Course Introduction:

Welcome to the Website Design using WordPress Training Course, where we embark on a journey to unlock the power of one of the world's most popular website-building platforms. In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for individuals and organizations alike. This comprehensive course is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to create professional and engaging websites using WordPress, without the need for prior coding experience. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a freelance web designer, or a marketing professional looking to enhance your skill set, this course offers a hands-on approach to mastering WordPress and unleashing your creativity in the digital realm.

Throughout this course, participants will delve into the fundamental principles of web design while harnessing the versatility and user-friendly interface of WordPress. From designing visually stunning layouts to optimizing websites for performance and search engine visibility, this curriculum covers all aspects of creating a successful online presence. Through step-by-step tutorials, interactive exercises, and real-world examples, participants will gain practical experience in building and customizing WordPress websites tailored to their unique needs and preferences. By the end of this training, you'll be equipped with the confidence and expertise to design and manage professional websites that captivate audiences and drive results.

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the fundamentals of website design and the role of WordPress in website development.
2. Learn how to install and configure WordPress for optimal performance.
3. Explore the WordPress dashboard and understand its various features and functionalities.
4. Master the art of creating visually appealing layouts using WordPress themes and page builders.
5. Customize websites with plugins, widgets, and custom CSS to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
6. Optimize websites for speed, performance, and search engine visibility.
7. Implement best practices for responsive design and mobile optimization.
8. Learn how to troubleshoot common WordPress issues and errors.
9. Explore advanced techniques such as e-commerce integration, membership sites, and security measures.
10. Develop a portfolio of WordPress websites to showcase your skills and attract clients.

Organization Benefits:

1. Enhanced online presence and brand visibility through professionally designed WordPress websites.
2. Cost-effectiveness and efficiency in website development and management.
3. Greater control and flexibility over website customization and updates.
4. Improved user experience leading to increased engagement and conversions.
5. Streamlined content management and publishing processes.
6. Integration of e-commerce functionality to facilitate online sales and transactions.
7. Enhanced website security and protection against cyber threats.
8. Access to a vibrant community of WordPress users and developers for ongoing support and collaboration.
9. Ability to scale websites to accommodate business growth and evolving needs.
10. Empowerment of staff with valuable skills in website design and management, contributing to organizational growth and success.

Target Participants:

This course is ideal for individuals and professionals interested in website design, development, and digital marketing. Target participants include aspiring web designers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, marketing professionals, freelance developers, and anyone seeking to establish a strong online presence using WordPress. Whether you're a beginner looking to build your first website or an experienced web designer seeking to enhance your skills, this course offers a comprehensive learning experience tailored to meet the diverse needs of participants at all skill levels.

Week 1: Introduction to WordPress and Website Basics

1. Introduction to WordPress
• Overview of WordPress CMS
• Understanding the WordPress ecosystem
2. Setting Up Your WordPress Site
• Installing WordPress
• Configuring basic settings and user roles
3. Navigating the WordPress Dashboard
• Exploring the dashboard interface
• Understanding posts, pages, and media management

Case Study: Setting Up a WordPress Site for a Small Business

• Participants create a WordPress site for a fictional small business, considering branding, content, and navigation.

Week 2: Designing with WordPress Themes and Customization

4. Choosing and Installing WordPress Themes
• Exploring free and premium theme options
• Installing and activating themes
5. Customizing WordPress Themes
• Using the WordPress Customizer
• Customizing colors, fonts, and layouts

Case Study: Customizing a WordPress Theme for a Photography Portfolio

• Participants customize a WordPress theme to showcase a photography portfolio, focusing on visual appeal and user experience.

Week 3: Building Pages and Content Creation

6. Creating and Managing Pages
• Creating static pages for different purposes
• Organizing pages with parent-child relationships
7. Content Creation with the Gutenberg Editor
• Using blocks to create rich content layouts
• Formatting text, adding images, and embedding media

Case Study: Building a Landing Page for a Product Launch

• Participants design and create a landing page using the Gutenberg editor to promote a fictional product launch.

Week 4: Enhancing Functionality with Plugins

8. Introduction to WordPress Plugins
• Understanding plugin functionality and purpose
• Exploring the WordPress Plugin Directory
9. Installing and Configuring WordPress Plugins
• Installing essential plugins for security, SEO, and performance
• Configuring plugin settings and options

Case Study: Implementing E-commerce Functionality with WooCommerce

• Participants set up an online store using the WooCommerce plugin, configuring products, payment gateways, and shipping options.

