WordPress - An Introduction

WordPress Class at FMC

Course Description

WordPress – An Introduction is a two-day course designed to give web designers the skills, tools, and knowledge to implement and maintain a WordPress site. Students learn how to install and configure WordPress, and to troubleshoot, in case of problems. The course is a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises that provide practical real-world experience.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for web designers who wish to learn about WordPress, and for anyone wishing to incorporate WordPress into their web workflow.

What You Will Learn

  • How to install and configure WordPress
  • The features and functionality of WordPress
  • Troubleshooting techniques
  • How to manage your blog
  • Much more

Prerequisites:

  • Understanding of either Windows or Mac OS X Operating System
  • Basic Web knowledge

Course Outline:

Note: The curricula below comprise activities typically covered in a class at this skill level. The instructor may, at his/her discretion, adjust the lesson plan to meet the needs of the class.

Lesson 1: Foundations of a WordPress-based website

  • Understanding and Using domain names
  • WordPress Hosting Options
  • Installing WordPress on a Dedicated Server
  • Understanding Directory Permissions

Lesson 2: Basics of the WordPress User Interface

  • Understanding the WordPress Dashboard
  • Pages, Tags, Media and Content Administration
  • Core WordPress Settings

Lesson 3: Finding and Using WordPress Plugins

  • Finding and Installing Plugins Quickly and Easily
  • Upgrading WordPress Plugins
  • Recommended WordPress Plugins

Lesson 4: Working with WordPress Themes

  • Understanding the Structure of WordPress Themes
  • Finding Themes and Choosing the Right One
  • Installing and Configuring Themes
  • Editing and Customizing Themes
  • Using Theme Frameworks and Parent-Child Themes
  • Theme Best Practices

Lesson 5: WordPress Content Management

  • Understanding Posts Versus Pages
  • Organizing Posts with Categories
  • Connecting Posts Together with Tags
  • Custom Post Types and Custom Taxonomies
  • Managing Lists of Links

Lesson 6: Creating and Managing Content

  • Hands-On Training on the WordPress Editors
  • Hands-On Training on the New Image Editor
  • Adding Video and Audio Media to a WordPress Site

Lesson 7: WordPress based Sites

  • WordPress as a Blog vs. WordPress as a Website
  • Converting a Website to WordPress
  • WordPress as a Content Management System (CMS)
  • Beyond blogging: Other Uses for WordPress

Lesson 8: WordPress Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

  • A Checklist for WordPress SEO
  • Using SEO Plugins and SEO Friendly WordPress Themes
  • Mastering Google Webmaster Tools
  • Writing and Linking for SEO
  • Avoiding Black Hat SEO tactics that will get you into trouble with Google

Lesson 9: Managing Multimedia with WordPress

  • Organizing Pictures, Videos and Downloadable Files in WordPress
  • Alternatives to Using WordPress for Managing Media Online
  • Using WordPress Photo Galleries

Lesson 10: WordPress Site Maintenance

  • Updating and Upgrading WordPress itself
  • Updating Plugins and Theme s
  • Database Maintenance for WordPress Users
  • WP-DB Manager

Lesson 11: WordPress Security

  • Securing WordPress Passwords
  • Updates and Patches to Keep Your Site Secure
  • Connecting Securely to Your WordPress Site
  • User Management

Lesson 12: Troubleshooting Common WordPress Problems

  • Fixing Posts and Pages if They Break
  • Fixing Broken Widgets
  • Fixing Theme Issues
  • Fixing Plugins
  • Identifying and Fixing Common Database Issues

Lesson 13: WordPress for iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone Devices

Blogging with WordPress is easier and more convenient than ever by using these applications on mobile devices. You can still update your blog, edit pages and do much more even if you're on the go!

  • Write Posts
  • Edit Pages
  • Upload Photos
  • Manage Comments
  • All from your iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows device!