A personal website can be the key that opens many doors. It’s a great way to organize and showcase any creative work for audiences or potential employers – or simply just a way to express yourself. But where do you begin? Is it hard to build a website? What if you get stuck? There are several legitimate concerns when starting. Whatever the case may be, we recommend using a website builder as the easiest way to create your personal site. I’ve created this comprehensive step-by-step guide to teach you exactly how to get your personal website up and running in no time.
Why Do I Need My Own Personal Website?
It’s not so much about what a website is as it is what it does. You can use them to show the world what you’re all about, what you do, and why. Imagine it as an online dictionary of yourself. If someone were to search for your name, and your website came up as a result (as it would), it should be a comprehensive reflection of you and your work.
Depending on your work, you will need to change the website. Writers might want to prioritize blogging, while artists may need a website builder that offers a variety of gallery and image options. Your website is your online presence, so think about how you want to present yourself.
Step 1: Secure your Domain
As soon as you decide to create a website, the first step is to secure your domain name. This is the address that appears at the top of a search engine. It is important for others to find your website. Use your own name when creating a personal website. It’s clear who owns the website, it’s easy for people to remember, and overall, it looks more professional.
Domain registrars offer a variety of domain extensions. Domain.com offers “.net”, “.co”, and “.store”, which are all suitable for ecommerce. Next, you will need to search it at a domain registrar. Sites like NameCheap and Domain.com, where you pay an annual fee between $10 and $15 per year, are recommended. Wix and GoDaddy offer a free year-long domain when you build a website with them. You can also connect a domain you already own if you have one.
Step 2: Select a Website Builder
After you’ve secured your domain, it’s time to choose your website builder. You’ll choose a template here, add content to your site, generate traffic and continue updating and upgrading your website after it’s been published. Different website builders are designed for different types of websites, but almost all can manage a personal site. You can play around and find the website that best suits your style.
Top 3 Website Builders for Personal Sites
| Website Builder | Starting Price | Features | Discount Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | $17/month | Beginner-friendly, over 900 templates | TAKE10 for 10% off |
| Squarespace | $16/month | Great for artists, photographers | WBE10 for 10% off |
| GoDaddy | $9.99/month | Quick setup, flexible templates | – |
Step 3: Find the Template You Love
After you have chosen your website builder, it is time to choose a template. A template is an already-designed website that you can edit or customize to your liking. They can be useful in showing you how to design a website, but you are free to follow their example.
Step 4: Add your Website’s Content
- Add Static Content First: Set up the pages that you will need before you start uploading your work. We recommend a Contact Us Page with all your details, and an About Me Page that tells people about you.
- Upload Your Best Work: Once your site’s structure is complete, you can begin adding your work. Use drop-down menus to make it easy to navigate.
- Proper Text Formatting: Use headings and subheadings to organize your website copy. This is not only good for SEO, but also for readability.
- Don’t Go Crazy: Visual clarity is key for websites. Try not to overcrowd your site with unnecessary features.
- Mobile Devices: Visit your site on other devices after it has been published to see if the design is good. If not, go back to the editor.
Step 5: Get your Website Seen
Once you have finished creating your website, you can publish it and make it live on the Internet. Now you have to get people to your website! If you have followed our guide, your website is already fairly optimized for search engine optimization. However, there are some things you can do that will really boost its performance, such as adding alt texts to your images.
Additional Marketing Strategies
- Social Media: It is important to post on social media to begin building your online presence. Add your new site to existing profiles, promote it, and cross-post across multiple social media channels.
- Relevant Links: Searching for links to your website in reputable and notable publications is not only good for publicity, but it can also help your website rank higher for relevant search terms.
- Email Marketing: Use an email opt-in to collect email addresses and begin to contact people. This could help you connect with potential future employers and build those important connections.
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Pay-per-click is a model that allows you to “bid” the amount of money you are willing to pay per click to your website. It is expensive and competitive, but it can be very effective.
Summary
You will benefit from creating a personal site, whether you are applying for jobs, aspiring to advance professionally, or just sharing something important. Remember that your online presence will have a big impact on your prospects, and your exposure to the people who you want to connect with. You can create a unique website with our help and some hard work!
