Introduction to WordPress for Business

• Importance of a digital presence for businesses
• WordPress as a powerful platform for business and eCommerce
• Overview of what students will learn

Module 1: Creating a Business Profile Website

• Setting Up WordPress
  • Installing WordPress on a hosting platform (or locally for practice)
  • Overview of the WordPress dashboard and essential settings
• Choosing the Right Theme for Business
  • How to select and install a professional business theme
  • Customizing the theme (logos, color schemes, fonts)
• Designing Pages for a Business Profile
  • Creating essential pages (About Us, Services, Contact)
  • Adding business-specific content (Team, Client Testimonials, Portfolio)
• Creating Contact Forms
  • Installing and configuring a contact form plugin (e.g., Contact Form 7 or WPForms)
  • Setting up email notifications for inquiries

Module 2: Building an eCommerce Website with WordPress

• Introduction to WooCommerce
  • Installing and setting up WooCommerce for an online store
  • Overview of WooCommerce settings (Store details, Currency, Location)
• Adding Products
  • Creating product categories and tags
  • Adding simple and variable products (Price, Description, SKU, Inventory)
  • Setting up product images and galleries
• Managing Inventory and Stock
  • Managing product stock and backorders
  • Setting up notifications for low stock
• Configuring Shipping Options
  • Defining shipping zones, methods, and costs
  • Setting up free shipping, flat rate, or local pickup options
• Setting Up Taxes
  • Configuring tax options based on location and product type

Module 3: Connecting eCommerce Website with Social Media

• Importance of Social Media in eCommerce
  • Why social media integration is crucial for online sales
• Social Media Plugins for WordPress
  • Installing and configuring plugins like Social Snap or Smash Balloon for social media feeds
• Integrating Social Media Share Buttons
  • Adding social media buttons (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to product pages
  • Enabling social sharing on blog posts
• Automating Social Media Posting
  • Connecting WooCommerce with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)
  • Using tools like Zapier or Jetpack to automate product postings to social channels

Module 4: Connecting Payment Gateways to WooCommerce

• Introduction to Payment Gateways
  • Overview of popular payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
  • Importance of securing transactions (SSL, PCI compliance)
• Setting Up Payment Gateways
  • Configuring PayPal for WooCommerce
  • Installing and configuring Stripe for credit/debit card payments
  • Configuring country-specific gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
• Testing Payment Systems
  • Creating sandbox accounts for test transactions
  • Ensuring smooth checkout process and successful payments

Module 5: Getting Ready to Sell

• Final Website Checks
  • Reviewing the site for usability and mobile responsiveness
  • Ensuring fast load times and smooth navigation
• Setting Up Email Notifications
  • Configuring WooCommerce to send order confirmation and shipping emails
  • Customizing email templates for branding
• SEO Optimization for eCommerce
  • Installing an SEO plugin (Yoast, RankMath)
  • Setting up product and page SEO (meta titles, descriptions, keywords)
• Launching Your Store
  • Testing everything (payment gateways, product pages, shipping options)
  • Promoting your store on social media and via email campaigns
  • Tracking performance using analytics (Google Analytics, WooCommerce reports)

Final Project: Building and Launching a Complete eCommerce Website

• Business Profile: Create a business profile website showcasing services and contact forms.
• eCommerce Store: Set up a functional eCommerce store, including product listings, payment gateways, and social media integration.