Across a variety of industries, companies nowadays expect potential employees to provide tangible examples of their work. One of the best ways to show yourself off is by creating a personal website. We’ll take you step by step through how to create a portfolio website that is certain to impress.
Step One: Choose Your Platform
Fortunately, you don’t need to be an experienced web designer to make an impressive site. There are numerous website building tools you can choose from—Squarespace, WordPress, and Wix are among the more popular options. Each platform is different, so select the one that best fits your requirements. It needs to have the appropriate technical capabilities, as well as the ability to relay your desired message to your audience.
Step Two: Perfect Your Site’s Structure
Every personal website should include the following:
- A brief introduction. This short snippet gives potential clients or employers an opportunity to get to know you and what you do.
- Your projects. Don’t be afraid to showcase your best work. If you can, provide multiple examples to grab your visitors’ attention. Additionally, give a little context—how did your involvement make each project a success?
- Your offerings. If you provide services, let companies know if you’re currently taking clients. If you’re searching for employment, make it clear!
- Your contact information. List your email address, phone number, and some other simple ways a company can reach you, such as through LinkedIn. Another option is to use a contact form at the bottom of your site.
It’s important that these elements stay in this order; companies want to see what you can do almost immediately after they follow the link to you site.
Step Three: Select Your Website’s Design
Every platform has a variety of designs available. Needless to say, although there are many beautiful designs, selecting just one can be overwhelming. So, from the colors to the font, choose the elements that emphasize your unique personality.
When in doubt, opt for a minimal design. You can’t go wrong with a layout that lets your work speak for itself!
Step 4: Butter Them Up
Once you’ve piqued their interest, it’s time to reel potential clients or employers in. For instance, you can display testimonials from satisfied individuals. Online testimonials boost your reputation; it’ll be easier for your site’s visitors to put their trust in you and what you do. Furthermore, if you want, you can include a page on your site where you tell your story in detail. If it’s an inspiring one, it’s sure to strike a chord with at least one person.
Bonus Step: Regularly Update Your Site
After you’ve finished creating a personal website, you’ll need to keep it up to date. If companies notice that your site only features work from a few years ago, they may lose interest. That’s why you’ll need to give your site your undivided attention and frequently upload new content.