is a “block.” You can add, delete, or move blocks to design your page visually.

Main Features

  • Drag-and-drop block placement
  • Reusable blocks for repeated content
  • Simple text formatting and media insertion
  • Pre-designed block patterns
  • Visual editing similar to page builders

How to Create Your First Page

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Go to Pages → Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Enter your page title, such as “About Me” or “Welcome.”
  3. Click into the editor area to begin adding blocks.
  4. Click the + icon (top-left or inline) to add new blocks.
  5. Add text, images, headings, or other elements as needed.
  6. Use the right-hand sidebar to adjust Page and Block settings.

Common Blocks You’ll Use

1. Heading Block

Use headings (H2, H3, H4) to structure your content and improve readability.

2. Paragraph Block

Used for all standard text content.

3. Image Block

Insert images to enhance your message. You can upload new images or select from the Media Library.

4. List Block

Create bullet points or numbered lists for clarity.

5. Columns

Add multi-column layouts to organize content side-by-side.

6. Buttons

Use Calls-to-Action (CTAs) such as “Contact Us” or “Learn More.”

7. Block Patterns

Pre-designed layouts (e.g., hero sections, feature grids) added with one click.

Understanding Page Settings

The right-hand settings panel contains important options for your page.

Page Tab

  • Featured Image: Optional, used by some themes for banners.
  • Permalink: Customize your URL slug (e.g., /about).
  • Template: Choose default, full width, or theme-specific layouts.
  • Discussion: Turn comments on or off (usually OFF for pages).
  • Page Order: Supports hierarchical organization.

Block Tab

Shows styling and formatting options for whichever block you currently have selected.

How to Publish Your Page

  1. Click Preview to review how your page looks.
  2. Check your layout on desktop, tablet, and mobile preview modes.
  3. When ready, click Publish.
  4. Confirm by clicking Publish again.

Your page is now live. You can add it to your navigation menu in a later lesson.

Activity: Build a Basic Introductory Page

Create a simple page introducing yourself or your business. Include:

  1. A page title
  2. A short introductory paragraph
  3. A heading (e.g., “What I Do” or “About Us”)
  4. A bulleted or numbered list
  5. One image
  6. A button linking to another page (optional)

Assignment: Upload a screenshot of your completed page in the editor or publish view.

Page Creation Best Practices

  • Break content into sections using headings.
  • Use short paragraphs for readability.
  • Include visuals to support your message.
  • Test your page layout on mobile devices.
  • Avoid clutter—make your message clear and focused.
  • Save drafts frequently to avoid losing work.

Next Lesson: Creating a Navigation Menu

Previous
Next