A personal website acts as an online portfolio to showcase your work, skills, and accomplishments. This guide explains the key reasons to create one.
In today’s digital world, having an online presence is crucial, whether you’re a student, professional, or creative hobbyist. A personal website serves as your portfolio on the web – a place to highlight your background, talents, and achievements. While you may work an office 9-to-5 or maybe in construction out in the field all day, a personal website is still helpful. A personal website will help you gain connections based on the work you do in and out of your career.
Showcase your work and skills
For students and recent grads
Creating a personal website is a game-changer for students and recent graduates. It’s not just a fancy digital resume; think of it as your online storytelling space. Imagine having a place where you can proudly showcase your academic journey, projects, and papers.
Remember, potential employers or collaborators want to see beyond the grades – they want to witness your passion and dedication. Highlighting your coursework and knowledge on your personal website is like giving your skills a spotlight. It’s your chance to stand out in a competitive job market and say, “Here’s what I’ve done, and here’s what I know.” A digital story also shows your dedication and love of your career and what you do. Taking steps these steps to stand out is sure to help you obtain meaningful employment.
For professionals
If you’re a seasoned professional, a personal website is your “digital power move.” It’s more than just a virtual CV; it’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on your career and the journey to it. A website is a platform where you can showcase your finest work samples and proudly display your career accomplishments. This isn’t about listing job titles – it’s about creating a visual of your expertise.
Your website is intended to guide potential employers or collaborators to your site… where they’re not just seeing your resume; they’re witnessing your professional legacy. It is important to consider that many do not “care” about your credentials or your college degree. It is about what you have done in your career, how much experience you have, and most importantly: what you can do for them.
Establish your personal brand
Share your story and personality
Your personal brand is your unique fingerprint in the digital world, and a personal website is the perfect medium to showcase it. While you may not want to “tell a story” a personal website is much more. The “About” page is your digital hello, inviting visitors to connect with the real you beyond the formalities. Note: This is not a replacement for a genuine connection. Of course, if you want to have a real impact, you will shake hands with your client “in real life.” However, a website is a step in the right direction. Your personal brand is a place to share more than just your degree or job positions, it’s a place to share your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a passion for photography like myself, an obsession with cooking, or a love for hiking, let your website be the portal that goes beyond the professional surface. A perfect place to share this is on your cover, where a photo of yourself “in the field” shares a lot with potential clients.
Customize the design
Arguably the hardest part of creating a website; picking your colors and fonts. It is always important to associate with your market. In the West, you will likely need to remain simple, picking readable fonts like Calibre and only 3 colors. However, in countries like Japan, internet portfolios are likely to have many more colors and “fun” fonts.
It is also important to show professionalism in your website. Meaning, imagine your mom is viewing the website. “Watch your language” is my main tip. Also, remember this principle when considering photos to publish on your site. While you may not consider yourself a “bussinessman” or a professional, remaining professional on your site will result in proportionally higher conversion rates compared to a nonprofessional site.
Expand your network and opportunities
Connect with peers and mentors
Just like myself, it is important to have a way to contact you. Whether through email or a form, contact is the most important part of your website. Without it, how will new potential clients contact you? It is also important to take advantage of social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X (we all know its still Twitter). These sites grow site traffic drastically, especially with paid targeted advertising. Growing your Personal Brand through these sites, in a professional and non-professional setting makes it easier for others in your field to find and contact you.
Discover new prospects
An impressive portfolio attracts businesses looking for a skilled new hire. If you are going into a digital field, a personal portfolio is a must have. Without it, others will outshine you. Just remember to showcase your best work and not your random midnight project.
For freelancers, a personal website is a tool to establish your professional presence. It is essentially your storefront, open 24/7, showcasing the breadth and depth of your skills, projects, and expertise. It creates a welcoming space for potential clients to navigate through a portfolio that tells a story of your capabilities. Don’t forget that “About” page, it is essential people get to know you as a person, not a few words on the internet. . Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer, or digital marketer, having a personal website is that secret sauce that sets you apart in a competitive freelance landscape. Just remember not to share your recipe… or in this case your password.
A personal website is your chance to control how the world sees you online. Invest time, some cash, or both to create one. It will be beneficial in the long run. Shameless plug, but feel free to book a free consultation with me, contact me through email or my form, to discuss your options. I am sure to create a small little website within your budget or direct you in the right direction.
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