How to: Create a Personal Website
If you are looking to raise your own personal profile (e.g. as a speaker or as an expert in a particular niche, or even as a freelancer or skilled individual offering a service) a personal website to showcase you and your personal brand might be just what you need.
A personal website can give you a home online and make it easier for others to find you and connect with you and it can also give you a place to showcase your work or portfolio. Simply put – think of it as an online C.V. that you control and customise.
It doesn’t have to be an amazing website that you need to keep up to date or write regular blog posts on (unless that is part of your visibility strategy). For example, you might put the website under yourname.com It can simply be a page of information if that is what works for you as it makes it easier for people to find you and get in touch.
Here is what you should include on your personal website to keep it informative and simple (but still have an impact):
01. Your Elevator Pitch
You want people visiting your website to understand who you are, what you do and what you are looking for. The easiest way to do this is to include your elevator pitch (or a variation of it) on your website. This might be on the front page or alternatively, you might have a dedicated “about me” page.
Keep it short and snappy!
Visibility Printable: About Me Page
02. Examples of your Work
Treat your personal website as your C.V. or Portfolio. If you are a professional include example of your work that showcases your expertise such as examples of key projects you have worked on and examples of articles you have written. If you are in a visual field of work such as a designer, artist or photographer etc includes a visual portfolio or gallery of your work.
Curate your examples so that they show the best you!
03. Links to your Social Media Profiles and Publications
Treat your personal website as a home, with links to other places around the web where people can find you. For example include links to your professional social media profiles as well as any published blog posts and content, any interviews, videos and if you work for someone else your employer’s website and any relevant information there.
Your personal website is a great place to bring everything together!
Further Reading: Write Articles to raise your profile (but don’t forget to promote them)
04. A Blog
If you already write on your corporate website and/or don’t enjoy writing content you may not want to include a blog on your personal website. You should only write a blog if you can keep up with it on a regular basis (minimum 2 or 3 posts a month). An outdated blog is worse than no blog at all.
If you include a blog it is a perfect place to share your thoughts, build your reputation as a thought leader, engage with others and keep your network updated with your news.
Further Reading: Write your own blog to demonstrate thought leadership and expertise
05. Testimonials
Testimonials from people you have previously worked with can be a great way to boost your professional profile. Choose personal and specific testimonials from your clients and contacts to make an impression.
Further Reading: How To: Ask For Testimonials for your Website
06. Use Images
Finally, make sure that you make the website visual. Depending on you and your business this might be really straight-forward, but it can be harder for some professionals and occupations. So just remember your pages should not be just text. At a minimum, you should be including a professional picture of yourself.
Further Reading: Tips for using the Right LinkedIn Profile Picture (on a budget)
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