• Based in Richmond, VA
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

Purpose of the Lesson

Before launching a website, a complete pre-launch review ensures the site works correctly across all devices, browsers, and user interactions. This step prevents usability issues, improves professionalism, and avoids technical errors that could impact user trust or conversions.

What Learners Should Understand

  • How to test a website on multiple devices and screen sizes
  • How to identify and repair broken links
  • How to verify that navigation, forms, and interactive elements function correctly
  • How to apply a professional final check before launching

1. Device Testing

Website responsiveness is expected in modern web design. Learners should test the site using:

Devices

  • Desktop / laptop
  • Tablet
  • Mobile phone

What to Check

  • Layout responsiveness: columns, spacing, alignment
  • Mobile menu behavior
  • Text readability (font size, line height)
  • Buttons and tap-targets for mobile users
  • Image scaling and cropping
  • Interactive elements such as sliders or forms

Tools

  • Browser DevTools → Responsive Design Mode
  • Physical devices when available

2. Browser Compatibility Testing

Different browsers render code slightly differently. Check the site on:

  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Apple Safari
  • Microsoft Edge

What to Evaluate

  • Font rendering differences
  • Animation smoothness
  • Form functionality
  • JavaScript or widget compatibility
  • Unexpected layout shifts

3. Broken Link Checking

Broken links damage SEO and user experience.

What to Check

  • Internal page links
  • Menu links
  • Footer links
  • Button links
  • Blog article links
  • Social media icons
  • External references

Tools

  • Brokenlinkcheck.com
  • Screaming Frog (free mode works for small sites)
  • Chrome extensions such as “Check My Links”

4. Usability & Interaction Check

Ensure the website is friendly and intuitive.

Check All

  • Navigation menus
  • Dropdowns
  • Contact forms
  • Call-to-action buttons
  • Scroll-to-top buttons
  • Pop-ups or notifications

Questions to Consider

  • Is the navigation clear?
  • Are CTAs easy to spot?
  • Is it obvious what the user should do next?

5. Content Accuracy Check

Final proofreading prevents mistakes from going live.

Verify

  • Spelling and grammar
  • Consistent heading structure (H1, H2, H3)
  • Correct company details
  • Updated contact information
  • High-quality, optimized images
  • Correct alt text for accessibility

6. Performance & Media Check

Fast websites create better user experiences and rank higher.

Check For

  • Large uncompressed images
  • Video playback issues
  • Slow-loading widgets
  • Layout shifts caused by unoptimized media

Activity: Perform a Full Site Check

Learners complete a full evaluation of their project website using the checklist above.

Requirements

  • Test the site on three device types (desktop, tablet, mobile).
  • Test in two or more browsers.
  • Run a broken link scan and fix any issues.
  • Review all page content for accuracy.
  • Submit a site-check report with notes on issues found and improvements made.
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