Start with a purpose, not a platform
Before choosing any software, write one or two sentences about what the site is for. Common purposes include showing your work to potential clients, giving employers a place to learn more than a resume allows, or simply having a stable page that you control. A site built for a clear purpose is usually easier to design, because most decisions become a matter of asking whether something helps that purpose.
It also helps to decide who the main visitor is. A hiring manager skimming for two minutes needs something different from a potential collaborator who wants to see how you think. Write down the one person you most want to serve, and let that shape what you include.
Be honest about how much time you can give the site over the next year. A small site that is accurate and current beats an ambitious one that stalls. Results vary a great deal from person to person, and a personal website is not a guarantee of any particular outcome. It is a place you own, and it is worth building modestly.
The pages most first sites need
You can start with very few pages. A reasonable first set looks like this:
- Home page. A short statement of who you are, what you do and where to go next.
- About page. A fuller introduction. The structure is covered in more depth in the article on what to put on an about page.
- Work or portfolio page. A few well-chosen examples rather than everything you have ever done. If you want help selecting items, a portfolio checklist is a good starting point.
- Contact page. A clear way to reach you, covered in the piece on writing a clear contact page.
Optional additions include a blog or writing section, a page listing services, and a short resume page. Add these only when you can keep them current. An empty blog with one post from several years ago can look worse than no blog at all.
Choosing how to build it
There are a few broad routes, and none is right for everyone.
| Approach | Good for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Hosted site builder | Beginners who want a visual editor | Less control; ongoing fees are typical |
| Content management system on your own hosting | People who want flexibility and plugins | More setup and maintenance |
| Simple static pages | Those comfortable with basic code | Fewer built-in features; very low upkeep |
| A single-page profile or link page | A minimal presence quickly | Limited room for detail |
Features and pricing at specific companies change often, so compare current terms yourself. Useful questions to ask: Can I export my content if I leave? Can I use my own domain name? What does renewal cost compared with the first year? Is the result readable on a phone?
Pick an address you can keep
A custom address makes a site look more settled and means your link will not change if you switch tools later. The thinking behind this is covered in the article on choosing a domain name for your site. In short, favor something short, easy to say aloud and easy to spell. Registration is typically a recurring yearly fee, so put the renewal date in your calendar.
Look and feel
Keep the design plain. Generous spacing, readable text and a restrained palette do more for credibility than elaborate effects. If you already have a visual identity from other materials, reuse it so the site feels like part of the same picture; brand consistency matters more than novelty. If you are starting fresh, a short guide to color and fonts can help you pick a few options and stick with them.
Photographs deserve some care. A clear profile photo and a few professional photos of your work can help visitors feel they know who is behind the site. Whatever images you use, add alt text so people using screen readers can follow along, and make sure you have the right to publish each picture.
Write for skimming
Most visitors scan before they read. Use short paragraphs, descriptive headings and plain language instead of jargon. Each page should answer a question the visitor probably has: who is this, what can they do, and how do I get in touch? Many sites also benefit from one clear call to action per page, such as “view my work” or “send a message”, rather than several competing ones.
If you mention testimonials or results, keep them accurate and permitted. Avoid overstated claims, and do not publish client details without permission.
Privacy and safety decisions
A personal site makes information public and searchable, so decide in advance what you will not share. Many people leave out a home address, a personal phone number and details about family members. Consider whether a contact form or a dedicated email address is safer than listing your main one. Domain registration records may also contain personal details, and some registrars offer ways to limit what is shown; check what yours offers.
It is also sensible to run a self search from time to time, to see what visitors, employers and strangers can find about you, including your new site.
Launch small, then maintain
Before going live, read every page aloud, click every link and look at the site on a phone and a computer. Ask someone you trust to try finding your contact details. Mistakes in basic information are more damaging than a plain design.
After launch, set a simple routine. Once or twice a year, review each page: Is your job title current? Do the examples still represent your best work? Does the contact method still work? Keep software and plugins updated if your tool requires it, and keep backups of your content.
Finally, remember that a website is one part of a wider online presence. It tends to work best when it matches what appears on your professional profiles, so a visitor who finds you in two places sees one consistent story. Start with the smallest version that does its job, publish it, and improve it as you learn what visitors actually look for.