Getting Started with WordPress

Absolutely! WordPress was specifically built with non-technical people in mind, and our training is designed for complete beginners who’ve never built a website before, whilst being able to be further developed professionally when your business grows.

Why WordPress works for beginners:
Unlike other platforms like Drupal, Joomla, or Magento (which require technical knowledge), WordPress is genuinely user-friendly. You don’t need to understand coding, and you won’t need to write a single line of code to create a professional-looking website.
Think of WordPress like using a simplified version of Microsoft Word – you can format text, add images, create pages, and arrange content without needing technical expertise. The interface is intuitive, and once you understand the basics, managing your website becomes straightforward.

How our training helps complete beginners:
Bespoke sessions tailored to your level: We don’t assume any prior knowledge. If you can use email and browse the internet, you can learn WordPress with our guidance.
One-to-one attention: Unlike video tutorials where you’re on your own, you have an expert sitting with you (virtually or face-to-face) answering YOUR specific questions as they come up. No question is too basic or silly.
Hands-on learning: You’ll actually build your website during the sessions, not just watch someone else do it. Learning by doing with immediate support means concepts stick.
Your pace, not ours: We move at a speed that works for you. If you need more time on certain topics, we spend that time. If something clicks quickly, we move forward.
What you’ll be able to do after training:
– Set up and install WordPress
– Choose and customize themes (the design/look of your site)
– Create and edit pages and blog posts
– Add images and format content
– Understand how to keep your site secure
– Make updates yourself without paying a developer

Real talk about the learning curve:
The first session or two might feel overwhelming as you learn where things are and what different terms mean. This is completely normal! By your third or fourth session, things will start clicking into place, and you’ll feel much more confident.
Most people are surprised by how much they can achieve once they understand the basics. The key is having patient, expert support during those early “where do I even start?” moments.

This is a great question, especially when there are thousands of free WordPress tutorials available online. Here’s the honest difference and why people choose training over DIY learning…

The YouTube tutorial problem:
Information overload: There are too many tutorials teaching different methods, using different tools, and offering conflicting advice. You don’t know which to follow or whether the tutorial is current.
Your specific questions don’t get answered: Video tutorials show you one way to do things, but they can’t answer YOUR specific questions or troubleshoot YOUR particular issues.
Easy to get stuck: When something doesn’t work as shown in the tutorial (which happens frequently because your setup might be slightly different), you’re stuck researching solutions alone and often don’t know where to look.
Version differences: WordPress and plugins update regularly. A tutorial from last year might show an interface that looks different now, leaving you confused.
No accountability or structure: It’s easy to start enthusiastically, watch three tutorials, get stuck or distracted, and never actually finish your website.

What makes our bespoke training different:
Interactive learning: You can stop me mid-explanation to ask questions, request clarification, or ask “but what about…?” You’re not passively watching – you’re actively learning.
Tailored to YOUR website: We work on your actual business website, not a generic example. Every decision and explanation relates directly to what you’re building.
Immediate problem-solving: When something doesn’t work or you’re confused, we troubleshoot together immediately. No stopping to Google solutions or posting in forums hoping someone answers.
Current and relevant: Our training reflects the current version of WordPress and addresses how things work right now, not how they worked when a video was recorded.
Structured but flexible: We can create a learning plan that covers everything you need, but adapt it based on what you find easy versus challenging.
Accountability and progress: Having scheduled sessions with an expert keeps you moving forward. Your website actually gets finished rather than abandoned halfway.
The hybrid approach many people take:
Some people do preliminary research on YouTube to understand basic concepts, then book training sessions to actually build their website with expert guidance. This combines free learning with practical, personalized support where it matters most.
When YouTube works fine: If you’re naturally tech-savvy, enjoy troubleshooting, have plenty of time, and don’t mind trial and error, YouTube tutorials might be sufficient. But if you value your time, want expert guidance, or feel overwhelmed by the options, bespoke training provides structure and support that makes success much more likely.

Great question! Because our training is completely bespoke, you choose what you want to learn based on where you’re starting and what your website needs.

Typical beginner journey:
Most people starting from scratch follow a progression like this:
Session 1-2: Foundations
– Understanding what WordPress is and why it’s right for your business
– Choosing hosting (we’ll explain the jargon in plain English)
– Installing WordPress step-by-step
– Navigating the WordPress dashboard
– Understanding the basic structure of WordPress
Session 3-4: Design and Structure
– Choosing a theme that suits your business
– Customizing your theme (colors, fonts, layout)
– Understanding widgets and how they work
– Setting up your menu and navigation
– Creating your basic page structure
Session 5-6: Content Creation
– Creating and editing pages
– Understanding the difference between pages and posts
– Adding and formatting text
– Working with images (uploading, sizing, optimizing)
– Creating effective calls-to-action
Session 7-8: Enhancement and Protection
– Understanding plugins and which ones you need
– Setting up contact forms
– Integrating social media
– Basic security measures to protect your site
– Making backups
Session 9-10: SEO and Going Live
– Basic search engine optimization
– Setting up Google Analytics
– Final checks before launching
– Going live with your website

Flexible approach for different situations:
If you already have a website elsewhere: We can focus on migrating your content from another platform (like WordPress.com free version, Wix, or Squarespace) and getting comfortable managing WordPress.

If you’re taking over an existing WordPress site: We’ll focus on helping you understand what’s already there, how to edit it, and how to maintain it properly.

