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WordPress Admin Overview

Course Content
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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 provides learners with a clear overview of the WordPress admin area (dashboard), its components, and basic navigation. Understanding the admin area is essential for managing website content, settings, and user roles effectively.

Learning Objectives

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

  • Navigate the WordPress admin dashboard confidently

  • Identify key admin sections and their purposes

  • Access and manage content (posts, pages, media)

  • Understand basic administrative functions and tools

  • Recognize where to find settings and help resources

Lesson 1: Admin Dashboard Overview

The WordPress Admin Dashboard is the main control area where website owners and administrators manage every part of their site. It’s the first screen you see after logging in, and it provides access to all the tools you need to create, organize, and maintain your website. From the dashboard, you can add and edit posts and pages, upload images and videos, customize your site’s appearance with themes, install plugins to add extra features, manage user accounts, and check important updates or notifications. The dashboard also often displays an overview of your site’s activity, such as recent posts, comments, and statistics. It acts as a central hub, giving you full control over your website in one place and helping you navigate all the WordPress features easily.

  • Dashboard Home: Quick overview of site activity, updates, and news

  • Toolbar: Top navigation bar with shortcuts for logged-in users

  • Left-hand Menu: Main navigation for site management

  • Screen Options & Help: Customize visible widgets and access support

Lesson 2: Key Sections of the Admin Menu

  • Posts: Add, edit, and organize blog posts

  • Pages: Manage static pages (About, Contact, Services)

  • Media Library: Upload and manage images, videos, and files

  • Comments: Moderate user comments

  • Appearance: Customize themes, menus, and widgets

  • Plugins: Install and manage plugins

  • Users: Manage accounts and roles

  • Tools: Import/export data, site health tools

  • Settings: Configure general, writing, reading, discussion, media, and permalinks

Lesson 3: Navigation Tips

  • Use the dashboard home for quick updates and notifications

  • Hover over menu items for submenus

  • Use the search bar to quickly locate posts, pages, or plugins

  • Access plugin and theme settings directly from the menu

Lesson 4: Admin Toolbar Functions

  • Visit Site: Quickly view your website front-end

  • Customize: Access theme customizer directly

  • New: Quick links to add posts, pages, media, or users

  • Updates: Notification for WordPress core, plugins, and themes

Lesson 5: Common Mistakes in Admin Use

  • Ignoring dashboard updates

  • Assigning too many administrators

  • Not using categories or tags for posts

  • Overlooking site health notifications

  • Navigating without exploring the screen options

Practical Activity

  • Log in to your WordPress admin area.

  • Explore each main menu section and note their functions.

  • Use the toolbar to access the front-end of your site.

  • Check for updates and explore screen options for widgets.

Key Takeaways

  • The WordPress admin dashboard is the central hub for site management.

  • Understanding each menu section and toolbar function increases efficiency.

  • Regularly checking updates, notifications, and settings helps maintain a healthy website.

  • Familiarity with the admin area builds confidence in managing content and site functionality.

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