Week 5: Optimizing WordPress for Performance and SEO

10. Optimizing WordPress Performance
• Implementing caching and optimization techniques
• Minimizing page load times for improved user experience
11. SEO Fundamentals for WordPress
• Optimizing content for search engines
• Using SEO plugins to enhance visibility

Case Study: Optimizing a WordPress Site for Local SEO

• Participants optimize a WordPress site for local search results, focusing on keywords, meta tags, and local business listings.

Week 6: Responsive Design and Mobile Optimization

12. Understanding Responsive Design Principles
• Designing websites that adapt to different screen sizes
• Testing and troubleshooting responsive layouts
13. Mobile Optimization Techniques
• Implementing mobile-friendly navigation and touch interactions
• Optimizing images and media for mobile devices

Case Study: Creating a Responsive WordPress Site for a Non-Profit Organization

• Participants redesign a WordPress site for a non-profit organization, ensuring optimal performance and usability across desktop and mobile devices.

Week 7: Website Security and Maintenance

14. WordPress Security Best Practices
• Implementing security measures to protect against vulnerabilities
• Updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins
15. Website Backup and Maintenance
• Creating regular backups and disaster recovery plans
• Performing routine maintenance tasks to keep the site running smoothly

Case Study: Securing and Maintaining a WordPress Site for a Membership Organization

• Participants develop a security and maintenance plan for a WordPress site serving a membership organization, ensuring data integrity and continuity of service.

Week 8: Advanced WordPress Features and Customization

16. Advanced Customization with Child Themes and CSS
• Creating child themes to customize theme functionality
• Adding custom CSS to modify site appearance
17. Extending Functionality with Custom Post Types and Taxonomies
• Creating custom content types and taxonomies
• Using plugins to manage custom post types

Case Study: Building a Custom Events Calendar with The Events Calendar Plugin

• Participants create a custom events calendar using The Events Calendar plugin, integrating it seamlessly into a WordPress site for a community organization.

Week 9: Integrating Social Media and User Engagement

18. Social Media Integration with WordPress
• Adding social sharing buttons and feeds
• Integrating social media profiles with the website
19. User Engagement Strategies
• Implementing commenting systems and user forums
• Encouraging user interaction and feedback

Case Study: Implementing Social Media Integration for a Blogging Platform

• Participants integrate social media functionality into a WordPress blog, enhancing user engagement and content sharing.

Week 10: Analytics and Continuous Improvement

20. Introduction to Website Analytics
• Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress
• Tracking website traffic, user behavior, and conversions
21. Using Analytics Data for Continuous Improvement
• Analyzing website performance and user engagement metrics
• Making data-driven decisions to optimize website effectiveness

Case Study: Analyzing Website Analytics Data for an E-commerce Site

• Participants analyze Google Analytics data for an e-commerce website, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance conversion rates and sales.

General Information

1. Customized Training: All our courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of participants.
2. Language Proficiency: Participants should have a good command of the English language.
3. Comprehensive Learning: Our training includes well-structured presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group work. Our facilitators are seasoned experts with over a decade of experience.
4. Certification: Upon successful completion of training, participants will receive a certificate from Foscore Development Center (FDC-K).
5. Training Locations: Training sessions are conducted at Foscore Development Center (FDC-K) centers. We also offer options for in-house and online training, customized to the client's schedule.
6. Flexible Duration: Course durations are adaptable, and content can be adjusted to fit the required number of days.
7. Onsite Training Inclusions: The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of Successful Completion. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses, airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health/accident insurance, and personal expenses.
8. Additional Services: Accommodation, pickup services, freight booking, and visa processing arrangements are available upon request at discounted rates.
9. Equipment: Tablets and laptops can be provided to participants at an additional cost.
10. Post-Training Support: We offer one year of free consultation and coaching after the course.
11. Group Discounts: Register as a group of more than two and enjoy a discount ranging from 10% to 50%.
12. Payment Terms: Payment should be made before the commencement of the training or as mutually agreed upon, to the Foscore Development Center account. This ensures better preparation for your training.
13. Contact Us: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at training@fdc-k.org or call us at +254712260031.
14. Website: Visit our website at www.fdc-k.org for more information.