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Andrew Turner

The course will give you all the information you need to fast track to a point where you can start to build websites for real clients and a real fee.  You will have the potential to work from anywhere and build a nice recurring revenue stream (the course will also give you ideas of how best to structure your fees and build recurring revenue). As your experience, confidence and skills grow you will be able to build on the knowledge gained in this course and have the potential to earn even more money.

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The course will give you all the information you need to fast track to a point where you can start to build websites for real clients and a real fee.  You will have the potential to work from anywhere and build a nice recurring revenue stream (the course will also give you ideas of how best to structure your fees and build recurring revenue). As your experience, confidence and skills grow you will be able to build on the knowledge gained in this course and have the potential to earn even more money.

From the very basics of terminology, the course will guide you through choosing hosting providers, installing and setting up Wordpress, building a basic site and go on to cover more advanced site building techniques which will provide you with the knowledge you need to start building commercially viable websites for which you can charge a nice fee.

The course will even give you ideas of how best to manage and maintain your clients so not only do they pay you for the first website you build for them, but they go on to become part of your regular and recurring revenue stream which gets bigger and bigger as your client base grows.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The important terminology used in web development like hosting, dns, a records and mx records and how it relates to what you do.
  • The best way to setup up website hosting and make it part of the income stream.
  • Why wordpress is a great development platform and one which you can use to make money as a website developer.
  • How to actually build amazing websites easily using wordpress
  • The business of being a web developer. how to make money. how to build a recurring revenue stream.

Syllabus

Terminology & essential pre-build knowledge and setup

Covers the essential terminology which you must know and understand in order to work in the industry. The words used may or may not be new to you but this module will give you a deeper understanding of their meaning in relation to what we go on to in subsequent modules.

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Learn about hosting websites and setting up reseller hosting accounts which will allow you to host sites for multiple clients.

Whenever you develop a new site the first thing you are going to have to do is install WordPress on a hosting server. There are several ways to do this but you will learn the best method that I have found which makes it quick, easy and efficient.

In this module you will learn how to setup WordPress in order to go on and build a new site in the most efficient way.

In this module you will learn the essential administrative aspects of WordPress. How to navigate around the admin console / dashboard, learn about things that are sensible to do as part of initial set-up and other things you may have to use as development of the site progresses.

Basic site build, header and page layout tools. Building your first web page.

A qucik overview of the core plugins I use on every site and how they are goping to be incorporated into the more advanced site building techniques in the next module.

Building on what you learn in module 6, here you will learn the more advanced features that will take your designs to the next level where your sites will have the potential to create the ‘wow’ factor when people view the final results.

You have built your site, it’s ready to go live and you are keen to make it so, if nothing else because you want to be paid! In this module you will learn the steps required to make a site live.

You have built a site for a client, it’s gone live, they love you, now what? Do not stop there. The site will need to be maintained, you will need to apply software patches to WordPress and any plugins running on the site and you may even be asked by clients to update text and images, perhaps add new pages later. All of this is a great revenue stream, the more clients you get the bigger the annual revenue. In this module we will cover the type of ongoing maintenance and support you might expect to be doing and I will tell you how I deal with update and change requests and how I charge for it.

