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Module 1: Introduction to Website Design & Development

What is Website Design vs. Development?

Website design focuses on the visual and experiential aspects of a site—layout, color, typography, and how users interact with each page. Designers create the look and feel, ensuring the site is attractive and user-friendly.
Website development, on the other hand, is about building and maintaining the site’s structure and functionality. Developers use coding languages (like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side languages) to bring designs to life and ensure everything works smoothly.

Why it matters: Understanding both roles helps you create sites that are not only beautiful but also functional, reliable, and optimized for conversions.

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The Role of Websites in Modern Marketing

A website is your digital storefront. It’s often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. Modern marketing relies on websites to attract, engage, and convert visitors through content, offers, and seamless user experiences.
Why it matters: A well-designed website builds trust, communicates value, and serves as the hub for all your digital marketing efforts.

Understanding the Website Conversion Funnel

The website conversion funnel maps the journey from a visitor’s first interaction to becoming a customer. Stages include awareness (landing on your site), consideration (exploring your offerings), and conversion (taking action, like signing up or purchasing).

Why it matters: Designing your site with the funnel in mind ensures every page guides users toward your business goals, increasing leads and sales.

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Module 2: Foundations of Web Design

Principles of Effective Web Design (Layout, Color, Typography)

Effective web design uses clear layouts, harmonious color schemes, and readable typography to create visually appealing and easy-to-navigate sites. Consistency and simplicity help users find what they need quickly.
Why it matters: Good design reduces friction, keeps visitors engaged, and encourages them to take action 

User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Basics

UX is about how users feel when interacting with your site—ease of use, satisfaction, and efficiency. UI focuses on the actual interface elements like buttons, menus, and forms.
Why it matters: Prioritizing UX/UI ensures visitors enjoy their experience, making them more likely to convert and return.

Responsive & Mobile-First Design

Responsive design ensures your website looks and works great on all devices, especially smartphones and tablets. Mobile-first design means designing for mobile users first, then scaling up for larger screens.
Why it matters: With most web traffic coming from mobile, a responsive site maximizes reach and conversions.

 

Module 3: Web Development Essentials

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Fundamentals

HTML structures your content, CSS styles it, and JavaScript adds interactivity. Together, they form the backbone of every website.
Why it matters: Mastering these basics lets you build, customize, and troubleshoot websites for optimal performance and user engagement.

Building and Structuring Web Pages

This involves organizing content into logical sections, using semantic HTML, and creating clear navigation.
Why it matters: Well-structured pages are easier for users to navigate and for search engines to index, improving both usability and SEO.

Accessibility and Web Standards

Accessibility ensures your site is usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Following web standards (like W3C guidelines) ensures compatibility across browsers and devices.
Why it matters: Accessible, standards-compliant sites reach a wider audience and avoid legal issues, while also improving SEO and conversions.

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Module 4: Conversion-Focused Design

Designing High-Converting Landing Pages

Landing pages are focused, standalone pages designed to drive a specific action (like signing up or buying). They use compelling headlines, clear benefits, and minimal distractions.
Why it matters: Well-designed landing pages dramatically increase conversion rates by guiding users to take action.

Calls-to-Action (CTAs) and Lead Capture

CTAs are prompts (buttons, links) that tell users what to do next. Lead capture forms collect visitor information in exchange for value (like a free guide).
Why it matters: Strong CTAs and easy lead capture turn visitors into leads and customers.

Trust Signals: Testimonials, Reviews, and Security

Displaying testimonials, reviews, and security badges reassures visitors that your site is credible and safe.
Why it matters: Trust signals reduce hesitation and increase the likelihood of conversions.

 

Module 5: Advanced Development for Marketers

Integrating Analytics & Tracking

Adding tools like Google Analytics lets you monitor user behavior, traffic sources, and conversions.
Why it matters: Data-driven insights help you optimize your site for better results.

Website Speed Optimization

Optimizing images, code, and server performance ensures your site loads quickly.
Why it matters: Faster sites improve user experience, SEO rankings, and conversion rates.

SEO Best Practices for Developers

Developers can boost SEO by using clean code, proper tags, fast loading, and mobile-friendly layouts.
Why it matters: Technical SEO ensures your site is discoverable and ranks higher in search engines.

 

Module 6: Content Management Systems & No-Code Tools

Why Wix Over Other Platforms?

• Beginner-Friendly: Wix is often rated as the most accessible website builder for beginners, thanks to its drag-and-drop editor and Weezle-powered setup.

• Creative Freedom: Unlike some competitors, Wix gives you total creative control over your site’s design and layout, without restricting you to rigid sections or templates.

• All-in-One Platform: With Wix, you don’t need to piece together different services for hosting, security, marketing, and eCommerce—they’re all included.

• Fast Setup: You can have a fully functional, mobile-optimized website live in hours, not days or weeks.

• Support and Community: Wix offers 24/7 customer support and a vast help center, so you’re never alone if you run into questions or issues.

Who Should Use Wix?

Wix is ideal for:

• Small businesses and startups wanting to get online quickly

• Creatives and freelancers building portfolios

• Entrepreneurs launching eCommerce stores

• Anyone who wants a professional website

Introduction to WordPress, Webflow, and Shopify

These platforms let you build and manage websites without deep coding knowledge. WordPress is versatile, Webflow offers design flexibility, and Shopify is ideal for e-commerce.
Why it matters: CMS tools empower marketers and business owners to update sites easily and scale quickly.

No-Code Website Builders: Pros & Cons

No-code builders (like Wix, Squarespace) allow anyone to create websites visually.

Pros: speed, ease, affordability.

Cons: limited customization and scalability.
Why it matters: Choosing the right tool balances speed and flexibility for your project’s needs.

Customization and Extending Functionality

Adding plugins, integrations, or custom code lets you expand your site’s features (like forms, e-commerce, or analytics).
Why it matters: Customization ensures your site meets unique business goals and user needs.

 

Module 7: Marketing Your Website

Launch Strategies & Pre-Launch Checklists

A successful launch includes testing, fixing bugs, optimizing for SEO, and preparing marketing materials.
Why it matters: A smooth launch maximizes impact and avoids costly mistakes.

Driving Traffic: SEO, Social, and Paid Ads

Use SEO to rank in search engines, social media to engage audiences, and paid ads to drive targeted visitors.
Why it matters: Multiple traffic sources increase reach and potential conversions.

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Techniques

CRO involves testing and improving elements (like headlines, CTAs, forms) to boost the percentage of visitors who convert.
Why it matters: Even small improvements in CRO can lead to significant increases in leads and sales.

 

Module 8: Advanced Topics & Future Trends

Personalization & Dynamic Content

Personalization tailors content to individual users based on their behavior or preferences.
Why it matters: Personalized experiences increase engagement and conversion rates.

A/B Testing and Experimentation

A/B testing compares two versions of a page or element to see which performs better.
Why it matters: Experimentation helps you make data-driven improvements for higher conversions.

AI, Automation, and the Future of Web Development

AI and automation streamline tasks like chatbots, content recommendations, and design.
Why it matters: Staying ahead with new tech keeps your site competitive and efficient.

 

Module 9: Capstone Project

Design, Build, and Market a Website

Apply everything you’ve learned: plan, design, develop, and launch a real website with a marketing strategy.

Analyze Performance and Present Results

Use analytics to measure success, identify improvements, and present your findings.

Why it matters: The capstone project gives you hands-on experience and a portfolio piece that demonstrates your skills and ability to drive real business results.