How to Create Your Very Own Personal Website: The Complete Guide

February 7 2020 - Creating a personal website is a rewarding project if building a brand or business.

The vast selection of site building tools and resources makes it easier than ever to set one up. You could have a personal site running by this afternoon if you really wanted to! So... do you want to build one? Now's your chance.

Here's how to build a portfolio website from scratch:

1. Pick What Type of Personal Website You'll Develop

You have a few options if deciding to build a personal web site:

• Portfolio
• Blog
• Resume
• Shop

Each highlights personal features and places them front and center.

A blog, for example, is great if you'd like to share information and be known for a topic or interest. A portfolio, in comparison, is better suited to highlight your skills so you can get hired. A resume is a shortened version of the personal portfolio that typically sticks to a single page. Then, the shop takes what you produce and offers it to the markets.

Can't decide? Start with a professional bios format and platform since this includes most elements of each site type.

2. Pick Which Platform You'll Use to Develop the Site

The backend of the website depends on how well you know technologies. Likewise, what backend you pick depends on how involved you want to be with the site.

• Easy: Site builders
• Moderate: CMS platforms
• Hard: Custom sites

Most people should stick to the easier options unless they want to get involved with code. Platforms like Wix and Weebly offer free options to build simple sites for yourself. WordPress presents a free option to set up a site on their domain or by installing it on a personal website server. Of course, you could use a site-building tool baked into your domain/hosting service, too.

Honestly? Use whatever platform that's easiest to see the project to completion.

There are a lot of parts and steps to building a personal homepage. You'll find more on the front-end once it comes together. It's better to create at least something than getting stuck in project limbo.

3. Develop the Core Pages of the Website

The personal site can be whatever size and scope you want or need. The project could turn into a massive undertaking as it develops. Or, it could remain a simple thing that's there when people Google your name.

Whatever the size - there are a few essential pages that every site needs:

• Homepage - The page highlighting what/who the site is about
• About Me - The page that reveals who you are
• Services/Products - The page offering what you sell
• Portfolio - The page showing off what you've done
• Blog - The page where you share thoughts and ideas via posts
• Contact - The page where people can contact you

You could create a page for each of these items or stick them all on the homepage. The choice you make circles back to the type of site you decide to make. The one-page design is great for resumes whereas a multi-page site is ideal for all other formats.

Carving out a Corner of the Web

Learning how to build a personal website lets you create and put something out there. It's a neat feeling knowing you've carved a small corner for yourself on the Web. The site could prove really rewarding depending on what you do with it.

The concept behind creating a site isn't that hard. It takes a bit of work but you'll have one together soon enough!

How else can you make an impact? Check out some of the success guides on the site and put them to good use!

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