WordPress 101 - The Complete Guide

WordPress 101 - The Complete Guide

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors

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8 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

12 hours to complete

3 weeks at 4 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

8 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

12 hours to complete

3 weeks at 4 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Differentiate between WordPress.com and WordPress.org and set up your first website.
Master essential WordPress tools, including themes, plugins, and page builders.
Implement advanced features like SEO optimization, security, and site backups.
Design professional-quality websites with dynamic pages, menus, and interactive elements.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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There are 8 modules in this course

Updated in May 2025.

This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Unlock the power of WordPress with this comprehensive beginner's guide, tailored for those eager to create stunning websites from scratch. In this course, you’ll learn how to set up a travel blog while mastering core WordPress concepts such as themes, plugins, hosting, and security. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll gain hands-on experience and confidence to build professional-looking websites. Your journey begins with an overview of WordPress and its differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Dive into domain and hosting essentials, followed by guided tutorials on installing WordPress locally or online. Next, explore the WordPress backend, from general settings and user roles to crafting pages, posts, and customizing themes and plugins. Building your website is a creative adventure in itself. You'll learn to design headers, footers, menus, and dynamic homepages, with specialized sections for blogs, contact forms, and image galleries. The course also covers essential SEO techniques, security measures, and plugins like Rank Math for optimizing your site's performance. Whether you’re a complete beginner, small business owner, or aspiring blogger, this course is designed to empower you. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and create. Get ready to turn your vision into a stunning WordPress site!

In this module, we will introduce you to the course and provide an overview of what to expect. You'll meet Alex, the instructor, and learn about the objectives of building a travel blog using WordPress. Get a glimpse of the exciting journey ahead as you master the fundamentals of WordPress.

What's included

1 video1 reading

In this module, we will explore the foundational concepts of WordPress, web hosting, and domains. You’ll learn the distinctions between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, understand hosting types, and master the setup of WordPress on both local and live servers. By the end, you’ll be ready to launch your own WordPress site.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 plugin

6 videosTotal 44 minutes

WordPress.com Versus WordPress.org2 minutesPreview module
Introduction to Web Hosting and Domains7 minutes
Buying Hosting and Domain Names7 minutes
Installing WordPress Quickly4 minutes
Installing WordPress Locally with Local by Flywheel8 minutes
How to Install WordPress Locally on PC with XAMPP13 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Introduction and Hosting - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Exploring WordPress.com vs WordPress.org15 minutes

In this module, we will delve into the WordPress backend, unlocking its features and settings. From creating your first post to working with themes and plugins, you’ll gain hands-on experience in customizing your site. By mastering these tools, you’ll be equipped to build a well-structured and functional website.

What's included

17 videos1 assignment1 plugin

17 videosTotal 110 minutes

The WordPress Backend - Introduction3 minutesPreview module
WordPress General Settings11 minutes
Pages Versus Posts4 minutes
Creating Our First Page10 minutes
Categories Versus Tags9 minutes
The Media Library3 minutes
Creating Our First Post9 minutes
Introduction to the Admin Bar1 minute
Editing Your Profile4 minutes
User Roles Explained4 minutes
Working with Images6 minutes
Introduction to the Gutenberg Page Builder11 minutes
Assignment - Creating Seven Posts3 minutes
Introduction to WordPress Themes10 minutes
Introduction to WordPress Plugins4 minutes
Widgets and Sidebars7 minutes
Choosing Our Theme3 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

The WordPress Backend - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Exploring WordPress Backend and User Roles15 minutes

In this module, we will focus on building your website step-by-step. You’ll design key sections like the homepage, header, and footer while learning advanced features like dynamic layouts, Instagram blocks, and mailing lists. This hands-on experience will empower you to create a visually stunning and interactive website.

What's included

28 videos1 assignment1 plugin

28 videosTotal 187 minutes

Setting the Homepage3 minutesPreview module
Creating Our Main Menu5 minutes
Building the Header4 minutes
Building the Header - Part One11 minutes
Building the Header - Part Two6 minutes
Building the Footer6 minutes
Styling the Footer7 minutes
The Getwid Plugin Addon6 minutes
Building the Blog page10 minutes
Building the Homepage - Part One10 minutes
Building the Homepage - Part Two10 minutes
Building the Homepage - Part Three7 minutes
Building the Homepage - Part Four (Adding Instagram Block)11 minutes
Building the Homepage - Part Five (Adding the Image Gallery)3 minutes
Building the Homepage - Part Four (Adding the Blog Section)3 minutes
Building the Homepage - Part Four (Adding the Subscription Form)5 minutes
Setting Up the Blog Page6 minutes
Setting Up the Individual Post Pages4 minutes
Adding Social Share Function8 minutes
Creating a Contact Form10 minutes
Building the Contact Page3 minutes
Working with the Astra Starter Templates2 minutes
Modifying the Footer2 minutes
Setting Up the Contact Page4 minutes
Creating a Mailchimp Account7 minutes
Creating Our Mailing List Form6 minutes
Contact List Tips and Finishing Touches14 minutes
Character Arrays Versus Character Pointers2 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Building Our Website - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Customizing Your Website Pages15 minutes

In this module, we will prioritize the safety of your WordPress site. Learn to guard against hackers, spam, and other vulnerabilities with practical tips and plugins. By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to keep your site secure.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment1 plugin

7 videosTotal 63 minutes

A Simple Trick to Fool Hackers2 minutesPreview module
Site Health and Running Updates4 minutes
Fighting Against Spam3 minutes
How to Hide the Default Login URL4 minutes
WordFence Security Plugin - Part One16 minutes
WordFence Security Plugin - Part Two12 minutes
The All In One WP Security Plugin20 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

WordPress Security - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Enhancing WordPress Security with User Roles and Plugin Management15 minutes

In this module, we will focus on enhancing your site’s SEO and performance. You’ll learn techniques for optimizing content, adding privacy features, and backing up your site. By integrating these strategies, you’ll ensure a fast, efficient, and search-friendly website.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment1 plugin

6 videosTotal 32 minutes

Optimizing Your Content for SEO3 minutesPreview module
How to Create the Privacy Page5 minutes
Adding a Cookie Notice3 minutes
How to Back Up Your Website6 minutes
Creating an FTP Account6 minutes
Accessing Our Web Directory6 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

WordPress SEO, Speed, and Performance - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Mastering Content Optimization for WordPress SEO15 minutes

In this module, we will guide you through configuring the Rank Math SEO plugin. Learn to manage meta titles, redirects, and analytics to improve your site’s search engine visibility. With practical tutorials, you’ll gain the skills to rank higher and attract more visitors.

What's included

12 videos1 assignment1 plugin

12 videosTotal 61 minutes

Introduction to Rank Math5 minutesPreview module
Rank Math Installation8 minutes
General Settings7 minutes
Titles and Meta - Part One10 minutes
Titles and Meta - Part Two3 minutes
Google Search Console1 minute
Sitemaps1 minute
404 Redirections4 minutes
SEO Analysis2 minutes
Tools and Status4 minutes
Bulk Editor Tool1 minute
Optimizing Our Content10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Rank Math SEO Plugin Configuration - Assessment15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Comparing WordPress SEO Plugins: Rank Math vs. Yoast15 minutes

In this module, we will wrap up the course with a summary of essential takeaways and tips for continued success.

What's included

1 video2 assignments

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Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors

Packt

751 Courses121,394 learners

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Packt

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.