We hit the ground running with a detailed overview of what WordPress is all about, as well as:

• WordPress as a Content Management System (CMS): What and Why
• Domains & Hosting
• WordPress user-interface & basic layouts
• Configuring static site, “mixed” sites, & permalinks
• WordPress Data Elements: Posts, Pages and Links
• Using the Visual Editor
• Sidebar Widgets
• Installing plugins

Module 2: Fundamentals 2

We go one more step here with advanced content creation, including:

• WordPress menus and navigation bars
• Links
• Using the media library, posting images
• Advanced Visual Editor (TinyMCE), entering tables, and heading levels
• The all-important Text Widget: posting forms and images to your sidebar
• Windows Live Writer (advanced content creation tool)
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP): downloadable pdf’s etc
• Introduction to Themes & Theme frameworks

Module 3: Theme selection & customization 1

Styling a site correctly is the difference between an amateur-looking website and one that looks professional. Choosing the right theme is half the work, and in this session we bring it down to earth for you by demonstrating some popular theme frameworks.

• Image management / Banner design with Paint.net
• Styling a Weaver site
• Styling a StudioPress theme
• Styling a WooTheme

Module 4: Theme selection & customization 2

In this second theme customization session we learn a few more theme frameworks and more advanced styling techniques.

• Styling an Elegant Themes theme
• Styling Thesis
• Sales-letter style themes and OptimizePress
• Embedding audio & video
• Social media integration

Module 5: HTML, CSS & WordPress Security

• HTML and CSS introduction: the 5-6 HTML and CSS commands that do 90% of the work
• Backup and Security
• Commenting & moderation
• Creating a Facebook Fan Page using iFrames
• WordPress Security (very important topic)
• Other advanced topics will also be covered in this week’s session.

Module 6: WordPress SEO

• Traffic sources
• Meta tag optimization
• Keyword analysis (using free Market Samurai)
• Google analytics

Module 7: Lead generation, Membership & E-commerce

• Newsletter/autoresponder systems
• RSS-to-email systems
• Payment systems & shopping carts
• Membership systems

Module 8 : Online video

• Equipment choices
• Shooting & lighting
• Editing
• Video delivery technologies

“When I began Marc’s class (WordPress Academy 101), I had the rough beginnings of a website. It looked homemade and crude. It took me lots of time and effort to get that far. In the class, I was able to understand the entire process of creating a website that works and looks great as well. In addition, the resources available to students and the assistance provided go above and beyond expectations. Marc is not only a good teacher but very encouraging as well! If you want help with the process of building a website you can maintain and customize, this class teaches it all!” — Cindi Russell (www.BeyondtheCinderellaStory.com)

“As soon as I have time, I will leave you a raving review! I thoroughly enjoyed your class!” — Sean Makulowich (www.dfi-records.com)

“I loved the classes. Although they were very challenging and technical, they were also user friendly for those of us that are new to web design. Because of Marcs instruction and support, I am confident that I can create websites to meet any need. And when I get stuck, there are always the recordings to fall back on. Thank you Marc for sharing your knowledge and expertise” — Cindy Z. (www.beholdasite.com)

“I thought that the class was excellent – it covered a wide variety of topics and Marc is extremely knowledgeable about WordPress. Plus, he genuinely cares about his students and goes above and beyond to assist them. I would highly recommend the class.” — Joan M. Silverio (www.YourInternetMarketingStrategist.com)

“I wanted to thank you for your webinar and your help and assistance during the course. I find it quite amazing I now have a website since just a couple months ago I didn’t have any idea how I was going to accomplish that. Especially since I wanted to do it myself, not hire someone to take it over.” –Leigh Pobst (www.reflectionshealingstudio.com)

“Marc is such a delight to work with. With his expertise and instruction, I now have a beautiful and adaptable website for my business “In The Garden, Design, Care & Workshops.” Quite amazing – workable pages up within 2 weeks; looking good in 6 weeks! After many years of procrastination…. I’m enjoying learning “how to” and so excited to finally say “YES, I have a website – www.inthegardendesign.us.”” — Charlotte Kidd

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work with you on Sam’s site. He is so happy with it and full of expansive ideas. And this was my real goal, so thanks. You have a special place in my heart and prayers.” – Sister Michaela, www.samkeen.com.