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Themes & Customization

Course Content
Copyright Agreement
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UAMS Copyright Agreement
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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

This lesson introduces learners to WordPress themes and customization options. Themes control the design and layout of a website, and understanding customization allows businesses to create a professional and branded online presence.

Learning Objectives

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

  • Understand what WordPress themes are

  • Install and activate themes

  • Customize theme appearance using the WordPress Customizer

  • Use widgets and menus to enhance site functionality

  • Avoid common mistakes in theme selection and customization

Lesson 1: Understanding WordPress Themes

WordPress Themes are design templates that change how your WordPress website looks and feels—without altering your actual content.

They control layout, styling, and overall visual presentation.

Themes define the overall design, layout, and style of your website.

  • They control colors, fonts, page templates, header/footer design, and sometimes functionality.

  • There are free and premium themes available.

  • Themes can be changed without losing content, but some formatting may need adjustments.

Lesson 2: Installing and Activating a Theme

Steps

  1. Go to Appearance > Themes

  2. Click Add New

  3. Browse or search for a theme

  4. Click Install

  5. Click Activate

Tips

  • Preview themes before activating

  • Ensure the theme is responsive (mobile-friendly)

  • Check theme compatibility with plugins

  • Consider SEO-friendly and lightweight themes for better performance

Lesson 3: Using the WordPress Customizer

  • Go to Appearance > Customize

  • Key customization options include:

    • Site identity: logo, site title, tagline

    • Colors and fonts

    • Header and footer layouts

    • Homepage settings and featured content

    • Menus and widgets

    • Additional CSS for advanced styling

Best Practices

  • Keep branding consistent across all pages

  • Preview changes before publishing

  • Use a child theme for advanced customizations to preserve changes during updates

Lesson 4: Widgets and Menus

Widgets

  • Small blocks that add content/functionality to sidebars, footers, or other widget-ready areas

  • Examples: search bars, recent posts, social links, newsletter signups

Menus

  • Create navigation menus via Appearance > Menus

  • Add pages, posts, categories, and custom links

  • Organize menu items hierarchically (parent/child)

  • Assign menus to locations (header, footer, sidebar)

Lesson 5: Common Mistakes

  • Choosing themes solely based on appearance without checking functionality

  • Overloading the site with heavy themes or multiple plugins

  • Making customizations directly on parent theme (use child themes for advanced changes)

  • Ignoring mobile responsiveness

  • Neglecting theme updates and compatibility

Practical Activity

  • Browse and install a free WordPress theme.

  • Activate the theme and explore the Customizer.

  • Customize site title, tagline, and colors.

  • Add a widget to the sidebar or footer.

  • Create a navigation menu with at least three pages.

Key Takeaways

  • Themes define the design and layout of a WordPress site.

  • Customization allows you to match branding and improve user experience.

  • Widgets and menus enhance navigation and functionality.

  • Always choose responsive, SEO-friendly themes and consider child themes for advanced customizations.

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