Module 1:
Getting Started
Introduction
I first started using WordPress in 2010 and gained a further in depth knowledge of the platform whilst studying my university degree in Digital Design and Internet Communications. Since then I have done an extensive amount of courses and research on the platform which has led me to be considered an expert in the field and have a real passion for the platform.

Why WordPress?
- WordPress is an open sourced software which means it is free to install on your hosting service (if you are unsure of what hosting is, please rest assured as we will be covering this later in the course). Many of the other platforms come with costly recurring price tags.
- WordPress being open sourced means that you own the website you build. Using a platform such as Wix, Squarespace or Shopify is like building your house on someone else's land. You never truly own it.
- WordPress has some fantastic page builders you can access which means you can build websites without having any coding knowledge.
- WordPress is the leading website building platform (CMS) with over 40% of the market share* Stats as of Sep 2021
Domains, Hosting & SSL
Domain Names
- It is important to pick a domain name that is related to your brand to make your website easily found by your customers. Using your business name as your domain name is good practice.
- You will need to check the availability of the name before you choose your name.
- There are may different types of domain name extensions such as .com .com.au .org .net etc. Knowing the right extension to choose for your website is important. The benefits of the two most popular extensions for Australian businesses are outlined below.
- The worlds most popular domain name.
- It is a great opportunity for businesses trading anywhere in the world.
- Essential to obtaining high visibility online.
- The official domain name of Australia.
- A great opportunity for businesses trading in or with Australia to operate with a local presence.
- Allows you to target the Australian market.
Hosting
You will need to purchase a hosting plan for your own website as well as getting your clients to purchase one for theirs.
There are many different hosting providers such as GoDaddy, Crazy Domains, BlueHost, Dreamhost etc. however my top recommendation is Siteground.
You can find out more about why Siteground is my top pick below.
SSL Certificate
This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral. SSL certificates encrypt sensitive information, protect you from cyber certificates, and build trust with your brand.
If your site does not have a SSL certificate installed it will not have the padlock icon present next to your URL and Google will mark your website flag your website as unsafe.
*All SiteGround hosting plans come with SSL certificates included.

Here are some of the key reasons that Siteground is my top recommendation when choosing a hosting company:
- Customer Support
- Competitive Pricing
- Security-first Mindset
- Google Cloud Data Center in Sydney, Australia
SiteGround uses Google’s SSD storage. This means that there servers are very seldom down and if they are they can be fixed very quickly. Google is also known for maintaining on eof the fastest and most powerful networks which means using their service results in a high speed for their clients websites.
- 100% Renewable energy match
The Google SSD storage SiteGround uses matches 100% the energy consumed by their global operations with renewable energy and maintains a commitment to carbon neutrality. Google has been a leader in energy efficiency with their achievements in reducing the compute emissions by improving higher efficiency of data serving and storage and diverting waste.
- Officially recommended by WordPress.org
- Great affiliate program
- Great agency features
Elementor Pro

Elementor allows you to create flawless websites with custom positions, padding, margins, and global settings for colours & typographies.
Whilst Elementor has a free version of the plugin, you will need the Pro version of this plugin in order to follow along with this course.
The PRO version gives you access to over 90+ widgets – allowing you to achieve your design goals with a widget for every need along with full customisation freedom.

Let's Recap
Key takeaways...
- This course will be focused on building websites using WordPress.
- A Domain Name, Hosting Account & SSL Certificate will be required in order to build a website for yourself or your client.
- Using SiteGround's affiliate program will allow you to share an affiliate link with your clients from which they can create their own account and you will be paid a commission for doing so.
- Elementor Pro is a plugin which will need to be purchased in order to proceed with this course. It is a page builder that allows you to build websites without any coding knowledge.