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Themes & Customization

Course Content
Copyright Agreement
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UAMS Copyright Agreement
Use of Material
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
00:00
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 teaches learners how to customize Shopify store themes to create a visually appealing and branded online store. Understanding themes allows for control over layout, colors, fonts, and overall store aesthetics.

Learning Objectives

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

  • Understand what Shopify themes are and how they work

  • Explore and select themes from the Shopify Theme Store

  • Customize themes to match brand identity

  • Modify layout, colors, fonts, and sections

  • Understand best practices for responsive design and usability

Lesson 1: Understanding Shopify Themes

Shopify themes are pre-designed templates that determine the look, layout, and overall style of your online store. They control how your products, pages, and content are displayed to customers, including colors, fonts, and navigation. Shopify offers a wide variety of free and paid themes, many of which are customizable so you can match your brand’s identity without needing to code. Themes are also responsive, meaning they automatically adjust to look great on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. Choosing the right theme is important because it not only affects the visual appeal of your store but also influences user experience, site speed, and even sales performance.

Themes control the visual design and layout of your Shopify store

  • Themes include templates for:

    • Homepage

    • Product pages

    • Collection pages

    • Blog and content pages

    • Checkout pages

  • Themes can be free or paid, with varying customization options

Lesson 2: Accessing and Selecting Themes

  • Go to Online Store → Themes

  • Shopify provides a Theme Library with free and paid themes

  • Preview themes before publishing to see how your store will look

  • Consider store type, target audience, and desired features when selecting a theme

Best Practices

  • Choose a theme optimized for mobile and desktop

  • Look for speed and performance ratings

  • Check user reviews and update history

Lesson 3: Theme Customization Basics

  • Click Customize on your active theme to open the Theme Editor

  • Common customization options:

    • Header & Footer: Logo, navigation menus, contact info

    • Homepage Sections: Slideshow, featured products, banners, testimonials

    • Colors & Fonts: Match brand identity, ensure readability

    • Buttons & CTAs: Style and placement for conversions

    • Product Pages: Layout, image sizes, descriptions, upsells

  • Drag-and-drop sections to rearrange layout

Best Practices

  • Keep design clean and uncluttered

  • Maintain consistent branding across pages

  • Use high-quality images and clear typography

  • Test layout on mobile devices

Lesson 4: Advanced Customization

  • Edit theme settings for CSS or Liquid code if needed

  • Add custom HTML or sections for unique features

  • Use apps or plugins for additional design elements

Tips

  • Backup theme before making code changes

  • Only edit code if comfortable or use a developer for complex modifications

  • Test changes on preview before publishing

Lesson 5: Common Mistakes

  • Overloading pages with too many sections or images

  • Inconsistent fonts, colors, or branding

  • Not testing mobile responsiveness

  • Ignoring page load speed

  • Editing code without backups or testing

Practical Activity

  • Navigate to Online Store → Themes

  • Preview and select a free theme from Shopify Theme Store

  • Customize homepage sections: slideshow, featured products, and testimonials

  • Modify colors, fonts, and button styles to match brand identity

  • Preview changes on mobile and desktop

  • Optional: Rearrange sections to improve layout flow

Key Takeaways

  • Themes control the visual appearance and layout of your Shopify store

  • Customization allows branding, usability, and conversion optimization

  • Maintain clean design, consistency, and mobile responsiveness

  • Backup and test before publishing advanced customizations

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