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Introduction to WordPress
Course Overview
Go hands-on with the world’s most popular website content management system. In this course, you will learn the benefits of building a website with WordPress and how to set it up and use its powerful features. Topics include creating content and pages, adding themes and plugins, and launching your site—covering all the essentials needed to get started with WordPress.
Below are links to the services and topics covered in the “Introduction to WordPress” course, along with some reference links to help get you started building your website.
Enjoy building your WordPress website!
Books and Reference
WordPress Addons
Themes, plugins and patterns add additional enhancements and functionality to your WordPress website.
Themes
Themes are the design template to your WordPress site. Choose from nearly 10,000 designs!
Plugins
Plugins extend your WordPress experience. Add photo galleries, sliders, and much more!
Patterns
Add a beautifully designed, ready to go layout to any WordPress site!
Hosting & Domain Setup
Bluehost
Beginner-friendly WordPress hosting with one-click installs and domain setup.
SiteGround
Fast, secure hosting with strong WordPress support and performance tools.
WP Engine
Premium managed WordPress hosting for higher performance and scalability.
WordPress Themes & Page Builders
Template Monster
Offers a wide range of website templates for startups, small businesses, large companies, and niche-specific projects.
GeneratePress
Performance-focused theme ideal for SEO and speed optimization.
Astra
A highly popular, fast, and customizable WordPress theme.
Elementor
Drag-and-drop page builder for visually designing WordPress pages.
Beaver Builder
Stable, beginner-friendly page builder used in professional builds.
Essential Plugins
Yoast SEO
SEO optimization tool for improving search visibility.
Rank Math
Advanced SEO plugin with analytics, schema, and keyword tools.
Wordfence Security
Firewall and malware protection for WordPress sites.
UpdraftPlus
Backup plugin for full site restores and automated backups.
WPForms
Simple drag-and-drop contact form builder.
Jetpack
Comprehensive, easy-to-use WordPress site protection.
Formidable Forms
A drag-and-drop WordPress plugin to create contact forms, surveys, quizzes, payments, registrations, calculators, and more.
Marketing & Analytics
Google Analytics
Tracks website traffic, behavior, and conversions.
Google Search Console
Monitors SEO performance and indexing issues.
Mailchimp
Email marketing platform for newsletters and automation.
Constant Contact
Email marketing platform for newsletters and automation.
Kit
Creator-focused email marketing with automation funnels.
Pretty Links
Cloaks and manages affiliate links for cleaner URLs.
MonsterInsights
Brings Google Analytics data into WordPress dashboard.
Final Thoughts
WordPress is one of the most powerful and flexible website platforms available today, making it an excellent choice for personal websites, blogs, small businesses, online stores, and professional portfolios. By combining reliable hosting, a quality theme, and the right plugins, you can create a website that is fast, secure, easy to manage, and designed to grow with your needs.
The resources on this page are the same tools and services commonly used by web professionals to build and maintain successful websites. Whether you’re creating your first site or looking to improve an existing one, these recommendations provide a solid foundation for launching, managing, and expanding your online presence with WordPress.
Frank DeBlasi
Course Instructor
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