The Power of a Personal Website or Portfolio
In today's highly competitive job market, everyone is looking for a way to separate from the masses and stand out to hiring managers. The easiest way to do that is to have a strong online presence. Whether you're a freelancer working struggling to stand out from the crowd of online professionals to win a job, or a job seeker trying to make your application unique, having a personal website or portfolio can be that little thing to push you over the edge.
By now it's common knowledge that companies do their research before making applicants an offer. In this competitive job market, a clean social media presence and a basic linked-in account are not cutting it anymore. If you want to be memorable, your online presence is the easiest way to show your value. Your website is an additional chance to highlight your accomplishments and impress the hiring team.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of having a personal website, discuss why it's necessary in 2023, and go over the dos and don’ts of creating one so you can avoid the common pitfalls.
Benefits of Having a Personal Website or Portfolio
A strong website builds credibility.
Think about it. When you hear about a new brand, the first thing you do is look them up online. If their website looks sketchy or poorly managed, it’s a signal that their products or services are also poor. In our technological age, websites signal credibility. The same is true for people.
A well-done personal website instantly elevates you and makes you look more professional. It’s like a digital storefront to sell yourself and your achievements. By investing in your online presence, you build trust with potential clients or employers, increasing your chances of success.
A website serves as a second resume.
Your website can serve the same purpose as a resume but with more freedom. It provides a platform to showcase your work, projects, or qualifications in a more engaging way.
It allows you to present your skills and capabilities in a visually appealing and organized manner. You can give examples, use pictures, and include the details that would clutter up a resume. Whether you're in a creative field or not, your portfolio acts as a powerful visual representation of your talent.
A website offers a broader reach.
Unlike traditional networking methods, a personal website doesn’t limit you to the professionals in your city. It breaks geographical barriers and allows you to attract clients or employers globally.
When you have a website, recruiters and companies can find you more easily. By making prudent use of the internet, you can expand your professional network and increase your visibility within your industry.
Why You Need a Personal Website or Portfolio
Control the Narrative
In our digital age where it feels like everything is available online, having a personal website gives you control over the narrative. By choosing what information you put forward, you can curate your brand and ensure that all the information about you is accurate and up-to-date information.
This helps counter any misinformation or outdated content that may exist elsewhere online. You don’t want potential employers to make their decisions based on your MySpace profile from 2008. When you control the narrative, you control how people see you.
The Extra Mile
In a competitive job market, a personal website sets you apart from the competition. Not only does it demonstrate your digital literacy and adaptability, but it also shows your commitment to professional growth. Employers appreciate candidates who go the extra mile to establish their online presence and showcase their skills effectively.
Creating a Personal Website or Portfolio: Dos and Don'ts
Dos:
Define Your Objectives and Target Audience
Clearly outline your objectives for creating a personal website and identify your target audience. This will help you tailor your content and design to meet their specific needs. Much like a resume, every design and content decision for your website should be centered around your target audience.
Choose a Professional Domain Name and Reliable Web Hosting
Select a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember. Keep it simple like your name and a word that describes what readers will find. For example, a writer might choose the URL ‘rebeccasmithwriter.com’ or ‘rebeccasmithportfolio.com’.
Invest in reliable web hosting to ensure your website is accessible and secure. There are many hosting platforms where you can get a custom domain for a couple of dollars a month. However, if you don’t want to pay, there are several free platforms where you can host a website with a slightly longer URL.
If you don’t want to pay for web hosting, you lose out on a personalized domain. That being said, there are several free options that still look somewhat professional. Some options are:
Wordpress.com
Wix.com
Google blogger page
Weebly.com
Design an Appealing and User-Friendly Layout
Create a clean and visually appealing design that is easy to navigate. Use a professional color scheme and typography that aligns with your brand. If you don’t have a single design bone in your body, there are free websites to help you put together a color and font scheme. Even Canva has a webpage design feature that users can access for free.
Highlight Your Strengths and Accomplishments
Showcase your best work and highlight your achievements prominently. Use case studies, testimonials, or client feedback to demonstrate your value. This is your chance to put your best foot forward so don’t be afraid to show off. The website can span your whole career or your most recent work if that looks better.
Incorporate Multimedia Elements to Enhance Engagement
Make use of images, videos, or interactive elements to enhance user engagement. Visuals keep people’s interest and make a stronger impression. Readers will be more likely to view the whole page and remember you later.
Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)
Implement basic search engine optimization techniques to improve your website's visibility in search engine results. Use relevant keywords, meta tags, and ensure your website loads quickly. If you don’t know where to start, tons of free online courses explain how to use SEO.
Some recommended for free SEO courses:
HubSpot Academy
Udemy
Simplilearn.com
Mygreatlearing.com
Semrush.com
Coursera
Don'ts:
Overwhelming Design or Cluttered Content
Avoid cluttering your website with excessive information or a busy design. Keep it clean, organized, and focused on your core message. Remember that you don’t have to put everything you’ve ever done on the page. Edit it down to the most substantial information that will paint a clear picture.
Neglecting Mobile Responsiveness
With the rise of mobile browsing, ensure your website is fully optimized for mobile devices. It should provide a seamless experience across different screen sizes. Most hosting platforms have the option to optimize your design for mobile. After you complete the website, always pull it up on your phone to check the user experience.
Failing to Update Regularly
Portfolios are not a fix-it-and-forget-it thing. Regularly update your website with new content, projects, or achievements. Outdated information can diminish your credibility and deter potential clients or employers. A well-maintained website reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
Poor Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Take the time to proofread and edit your page content. Grammatical errors or spelling mistakes can create a negative impression and undermine your professionalism. Obvious mistakes read as lazy. If you are too lazy to edit your own content, how can a company trust you with theirs?
Excessive Self-Promotion without Substance
While self-promotion is essential, balance it with substance. Focus on delivering value through quality content, insights, or resources that resonate with your target audience. If your website only serves as an advertisement without backing, it reads as a scam. Your website should show your work.
Additional Considerations
As you build your website or portfolio, consider these additional factors.
Integrating Social Media Profiles and Contact Information is vital. Link your social media profiles to your website and provide clear contact information. This allows visitors to connect with you across different platforms and reach out for potential collaborations or opportunities.
Incorporate testimonials, referrals, and client feedback. Showcasing the words of your real-life clients builds trust and credibility. Highlighting satisfied clients' experiences can significantly impact potential employers' decision-making processes.
Provide clear calls to action. Guide visitors through your website with clear calls to action. Whether it's requesting a quote, scheduling a consultation, or simply connecting on social media, make it easy for them to take the next step.
With so much of a successful job search taking place online, a personal website or portfolio is an invaluable tool for establishing your online presence. By highlighting your expertise, showcasing your work, and presenting yourself professionally, you can position yourself for success in your career. Invest the time and effort into creating a compelling personal website and unlock the doors to new opportunities. Embrace the power of personal branding and watch your business prospects soar.
