Full Webmaster Series

A webmaster is the all-in-one guardian of a website. They ensure the site runs smoothly, links work properly, forms function as they should, and security is in place through firewalls and regular monitoring. Webmasters also handle sitemaps, optimize site speed, and resolve search engine-related issues. In many cases, they’re also responsible for updating and managing website content.

This course is designed for those who want to earn recurring income by hosting and maintaining websites. I’ve built it to help you skip the trial-and-error phase by sharing the lessons I learned the hard way. You’ll get up and running quickly with reliable, proven processes that work.

In this course, we will cover:

1. Hosting Websites
   Learn how to choose the right hosting provider, set up hosting environments (shared, VPS, or cloud), manage control panels like cPanel or Plesk, and troubleshoot downtime or server issues.
2. Website Redirects
   It is important to redirect traffic correctly if you are rebuilding an old website or redirecting traffic from an old domain to a new domain.
3. Google Analytics
   Understand how to install and configure Google Analytics, interpret reports, track visitor behavior, set goals, and integrate with Google Search Console for better SEO insights.
4. Firewall Systems
   Explore web application firewalls like Cloudflare or Defender, learn how to configure them, block malicious traffic, and monitor for security threats.
5. Email Options Including Alias and SMTP
   Set up professional email addresses, configure email aliases, understand SMTP/IMAP protocols, and integrate email with website contact forms and CRMs.
6. Forms including reCAPTCHA
   Learn how to build secure, functional forms using tools like WPForms or Gravity Forms, and protect them with spam-prevention tools like Google reCAPTCHA or hCaptcha.
7. DNS Records
   Understand DNS settings (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, SPF, DKIM, etc.), how to update them, troubleshoot propagation issues, and ensure domain and email deliverability health.
8. Social Media Access
   Set up and manage access to client social media platforms, connect social links on websites, and integrate social feeds or sharing tools.
9. eCommerce
   Learn how to set up and maintain online stores using WooCommerce, Shopify, or other platforms and securely manage payment gateways, product listings, and customer data.
10. Getting Paid for Services
    Discover different payment methods (PayPal, Stripe, Zelle, checks), create service packages, use invoicing tools, and handle recurring payments or subscriptions.
11. Content Creation and Curation
    Develop strategies for generating original content, sourcing high-quality curated content, and scheduling posts for SEO and user engagement.
12. Website Accessibility
    Ensure sites meet accessibility guidelines (WCAG), including alt tags, contrast ratios, and keyboard navigation for an inclusive user experience.
13. Basic SEO Principles
    Teach the fundamentals of on-page SEO (meta tags, headings, alt text, internal linking) and how to monitor rankings and crawl errors.
14. Website Optimization
    Improve site speed and performance using caching plugins, image compression, lazy loading, code minification, and performance tools like GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights.
15. SSL Certificates
    Learn how to install and renew SSL certificates, including free options like Let’s Encrypt, and understand their importance for site security and SEO.
16. Backups
    Set up automated website backups using tools like UpdraftPlus or ManageWP, and understand how to restore sites quickly in case of errors or hacks.
17. Standards (Terms & Privacy Pages)
    Create or source compliant Terms of Service and Privacy Policy pages, especially for GDPR, CCPA, and other regional data protection regulations.
18. Keeping Track: Support Systems and Client Data
    Implement systems for tracking client requests, passwords, hosting access, domain renewals, and communications—using tools like Trello, Notion, or HelpDesk software.
19. API Keys and Keeping Them Safe
    Learn where to find, how to use, and how to securely store API keys for Google Maps, payment gateways, CRMs, and other integrations.
20. Creating a Portfolio
    Build a compelling digital portfolio showcasing your work, testimonials, and services. Learn what prospective clients look for and how to present your value.
21. Onboarding New Clients
    Develop a smooth onboarding process with checklists, intake forms, contracts, welcome emails, and access requests to get started quickly and professionally.
22. Client Communication & Expectations
    Learn how to clearly set boundaries, explain technical concepts, and maintain ongoing communication with clients to reduce scope creep and confusion.