This advanced WordPress course is designed for micro and small business owners who already have a basic understanding of WordPress and want to deepen their skills.

The training focuses on improving site performance, enhancing design and functionality, implementing stronger security practices, and managing more complex website features.

The session combines practical demonstrations with strategic guidance on best practices. Participants learn how to optimise their website for better speed, usability and search visibility, as well as how to manage more advanced tools, plugins and customisation options. The focus throughout is on practical improvements that small businesses can realistically implement themselves.

Course Content

Advanced Content Management

• Using reusable blocks and block patterns
• Managing complex page layouts
• Improving content structure for SEO and user experience
• Working with featured images, categories and tags strategically

Theme Customisation

• Understanding the Customiser and theme settings
• Editing headers, footers and layout elements
• Introduction to full-site editing (where applicable)
• Working with child themes at a non-technical level

Advanced Plugins and Functionality

• Recommended plugins for performance, backups and security
• Configuring form builders, event calendars, ecommerce add-ons and other tools
• Managing plugin conflicts and troubleshooting common issues

Website Performance Improvement

• Understanding factors affecting site speed
• Optimising images, caching and file compression
• Practical steps to improve mobile performance
• Using basic performance testing tools and interpreting results

Security and Maintenance

• Strengthening login security
• Implementing two-factor authentication
• Understanding firewalls, malware scans and security plugins
• Best practices for ongoing maintenance and update routines

Practical Demonstrations

• Configuring an advanced plugin (e.g., SEO or caching plugin)
• Demonstrating theme customisation features
• Running a site speed test and applying practical improvements

This course will be delivered by Marek Zbanski of Blue Dawn Agency