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Activities

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Career center

Learners who complete Become a freelance web developer using Wordpress will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
WordPress Developer
A WordPress Developer specializes in designing, building, customizing, and maintaining websites using the WordPress platform for various clients. This course directly fast tracks your journey by providing all the information needed to install and set up WordPress efficiently, guiding you from basic site construction to more advanced building techniques. You'll also learn essential administrative aspects, how to incorporate core plugins, and the crucial steps for a pre-launch checklist. Furthermore, the course covers ongoing maintenance, software patching, and handling update requests, equipping you to become a proficient WordPress Developer capable of creating commercially viable websites.
Website Developer
A Website Developer is responsible for the creation and upkeep of websites, ensuring they are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and meet client specifications. This course provides a comprehensive foundation for becoming a skilled Website Developer by teaching you how to build websites for real clients. You will learn essential terminology like hosting and DNS, the practicalities of setting up website hosting, and advanced site-building techniques to create commercially viable websites. Crucially, the course also covers the business of web development, including client management and building recurring revenue, giving you a holistic approach to a successful career as a Website Developer.
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur identifies opportunities, takes on financial risks, and organizes resources to start and manage a business venture. This course is fundamentally an entrepreneurial blueprint, explicitly titled "Become a freelance web developer" and detailing "the business of being a web developer." It guides you on how to make a living, build a nice recurring revenue stream, structure fees, manage clients, and grow your client base. For an Entrepreneur looking to start a service-based business in the digital realm, this course provides both the technical skills for building amazing websites and the essential business framework for launching and sustaining a successful venture.
Content Management System Administrator
As a Content Management System Administrator, you manage the backend and content structures of websites, ensuring smooth operation, security, and efficient content delivery. This course is centered entirely on WordPress, a leading content management system, making it highly pertinent to this role. You will learn to install, set up, and configure WordPress, navigate its admin console, and manage essential plugins. Furthermore, the course covers ongoing maintenance, applying software patches, and updating content, which are all vital tasks for a Content Management System Administrator. It provides the detailed knowledge needed to efficiently manage and optimize a WordPress-based system.
Small Business Consultant
A Small Business Consultant advises entrepreneurs on strategies to improve their operations, growth, and profitability, often including their digital presence. This course, while focused on web development, offers invaluable insights for an aspiring Small Business Consultant, particularly in understanding how to leverage online platforms for commercial success. It teaches how to build commercially viable websites and, crucially, how to structure fees, manage client relationships, and establish recurring revenue streams. This business acumen, combined with practical web development knowledge, helps you guide clients effectively in their digital strategies and ongoing needs, making you a well-rounded advisor.
E-commerce Developer
An E commerce Developer specializes in building and maintaining online stores and transaction platforms, facilitating digital sales for businesses. The course focuses on building commercially viable websites, and implicitly, a significant portion of commercial online activity involves e-commerce fulfillment. You will gain the knowledge to set up and configure sites that can drive real income for clients, covering advanced site-building techniques and understanding client needs for commercial success. This expertise in creating robust, revenue-generating websites is a strong foundation for an E commerce Developer, especially when utilizing WordPress with e-commerce plugins.
Hosting Specialist
A Hosting Specialist manages web servers and ensures websites are accessible and perform optimally, often dealing with domain name systems and server configurations. This course provides specific, relevant knowledge for a Hosting Specialist, covering essential terminology like hosting, DNS, A records, and MX records. You will learn the best way to set up website hosting and even how to set up reseller hosting accounts for multiple clients, making it part of an income stream. This direct exposure to crucial hosting infrastructure and management principles is highly beneficial for this career path.
Technical Support Specialist
