Module 1:
Getting Started
Introduction
Table of Contents

Lesson 1: Introduction to WordPress
What is WordPress and why is it a great platform for building websites?
The advantages of WordPress compared to other website builders
- WordPress is free and open source, whereas other website builders like Squarespace, Shopify, and Wix, all charge monthly fees.
- WordPress has a larger community of developers and users, which means more resources, plugins, and support options compared to the other website builders.
- WordPress offers more flexibility and customisation options, allowing you to create a truly unique website, compared to the more limited templates offered by other website builders.
- WordPress is better for SEO, allowing you to optimise your website for search engines more effectively than other website builders.
An overview of the WordPress dashboard and its main features
The WordPress dashboard is your main control center for managing your website. Here’s an overview of its main features:
Dashboard Home: This is the first screen you’ll see after logging in. It provides an overview of your website’s activity, including recent posts, comments, and traffic.
Posts: This is where you can create and manage blog posts and articles.
Pages: This is where you can create and manage static pages like your About page, Contact page, and any other pages you want to add to your site.
Media: This is where you can upload and manage images, videos, and other media files that you want to use on your website.
Comments: This is where you can manage comments on your blog posts and pages.
Appearance: This is where you can manage your website’s appearance, including choosing a theme, customizing the design, and adding widgets and menus.
Plugins: This is where you can install and manage plugins to add extra functionality to your website.
Users: This is where you can manage users who have access to your website.
Tools: This is where you can access various tools to help you manage your website, including importing and exporting content.
Settings: This is where you can configure various settings for your website, including your site title, tagline, and other general settings.
Lesson 2: Defining Key Terms
The domain name can be thought of as the address of the house, just as a website’s domain name is its address on the internet. The domain name gives people a way to find your website, just like an address helps people find a house.
An SSL certificate is like the lock on the front door of your house. It provides security and encryption for your website, just as a lock provides security for your house. Without an SSL certificate, your website is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and your visitors’ information is at risk.
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.