If you have specific needs: Maybe you only want training on certain aspects like adding an online shop, setting up membership areas, or understanding SEO. We tailor sessions to what you actually need.

How long does training typically take?
Most people need 6-10 hours of training to build a basic business website and feel confident managing it but you can chose how many you want and what is covered in each one. Sessions might be spread across weekly sessions or intensively over a few days – whatever suits your schedule and learning style.
Some people need fewer sessions if they’re naturally tech-savvy or want something very simple. Others need more time if they’re building something complex or want to really understand every aspect thoroughly.

What we won’t cover (but can recommend):
Advanced coding, complex custom development, or highly technical server management fall outside beginner training. If your needs extend into these areas, we’ll let you know and can recommend appropriate resources or specialists.
The goal is making you confident and capable of managing your business website independently, not turning you into a professional web developer.

Yes, that’s exactly the goal! We want you to feel confident managing your website independently without needing to pay a developer for routine updates and changes.

What you’ll definitely be able to do yourself:
Day-to-day content management:
– Add and edit pages
– Publish blog posts
– Update text and information
– Upload and change images
– Update prices, services, or contact details
– Edit your menu and navigation
Basic maintenance:
– Update WordPress and plugins when prompted
– Create backups of your site
– Monitor security alerts
– Respond to comments (if you have them – or turn off comments if you don’t want them!)
Simple design changes:
– Change colours or fonts
– Swap images
– Adjust layouts using your theme’s options
– Add or remove widgets

What you might still need help with occasionally:
Complex technical issues: If your site breaks due to a plugin conflict or server issue, you might need technical support. This is relatively rare but can happen.
Major design overhauls: While you can make changes within your theme’s capabilities, completely redesigning your site or switching themes might benefit from professional help.
Advanced functionality: Adding complex features like custom booking systems, membership areas, or e-commerce might require developer assistance, depending on complexity and the tool you’re looking to integrate.

Ongoing support after training:
You’re not abandoned after training ends! Here’s what happens:
Access to resources: We provide access to helpful documentation, video tutorials, and cheat sheets you can reference anytime.
Follow-up questions: Many clients email quick questions months later when they’re stuck on something. We’re happy to point you in the right direction.
Pay-as-you-go support: If you hit technical challenges you can’t solve, you can book occasional support hours without committing to ongoing packages. Many clients do this once or twice a year for trickier tasks.
Maintenance packages available: If you’d prefer someone else to handle updates, backups, and security monitoring, we offer optional monthly maintenance packages. But these are optional and not required.

Building confidence over time:
Initially, you might feel uncertain and check in frequently. This is normal! As you manage your site for a few months, confidence grows. Most people find that within 3-6 months of finishing training, they’re handling routine updates without a second thought.
The goal isn’t making you dependent on us – it’s empowering you to manage your own digital presence independently. That’s better for your business and aligns with our values of transparency and client empowerment.

Booking is straightforward, and we’ll help you prepare so your training time is productive from the very first session.

How to book:
Initial consultation (free): Start by contacting us to schedule a free consultation. We’ll discuss what you want to achieve, assess your current skill level, and recommend how many sessions you might need.
Flexible scheduling: Training sessions are typically 1-2 hours each and can be scheduled:
– Weekly for steady progress
– Intensively over a few days if you want to complete your site quickly
– Fortnightly if you need time between sessions to practice

Location options:
Online via Zoom (most popular – convenient and just as effective)
Face-to-face at a location that suits you (additional mileage expenses may apply)
Your business premises if you prefer (additional mileage expenses may apply)
Pricing: Sessions are priced at £100 per hour. You can book individual sessions or blocks of hours if you prefer to commit to a training program.

What to prepare before your first session:
Domain name (optional but helpful): If you know what you want your website address to be (like yourbusiness.co.uk), you can register this in advance. Or we can help you choose and register one during training.
Hosting decision: You’ll need web hosting to install WordPress. We can discuss options during training, or if you want to research beforehand, we can recommend suitable providers, or set this up for you on our Green Hosting. Budget around £5-15 monthly for hosting.
Business information gathered: Have ready:
– Your logo (if you have one)
– Any existing brand guidelines or color preferences
– Content for your main pages (or at least rough notes)
– Images you want to use
– Examples of websites you like the look of
Clear idea of purpose: Think about what you want your website to achieve:
– What services/products are you promoting?
– Who are your target customers?
– What actions do you want visitors to take?
– What pages do you definitely need?
Technical requirements:
– A computer or laptop (not a tablet – you need a full computer)
– Reliable internet connection
– Login credentials for any existing accounts (if transferring content)

Don’t worry if you’re not prepared:
If you don’t have everything sorted before starting, that’s completely fine! Part of what we do in early sessions is helping you make these decisions and get set up properly.
Some people prefer to start training first, then make informed decisions about hosting, themes, and structure based on what they learn. There’s no single right way to approach it.
After booking:
We’ll send you:
– Confirmation of your session times
– Zoom link (if training online)
– A pre-session checklist of anything helpful to have ready
– Our contact details for any questions before your first session

Cancellation and rescheduling:
Life happens! If you need to reschedule a session, just let us know with reasonable notice and we’ll find a new time that works for both of us.

Ready to get started?
Contact us to schedule your free consultation, or if you’re ready to book directly, let us know your availability and we’ll get you scheduled for your first training session.
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have a professional business website you built yourself – and the confidence to manage it going forward!