A Technical Support Specialist provides assistance to users regarding software or hardware issues, often involving troubleshooting and problem resolution for clients. This course explains essential administrative aspects of WordPress, including ongoing maintenance, applying software patches to WordPress and any plugins, and handling update and change requests from clients. This practical knowledge of website operation, initial setup configuration options, and troubleshooting steps will be helpful for a Technical Support Specialist resolving issues related to website functionality or hosting, ensuring client sites remain operational and secure.
Digital Presence Advisor
A Digital Presence Advisor guides individuals or businesses on establishing, enhancing, and managing their online identity and reach across various digital platforms. This course is directly relevant for a Digital Presence Advisor because it teaches how to build commercially viable websites, which are the cornerstone of any digital presence. You will learn to advise clients on hosting, site setup, advanced features, and ongoing maintenance. The business focus, including client management and building recurring revenue, further empowers you to offer comprehensive advice on maintaining a robust and professional online footprint, making you a trusted guide in the digital landscape.
Client Relationship Manager
A Client Relationship Manager focuses on building and nurturing long-term relationships with clients, ensuring their satisfaction and identifying opportunities for continued partnership. This course teaches explicitly how to manage and maintain clients, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support and handling update and change requests. It provides concrete ideas for dealing with clients to build a regular and recurring revenue stream, covering how to charge for ongoing maintenance. This direct instruction on client retention, service delivery, and managing expectations may be helpful for building strong foundational skills as a Client Relationship Manager in the digital services sector.
Web Content Strategist
A Web Content Strategist plans the creation, delivery, and governance of useful and usable content for websites, ensuring it meets business objectives and user needs. Given that the course is entirely focused on building sites with WordPress, a powerful content management system, it provides a deep understanding of website structure, content organization, and publishing workflows. This knowledge of how content is technically housed, managed, and presented on a site may be helpful for a Web Content Strategist in developing effective content plans and optimizing content delivery, ensuring commercial viability and user engagement for clients.
Digital Marketing Specialist
A Digital Marketing Specialist plans and executes online marketing campaigns to promote products or services, relying heavily on a strong web presence. While not a marketing course, the objective of building commercially viable websites taught here is fundamental to successful digital marketing. Understanding how to create and manage the primary online asset, a website, is crucial for a Digital Marketing Specialist. The course provides the skills to build effective websites, which are the cornerstone of any digital marketing strategy, helping you to advise clients on a holistic digital presence and ensure their online campaigns have a solid foundation.
Website Project Manager
A Website Project Manager oversees the entire lifecycle of website development, from initial concept and setup to launch and ongoing maintenance, coordinating resources and client expectations. This course outlines a clear process for building websites: from essential pre-build knowledge and setup, through the site build with basic and advanced techniques, to a comprehensive pre-launch checklist. It also covers managing clients and handling ongoing maintenance. This structured approach to site creation and client engagement may be helpful for an aspiring Website Project Manager, providing a practical understanding of project phases and deliverables.
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer focuses on making products and websites intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for users, often through research, wireframing, and prototyping. Although not strictly a design course, it mentions aiming for the 'wow factor' and 'advanced features that will take your designs to the next level' during the site build. Developing a practical understanding of how to build and structure websites to achieve desired visual and functional outcomes may be helpful for a User Experience Designer in bringing their designs to life and understanding implementation constraints. It helps bridge the gap between design concept and technical execution.
Search Engine Optimization Specialist
A Search Engine Optimization Specialist works to improve a website's visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic through various strategies like keyword research and technical optimization. The course focuses on building commercially viable websites, and inherently, a successful commercial website needs to be discoverable by its target audience. While not an explicit SEO course, understanding the underlying structure of how websites are built, particularly with WordPress, and how they function, may be helpful for a Search Engine Optimization Specialist in implementing effective on-page and technical SEO best practices, contributing to greater online visibility.

