How to Create a Personal Website to Market Your Reputation

Why a Personal Website Matters

People are searching for you online. What shows up should be under your control.

Whether you’re applying for a new role, pitching clients, speaking at events, or building a brand—your personal website is your digital first impression. 

It tells your story, shows what you’re about, and helps people decide if they trust you.

If you don’t have one, you’re leaving your reputation—and opportunities—up to chance.

A personal website puts you in charge. It lets you:

• Control your narrative
• Showcase your work and achievements
• Appear professionally in Google search results

Overview: What This Guide Covers

This guide walks you through every step of creating a personal website that markets your reputation, not just your résumé.

You’ll learn:

• What a personal website is (and why LinkedIn isn’t enough)
• How to define your brand before you build
• What content your site should include
• Where to find design inspiration and tools
• Which platforms and domains to choose
• How to launch with SEO, and keep it fresh over time
• Examples of real personal websites that work
  

Let’s break it down.

Contents

What is a Personal Website?
Who Needs a Personal Website?
7 Steps to Create Your Personal Website

• 1. Define Your Brand
• 2. Plan Your Website Content
• 3. Design Your Site
• 4. Choose a Website Builder or Platform
• 5. Get a Custom Domain and Hosting
• 6. Launch with SEO and Optimization
• 7. Keep It Updated & Share It

Examples of the Best Personal Websites
Summary & Next Steps

What is a Personal Website?

Obviously, you know what a website is. But, think of your personal website as your own little corner of the internet that wholly belongs to you. 

It’s a site that tells people who you are, what you do, and how to connect with you.

Unlike social media profiles, a personal website gives you full control over your brand, content, and message. It’s your digital résumé, online reputation asset, portfolio, and platform in one place.

Types of Personal Websites

There’s no one-size-fits-all format. Your site should reflect your goals and strengths. Here are a few common types:

• Resume Website: A clean, professional site that outlines your experience, skills, and accomplishments. Great for job seekers and career transitions.
• Portfolio Website: A visual showcase of your work. Ideal for designers, writers, photographers, marketers, or anyone who creates deliverables.
• Personal Brand Blog: A content-driven site focused on thought leadership, personal insights, or industry commentary. Helps you build authority and visibility.
• Hybrid Site: Combines resume, portfolio, blog, and media into one. Popular with executives, founders, and professionals who wear multiple hats.

Personal Website vs. LinkedIn or Social Media

Social profiles can support your brand — but they shouldn’t be the whole story.

Here’s why your own website is better:

• No platform rules: You’re not limited by word count, format, or algorithm
• No distractions: Visitors focus on you, not ads or competitors
• More control: Design, tone, layout, and content are entirely yours
• Higher trust: A professional domain builds credibility fast

Your website should be the home base for your online presence — with everything else pointing back to it.

Why Owning Your Domain Matters

Choosing the right URL might not seem like a big deal – but trust us, it is one of the most important parts of creating your website. 

When you own your domain, you own your name online—and your content.

Ideally, your URL should be “yourname.com” or something that includes your full name. It’s a signal that you’re serious, and has several benefits:

• Looks more professional in search results and emails
• Protects your name from others buying or using it
• Builds long-term SEO value around you
• Makes you easier to find and remember
• Future-proofs your content — no one can take it away

If someone Googles your name, you want your site to be the first result. That starts with owning the domain.

Who Needs a Personal Website?

If your name is tied to your work, you need a personal website.

Despite the benefits, a shocking amount of people don’t even have one – which means you can take advantage of the leverage it gives you.

Only 7% of the general population has a personal website (Forbes). By creating one, you immediately set yourself apart from the crowd, giving yourself an asset to market yourself with.

Whether you’re building a business, a career, or a public profile—people are looking you up online. Your website helps them find the right version of you.

Here’s who benefits most:

• Consultants & Freelancers: Show your expertise, list your services, and make it easy for clients to reach out.
• Founders & Entrepreneurs: Separate your personal brand from your business while still showing your leadership and vision.
• Executives & Industry Leaders: Build credibility, attract speaking opportunities, and create a trusted presence outside of company bios.
• Creators & Artists: Showcase your work, grow your audience, and sell products or services.
• Job Seekers & Career Professionals: Stand out from the crowd with a clean, searchable site that highlights your achievements.
• Coaches, Authors, & Public Figures: Share your story, book consultations, and create a home base for your audience.
  

If you want to be found online — and taken seriously when you are — a personal website is the starting point.

7 Steps to Create Your Personal Website

You don’t need to be a web developer to build a great personal website.

You just need a clear plan, the right tools, and a few key decisions along the way.

In the next sections, we’ll walk you through each step — from defining your brand to launching your site and showing up in search results.

