Website Builder Bootcamp
This course is a practical, hands-on introduction for beginners looking to build a website without needing to learn deep coding. It focuses on using some of the most popular, user-friendly, and cost-effective website building platforms available today.
The course curriculum is divided into two main parts: the "how-to" of building the site and the "why" behind making it successful.
1. Platform Proficiency: You will get practical experience using several key platforms:
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WordPress: A powerful and highly customizable option.
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Squarespace: Known for its professional, design-focused templates.
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Wix: A popular drag-and-drop editor known for its ease of use.
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Shopify: The industry standard for building e-commerce and online stores.
2. Essential Website Concepts: Beyond just building, you'll learn critical skills to make your site effective:
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Content Optimization: How to prepare and format text and graphics for a great user experience (UX).
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO): The fundamentals of helping your site get found on search engines like Google.
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Technical Management: Understanding the basics of website hosting, using analytics to track visitors, and implementing contact forms.
To be successful in this course, you will need the following:
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Hardware: A laptop or desktop computer (PC or Mac).
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Connectivity: A strong, stable internet connection.
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Core Skills: You should already be comfortable with basic computer operations and have foundational knowledge of:
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Text Editing (e.g., using programs like Microsoft Word)
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Image Editing (e.g., using programs like Photoshop, GIMP, Pixlr, or Canva)
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You will be required to download and install various website-building programs as you progress through the lessons.
Class I
Learn the basics of installing a variety of website-building platforms. Learn about
free, low-cost, and commercial-level web hosting (GoDaddy, BlueHost, HostGator, etc.)
Which one is right for you? Learn about custom domains. Do you need one? How much
do they cost? What can you do or not do with them?
Class II
Start building your site in a variety of platforms. Learn the basics of WordPress,
SquareSpace, Wix. Do you need a eCommerce component? How do you optimize and upload
images? What is ADA-compliance? What about Analytics? Connecting social accounts,
widgets, plug-ins and more!
Class III
Focus on WordPress. Learn how to customize themes, install and use free or low-cost
plug-ins. Testing your site. Forms—and more forms! Advanced image and video editing
and uploading. Learn about all the resources available for this open source website-building
platform. How is this different (or better?) than Drupal, Joomla, or others? What
about content? How to write for the web and stylize your text and images for readability
and SEO, and ADA compliance!
Class IV
Class Presentations. Each student will have the opportunity to share with the others
what they have learned and summarize their experience for the others. Open source
software (such as WordPress) is all about collaboration and sharing. Make connections
with your fellow students, you can all be resources for each other and the greater
community.
Next Training Offering:
Tuesdays, January 13, 2026 - February 3, 2026 from 12pm - 1pm
Virtually Via Zoom
Cost: $215.00
Cancellations with less than 3 days notice or failure to attend (No Shows) the first day of class will not qualify for a refund or reduction of charges.
Students may cancel 3 days or more prior to the day of class and receive a full refund. We solidify dates with instructors 3 days prior to the start of the class (or reschedule/cancel) and it is dependent upon enrollment. Cancellations with less than 3 days notice can not be refunded). Notification maybe done by phone to the Office of Workforce Education (607-936-5501) or email to ilearn@corning-cc.edu
Businesses in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben interested in seeking funding to send promising leaders from their organizations to this training should contact CSS Workforce NY at 607-937-8337.
SUNY Corning Community College is committed to ensuring equal access to students with disabilities. If you believe that you will need accommodations while taking this course, please contact Accessibility Services by phone 607-962-9262 or email Accessibility@corning-cc.edu to begin the process of requesting accommodations. We strive to coordinate accommodations in a timely manner, but some accommodations may not be available when you need them if you do not give timely notice.
Your Instructor: Jeff Macharyas
Jeff has many years of experience as a Marketing Director, Adobe-Certified Graphic
Designer, Communications Director, VP-Operations, Instructor, and Webmaster for Magazines,
Higher Education, and Non-Profits, such as The American Spectator, the USO's OnPatrol,
Selling Power, Artes Graficas, St. Lawrence University, Corning Community College,
Clarkson University, Rappahannock Community College, the Everson Museum, and many
others. Moreover, Jeff volunteers his digital marketing services through Catchafire,
a volunteer Non-Profit Program. .
Jeff holds an MS in Cybersecurity/Computer Forensics from Utica College, a miniMBA in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers University, a BS in Communications from Florida State University, and an AS from Indian River Community College. Jeff holds certifications from WordPress, Reddit, Linux, the FCC, and several others, and is a certified fencing instructor.