Reading list

We've selected 23 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Become a freelance web developer using Wordpress.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic setup to advanced customization, making it an ideal textbook for beginners. It is particularly helpful for providing background knowledge on WordPress hosting and the admin dashboard mentioned in the syllabus. The book serves as a reliable reference tool for troubleshooting common plugin and theme issues during the site build phase.
Updated for the latest WordPress versions, this book is perfect for learners who need a visual guide to the installation and setup process. It provides essential prerequisite knowledge regarding DNS, hosting, and the block editor. It is commonly used by self-taught professionals to quickly master the 'wow' factor techniques mentioned in the syllabus.
Is highly regarded in the industry for its clear explanation of WordPress's core functionality and its ecosystem. It adds significant depth to the course's modules on initial configuration and page layout tools. While it is excellent for learning, its structured approach also makes it a valuable current reference for freelance developers managing client sites.
Focuses on the modern stack of WordPress development, including local development environments and deployment. It is particularly relevant to the syllabus modules on hosting and making sites live. It provides a contemporary look at the tools professional developers use in 2024.
Commonly used in workshops and academic settings, this book provides a clear path through the WordPress admin console. It mirrors the course's syllabus on initial setup and core plugin usage. It useful reference tool for students who prefer a structured, lesson-based approach to learning software.
Directly supplements the 'Building your business' module by providing a roadmap for professional freelancing. It offers extensive insights into pricing strategies, client management, and building the recurring revenue streams emphasized in the course description. It is more valuable as additional reading for career longevity than as a technical WordPress reference.
Focuses specifically on the theme layer of WordPress, which is central to the 'site build' and 'header layout' modules. It provides the technical depth needed to troubleshoot theme issues and perform advanced modifications. It useful reference for developers who want to create truly custom-looking websites.
Since the course mentions that an eye for design is helpful but not essential, this book provides the necessary background in design principles. It teaches the 'shortcuts' to making websites look professional, which is critical for the 'wow' factor mentioned in module 8. It highly accessible resource for developers who want to improve their aesthetic output for clients.
Is an essential supplement for the 'Pre-launch checklist' and maintenance modules. It explains how to ensure a client's WordPress site is discoverable, which key selling point for any freelance developer. It is updated annually, making it a current and vital reference for modern web development practices.
Bridges the gap between design and technical implementation for those starting a freelance career. It offers practical advice on the entire lifecycle of a web project, from client brief to launch. It useful introductory text that reinforces the course's goals of starting a journey in web development.
Written by a successful veteran freelance designer, this book helps students adopt the right mindset for the 'business of being a web developer.' It explores how to manage a solo operation efficiently without the need for a large agency structure. It adds breadth to the course by teaching students how to maintain a profitable and sustainable freelance lifestyle.
Offers a practical, no-nonsense guide to the professional world of web design. It covers the 'stuff they don't teach you in school,' such as file naming conventions and client communication. It adds breadth to the course by providing a holistic view of the web design industry for new freelancers.
As the industry standard for professional developers, this book offers deep technical insights into the WordPress core. It is highly valuable for students who want to move from 'site builder' to 'developer' by understanding the underlying code. It serves as an authoritative reference for advanced site-building techniques.
This classic industry textbook that every web developer should read to understand user experience (UX). It provides the theoretical foundation for building effective page layouts and navigation menus. Reading this will ensure that the websites students build are not only beautiful but also functional and user-friendly.
Understanding responsiveness is crucial for the 'wow' factor and professional viability of modern websites. provides technical background on how websites adapt to mobile devices, which key part of the 'advanced site building' module. It frequently used industry textbook for front-end development.
Targets the professional development aspect of the course, specifically focusing on how to charge higher fees. It aligns perfectly with the syllabus module on 'Building your business' and charging for ongoing maintenance. It is more valuable as a strategic guide for experienced freelancers looking to scale their income.
Helps aspiring freelancers find their own clients, a topic that supplements the 'Building your business' module. It provides a simple framework for marketing a new freelance service to small businesses. It practical resource for students who have the technical skills but struggle with the sales aspect of the industry.
For students interested in the 'core plugins' module of the course, this book explains how plugins are built and customized. It allows students to add unique functionality to their client sites that standard plugins might not offer. valuable reference tool for developers who want to specialize in the WordPress ecosystem.
While WordPress no-code/low-code platform, basic HTML and CSS knowledge vital prerequisite for advanced customization. is the gold standard for learning the building blocks of the web in a highly visual way. It adds significant technical depth for students who want to go beyond basic theme templates.
Provides a radical approach to the business of creative services, helping freelancers position themselves as experts. It is highly relevant to the course's goal of managing and maintaining clients for long-term revenue. It is more valuable as additional reading for those looking to elevate their professional status in the market.
A successful freelance developer must help their clients with content strategy, and this book provides the framework for doing so. It teaches how to structure website copy and layout to convert visitors into customers. This adds breadth to the course by covering the marketing side of web development.
A web developer often has to help clients with their content, and this book classic reference for writing effective web copy. It provides background knowledge on how to structure information to meet business goals. It adds value to the course by equipping the developer with an additional skill to offer clients.

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