Websites and blogs based on
Wordpress themes are popular. Cheap and easy to purchase and download, they cost around $60 for something you can customize to your own needs and liking. They look great and cost a heap less than forking out thousands for a web-designer.
However, there is a catch …
While they're relatively easy to use once implemented, the average person often needs a little assistance with setup if using a theme they want to customise to their liking. Those who've had a web developer design their site often also need help when it comes to making changes, fixing problems or understanding the full functionality of their website.
Having gone down the path of searching forums and blogs and hiring IT help to get my Wordpress based website off the ground (and failing dismally on all accounts), I can totally recommend the idea of some preliminary training with an expert.
This is where Wordpress workshops come in handy.
Like any training course, there are those more helpful than others.
Michael at Digital Class has been running short courses in
Wordpress and
SEO (search engine optimisation) for almost four years – in Sydney and Melbourne.
Aimed at beginners, his one day
Wordpress workshops suit small business people, bloggers and those who work in marketing who want to create a website from scratch or update an existing site. The course provides the foundations for understanding how to setup and manage your own Wordpress site.
Unlike trying to learn Wordpress on your own – which can be stressful to say the least - the one-day workshops are a relaxed experience. You arrive at comfortable, air-conditioned office premises and the lesson is provided on a large screen in an intimate environment of just a few people.
The small class sizes mean there's plenty of chance to ask questions and learn at your own pace. "I like to keep the classes small, usually between two and four people," Michael says. "Four is max, so I can answer everyone's questions."
Any fears and embarrassment about your lack of computer expertise should be left at home. "Nothing's assumed," he says. "I start from the beginning."
Michael is a friendly, patient, organised teacher who says he enjoys providing knowledge and knowing he's helping people accomplish their goals.
He peppers the workshop with relevant information which means you go home with a wider understanding of running your website.
This is empowering.
For example, I learnt that the speed (or conversely the slowness) of your website affects its ranking with Google. I also learnt about plugins that increase the speed of your website as well as the desirability of resizing your images prior to upload, to ensure big picture files don't slow the site down.
Other gems of information include how to re-work your images for free, a list of the most essential plug-ins, how to keep your site secure from hackers and spam and SEO tips.
But that's just a tiny chunk of the information that's covered.
To get the most out of the workshop, purchase your domain name and web-hosting prior to the start of the course - that way you can practice on your actual website or ask specific questions at the end of the lesson.
On the day, bring a laptop and something to write notes on.
I was particularly thankful for Michael's professionalism, organised structure and respect for attendee's. All too often I've paid for training courses where the trainer wastes precious time telling jokes and anecdotes from their personal life that I haven't paid to listen to.
So, thank you Michael for staying on track!
Additionally, Michael makes himself available by email to answer student's questions for a month after the course. For those who need more help with their website, he also offers additional private sessions by request.
Courses in
Photoshop, Adwords, social media and content marketing plus a comprehensive digital marketing course are also in the pipeline. So stay tuned.
To learn more about Michael's excellent courses, when and where they're on, check out his
Digital Class website.
Click here for
further testimonials about Michael's classes.