1. Define Your Brand

Before you design anything, you need to get clear on what your website is for. A strong personal brand makes your site more focused, more professional, and more effective.

Here’s how to define it.

Clarify Your Goals

Start by asking: What do I want this website to do for me?

Common goals include:

• Getting hired or landing freelance gigs
• Building trust with potential clients or collaborators
• Showcasing your work or thought leadership
• Growing your online visibility and authority

Your goals will shape your site’s content, design, and structure. Be specific. 

If you want to book more speaking gigs, your homepage and bio should reflect that. If you want to attract clients, make sure your services and contact info are front and center.

Know Your Audience

Who do you want to reach? And what do they care about?

Your personal website should speak directly to your ideal audience — whether that’s recruiters, potential clients, collaborators, or followers.

Think about:

• What problems they have
• What they’re looking for when they land on your site
• What kind of tone and content would resonate with them

Understanding your audience helps you write copy that connects and design a layout that converts.

Choose Your Brand Voice and Tone

Your voice is how you come across online. It should reflect your personality and align with your goals.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to sound formal or conversational?
• Personal or polished? Bold or understated?
• Do I use “I” or “we”? First name or full name?

Consistency is key. Use the same tone across all your pages so visitors know what to expect, and what they will remember you for.

Decide on Your Content Pillars

Your content pillars are the main sections that will live on your site. They help organize your ideas and guide your visitors.

Most personal websites include:

• Bio or About Page – who you are and what you stand for
• Work or Portfolio – examples of what you do
• Blog or Insights – content that builds trust and shows expertise
• Media or Press – interviews, articles, or awards
• Contact Page – how people can reach you
  

You don’t need all of them on day one. But, having a plan will help you build with purpose.

2. Plan Your Website Content

Your content is what turns a website into a personal brand.

Each page should serve a purpose, reflect your voice, and guide visitors toward your goals. 

Start simple. You can always add more over time.

Here are the key pages to include:

Homepage

Your homepage should explain who you are and what you do. 

This is your first impression. Make it clear and direct.

In a few seconds, visitors should know:

• Who you are
• What you do
• Who you help
• What action to take next (view your work, contact you, etc.)

Keep the layout clean. Include a strong headline, a short intro, a photo of you, and clear navigation.

About Page

Your about page should display your story, values, and credentials.

People want to work with real people, not just a resume – so show off your personality.

This is where you build connection and trust, so share:

• A brief personal story
• What drives you
• Your values/mission
• Your background, training, or achievements
• A few personal details to humanize your brand

Write in the first person (“I”) to make it more authentic.

Portfolio or resume

This page should prove your experience – but you need to show, not just tell.

Depending on your field, include:

• Case studies
• Client work
• Photos or samples
• Skills, tools, and specialties
• A downloadable or interactive résumé
  

Add short captions that explain the impact of your work. Make it easy for people to see what you bring to the table.

Blog

A blog isn’t strictly required. However, we truly believe it is one of the best ways to grow and promote your online presence.

It helps you:

• Improve SEO and show up in search results
• Share your knowledge and opinions
• Build trust with your audience

Choose topics you’re passionate about and have experience in. Set up the rest of your website first, then have a think about what topics you can bring value to and what you want to be known for.

While blogging helps with SEO, remember to write for the people you want to reach — not just for search engines or blog traffic.

You can also use this space to answer common questions, respond to trends, or document your journey.

Media Page

If you’ve been featured in articles, podcasts, or interviews, this is where they go.

If you’re just starting out in your career, you might not have any press to add here – yet. For now, throw this page into your drafts so it’s ready to go when you get the recognition you deserve. 

Include:

• Links to press features
• Logos of media outlets
• Screenshots or pull quotes
• Awards or speaking engagements

This builds authority and shows you’re credible in your field.

Contact Page

Don’t leave people guessing about how to get in touch with you. Make it as simple as possible by adding:

• A contact form
• Your email address
• Links to your LinkedIn or other social profiles

Keep this page short. If you want to filter inquiries (for example, press only or business inquiries), include clear instructions.

3. Design Your Site

Good design doesn’t mean flashy. It means clear, easy to navigate, and aligned with your personal brand.

You don’t need to be a designer to create a great looking site – you just need to be intentional.

Look for Inspiration in Your Industry

Start by researching other personal websites in your field. Notice:

• What kinds of content they highlight
• How they organize their pages
• What layouts, colors, and fonts they use
• What feels professional, approachable, or trustworthy

Save examples you like. Make note of what works, and what doesn’t. 

This will help guide your own design choices and give you ideas to build from.

Pick a Color Scheme and Typography That Reflect Your Brand

Color and type set the tone for your site.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to come across as bold, creative, minimalist, or classic?
• What colors match that tone?
• What fonts are readable but still show personality?

