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Intro to WordPress & Shopify

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Website & E‑Commerce Basics
This module introduces learners to the core concepts behind websites and online stores. Students explore how websites work (domains, hosting, CMS vs hosted platforms) and gain a clear understanding of different website and e-commerce models. The module covers foundational platforms such as WordPress, WooCommerce, and Shopify, including their purpose, strengths, and common use cases. Learners also review essential setup concepts like site structure, navigation, basic SEO, and store functionality.
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How Websites Work (domains, hosting)
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CMS vs Hosted Platforms
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Intro to WordPress & Shopify
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Types of Websites and Online Stores
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Domains, Hosting & Setup
This module explains the foundational components required to launch a website or online store. Learners explore how domain names work, how web hosting stores and delivers website content, and the role of DNS in connecting the two. The module also introduces hosting types, setup considerations, and basic installation workflows for platforms like WordPress and Shopify. By the end of the module, learners can confidently choose a domain, understand hosting options, and complete the initial setup needed to get a website online.
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Choosing a Domain Name
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Web Hosting Basics
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Installing WordPress (local & live)
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Creating a Shopify Account
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
This module introduces learners to the WordPress admin dashboard and its core settings. Students explore the layout of the dashboard, key menu areas, and the purpose of essential settings such as site title, permalinks, user roles, reading, and discussion options. The module emphasizes how proper configuration affects site usability, SEO, and security. By the end of the module, learners can confidently navigate the WordPress dashboard and configure settings to support a well-structured, functional website.
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
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WordPress Admin Overview
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Pages, Posts, Media
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Permalinks & User Roles
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Themes & Customization
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Block Editor vs Page Builders
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Using Elementor in WordPress
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Responsive Design Basics
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Backups, Updates & Security
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Shopify Platform Overview
This module introduces learners to Shopify as a leading hosted e-commerce platform. Students explore its key features, including store setup, themes, apps, and integrations, and understand how Shopify simplifies online selling for businesses of all sizes. By the end of the module, learners can explain Shopify’s functionality, identify its advantages, and determine when it is the right platform for an online store.
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Shopify Ecosystem
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Shopify vs WooCommerce
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Admin Dashboard Tour
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Themes & Customization
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Products & Collections
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Navigation & Pages
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SEO for Shopify
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Email & Social Selling
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Analytics & Reporting
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Launch & Maintenance
This module guides learners through the final steps of preparing, launching, and maintaining an online store. Students explore pre-launch checklists, performance testing, ongoing updates, backups, security, and routine maintenance for both Shopify and WordPress sites. The module emphasizes best practices for keeping stores secure, fast, and operational post-launch. By the end of the module, learners can confidently launch a website or store and implement a consistent maintenance routine to ensure long-term stability and growth.
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Pre‑launch Checklists
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Performance Testing
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Ongoing Maintenance (Shopify)
Ongoing Maintenance (WordPress)
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Website Security & Account Protection
By the end of this lesson, learners will understand why website security matters, how accounts get hacked, and how to protect websites and online accounts using simple, everyday tools like strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
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What Is Website Security?
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Common Website Security Threats
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Password Security Basics
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
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Website-Level Security Tools
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Everyday Security Habits
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Website Learning Lab

Module Overview

In this lesson, learners are introduced to two of the most popular website platforms used by businesses today: WordPress and Shopify. Each platform serves different goals, and understanding their strengths helps businesses choose the right tool for growth.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Describe what WordPress and Shopify are

  • Identify the primary use cases for each platform

  • Understand key features and limitations

  • Decide which platform is better suited for different business types

Lesson 1: What Is WordPress?

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) used to create and manage websites and blogs. It allows users to build everything from simple informational sites to full e-commerce stores without needing advanced coding skills. WordPress is open-source, highly customizable through themes and plugins, and gives users full control over their website’s design and functionality. Because of its flexibility and large community, WordPress is widely used by individuals, businesses, and organizations around the world.

WordPress is a powerful content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of websites worldwide.

Key Characteristics

  • Open-source software

  • Self-hosted (you choose your hosting provider)

  • Highly customizable with themes and plugins

What WordPress Is Best For

  • Blogs and content-heavy websites

  • Service-based businesses

  • Portfolio and informational sites

  • Businesses that want full control and scalability

Pros of WordPress

  • Extremely flexible

  • Large plugin ecosystem

  • Strong SEO capabilities

  • Full ownership of data

Cons of WordPress

  • Requires maintenance (updates, backups)

  • Can be overwhelming for beginners

  • Security depends on setup and management

Lesson 2: What Is Shopify?

Shopify is a hosted e-commerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create, manage, and sell products online without needing to code. It provides all the tools needed to build an online store, including website hosting, customizable themes, payment processing, shipping setup, and app integrations. Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to launch a store quickly while also offering advanced features for growing businesses.

Shopify is a fully hosted e-commerce platform designed specifically for selling products online.

Key Characteristics

  • All-in-one hosted solution

  • Built-in e-commerce tools

  • Monthly subscription pricing

What Shopify Is Best For

  • Online stores

  • Physical products and inventory management

  • Businesses that want fast setup

  • Entrepreneurs with minimal technical experience

Pros of Shopify

  • Easy to use

  • Secure and reliable hosting

  • Built-in payments and checkout

  • Scales well for e-commerce

Cons of Shopify

  • Monthly fees and transaction costs

  • Limited customization compared to WordPress

  • Platform dependency (vendor lock-in)

Lesson 3: WordPress vs Shopify (Quick Comparison)

Feature WordPress Shopify
Platform Type CMS Hosted E-commerce Platform
Hosting Required separately Included
Best For Content & services Online stores
Customization Very high Moderate
Ease of Use Moderate Very easy
Maintenance User-managed Platform-managed
Cost Structure Variable Monthly subscription

Lesson 4: Which Platform Should You Choose?

Choose WordPress If You:

  • Focus on content or services

  • Want flexibility and ownership

  • Plan to integrate multiple tools

  • Have or can access technical support

Choose Shopify If You:

  • Sell physical or digital products

  • Want simplicity and speed

  • Need secure payments and inventory tools

  • Prefer minimal maintenance

Lesson 5: Common Business Mistakes

  • Choosing Shopify for content-heavy sites

  • Using WordPress for complex e-commerce without planning

  • Ignoring long-term costs

  • Selecting a platform based on trends instead of needs

Practical Activity

  • Identify your business model (content, services, products)

  • Choose WordPress or Shopify

  • Justify your choice in 2–3 sentences

Key Takeaways

  • WordPress offers control and flexibility

  • Shopify offers simplicity and e-commerce power

  • The best platform depends on business goals

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