Issue #6 - 01/28/2025
Greetings!
For over a decade, WP101 has been a trusted name for WordPress education, helping beginners understand the ins and outs of this popular platform. Originally launched by Shawn Hesketh in 2008, WP101 set the standard for quality video tutorials, guiding countless users on how to build and maintain websites.
However, in early 2023, a new chapter began as WP101 was acquired by Syed Balkhi, the founder of WPBeginner. While WP101 still offers its courses at $48 per year, something interesting has quietly surfaced—those very same tutorials are now available for free on WPBeginner’s dedicated video platform.
A Closer Look at WP101
WP101 has always been a premium offering, promising ad-free, expertly crafted content. It’s a brand synonymous with professional WordPress training. For years, paying for access to its courses made sense, as no comparable free alternative existed. But now, with WPBeginner offering the same WordPress 101 course for free, it raises an important question: should you still pay for WP101?
Let’s break it down. WP101’s paid course includes:
- 33 beginner-friendly lessons, walking you through WordPress basics.
- Step-by-step instructions on using the block editor (Gutenberg).
- Training on adding images, embedding videos, and personalizing your site.
- Ad-free access to all videos for a full year.
While these features are undeniably helpful, they’re now freely accessible at WPBeginner’s video hub, eliminating the need for a paid subscription.
Why WPBeginner’s Free Course Matters
This isn’t just a freebie; it’s a shift in how WordPress education is offered. By making the WordPress 101 course free, WPBeginner is lowering the barrier to entry for anyone interested in starting their WordPress journey.
Here’s what makes their platform stand out:
- Quality Content: The videos are the same as WP101’s, maintaining the same professional standard.
- Wide Accessibility: Free access means no financial commitment, making it ideal for curious beginners.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering everything from the dashboard to themes, plugins, and content creation, it’s a well-rounded guide for starting a WordPress site.
Syed Balkhi, in a recent statement, mentioned, “If you join now, you'll get unlimited access to all our videos for FREE, forever! And yes, there is no catch 🙂.”
For new learners, this removes the financial hurdle and makes professional WordPress training accessible to anyone with an internet connection. It’s a democratization of WordPress education—something that aligns with the platform’s open-source philosophy.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Joomla Users
This development also sparks a conversation for Joomla users and those considering alternatives to WordPress. If platforms like WPBeginner can offer professional-grade content for free, how can Joomla educators and enthusiasts replicate this model to attract new users? The gap in Joomla-specific training resources remains an opportunity for platforms like ours to bridge the divide.
Where Do You Stand?
Ultimately, if you’re looking to learn WordPress, you now have a choice: pay $48 per year for WP101 or explore the same content for free at WPBeginner’s video hub. For many, the decision is clear—but it’s a reminder that the education landscape is always evolving.
If you’d like to explore the free WordPress 101 course, you can access it here:
👉 Explore the Free WordPress Tutorials
What are your thoughts on free vs. paid educational resources in the WordPress and Joomla communities? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re a WordPress beginner or a Joomla enthusiast, the tools we choose to learn from shape how we approach web development. Free resources like WPBeginner’s video tutorials highlight the power of accessibility, and they remind us that education is more valuable when shared.
Let me know how your journey into WordPress or Joomla is going—I’m here to help.
Warm regards,
Andre