Website Learning Lab – Upper Albany Main Street

About Course

Course Overview

This course is a hands‑on, beginner‑to‑intermediate program that teaches learners how to build professional websites and fully functional online stores using WordPress (with WooCommerce) and Shopify.

Learners will gain real‑world skills to create business websites, e‑commerce stores, and client‑ready projects—without needing to code.

Target Audience

Beginners with little or no web experience
Small business owners & entrepreneurs
Freelancers & aspiring web designers
Career switchers into tech or digital roles
Creators selling products or services online

Learning Outcomes

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

Build and manage WordPress websites
Create online stores using WooCommerce and Shopify
Compare WordPress vs Shopify and choose the right platform
Design mobile‑friendly, conversion‑focused websites
Set up payments, shipping, and taxes
Optimize stores for SEO, speed, and security
Launch, maintain, and troubleshoot live sites

Course Content

Copyright Agreement

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).