Stick to:

• 1–2 main brand colors
• 1 font for headings and 1 for body text
• Plenty of white space for a clean, breathable feel

Consistency here makes a big difference in how professional your site looks.

Prioritize Simple, Clean Design

Cluttered sites lose trust fast. Keep things simple:

• Clear headings
• Short paragraphs
• Thoughtful spacing
• One main call to action per page

A good design doesn’t distract. Rather, it should help people focus on your content.

Use Personal Website Templates or Hire a Designer

There’s no need to start from scratch.

Most platforms offer customizable templates that work well for personal sites. Look for one that matches your goals and keeps the layout intuitive.

I know we said you don’t need to hire a designer. But, if you do  have the budget, hiring a web designer can help you stand out and save time. 

You can always start DIY and upgrade later.

Design for Mobile First

63.38% of your website traffic will come from mobile users – so design with them in mind.

Make sure your site:

• Looks good on all screen sizes
• Loads quickly
• Uses large, clickable buttons
• Has easy-to-read text

Test your site on your phone before launching. What looks fine on a laptop might feel cramped on a small screen.

Make It Accessible and Easy to Navigate

Accessibility helps more people connect with you and your content. 

A lot of people overlook it, so using these tips can really help your site stand out:

• Use high-contrast colors for readability. Use this WCAG Contrast Checker to test your colors. 
• Add alt text to all images (more on this later)
• Include clear headings and page structure
• Make sure links are descriptive
• Keep navigation simple with 3–6 main menu items

When people can find what they need without effort, they’re more likely to stick around—and take action.

Struggling to bring your vision to life? Brand911 can design a personal website that looks professional and works for your goals. 

4. Choose a Website Builder or Platform

Once you know what your site will include and how it should look, the next step is choosing how to build it.

You can use a website builder (like Squarespace or Wix) or a more advanced platform (like WordPress or Webflow). 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Squarespace: All-in-one platform that’s easy to use with clean templates, ideal for simple, professional sites.
• Wix: Drag-and-drop builder with lots of design freedom, good for creatives who want visual control.
• WordPress (self-hosted): Highly customizable with endless plugins, best for blogs and scalable sites — but requires more setup.
• Webflow: Design-focused with advanced flexibility and clean code, better suited for those with design or technical experience.

Each one has pros and cons depending on your needs, budget, and comfort with tech.

Should You Hire a Web Developer or Start DIY?

If you’re just getting started, DIY is usually enough. Many website builders offer templates that make it easy to launch a polished site in a weekend.

But if you:

• Want a custom design
• Need advanced features or integrations
• Have a specific vision but no time to build it yourself

…then it may be worth hiring a web designer or developer. You can always start with a DIY builder and upgrade later.

If you’d rather skip the setup and get a done-for-you website, our team can help build a high-performing site from start to finish. 

5. Get a Custom Domain and Hosting

To look professional online, you need your own domain.

A custom domain makes your site easier to find, easier to remember, and easier to trust.

How to Choose the Right Domain Name

The best domain is usually your name, if it’s available.

Tips:

• Use yourfullname.com if possible
• Avoid numbers, dashes, or complicated words
• Keep it short, simple, and easy to spell
• If your name is taken, try adding your profession (e.g. johndoeauthor.com, janesmithdesign.com)
  

Check that the social handles for your name are available too, so you can keep your branding consistent.

Where to Buy a Domain

You can purchase your domain from:

• Google Domains (now managed by Squarespace)
• Namecheap
• GoDaddy
• Hover

Most website builders also let you buy a domain directly through their platform, which can make setup easier.

Best Hosting Platforms for Personal Websites

If you’re using Squarespace, Wix, or Webflow—hosting is included.

If you’re using WordPress (self-hosted), you’ll need separate hosting. Popular options include:

• SiteGround – beginner-friendly, reliable speed
• Bluehost – affordable and WordPress-recommended
• WP Engine – great performance for larger sites

Look for hosting that includes:

• Fast load times
• SSL certificate (for site security)
• Good customer support

6. Launch with SEO and Optimization

It’s not enough to have a great looking site, or even incredible content – you also need people to find it. 

Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your site show up in Google when someone searches for your name, services, or topics you cover.

Here’s how to optimize your personal website before (and after) launch:

Write Page Titles and Meta Descriptions

Every page on your site should have:

• A page title (the clickable headline in search results)
• A meta description (the short summary below it)

These tell search engines—and users—what your content is about.

Tips:

• Include your name and a keyword, like “Jane Smith | UX Designer”
• Keep titles under 60 characters and descriptions under 160
• Use clear, action-focused language that encourages clicks

Add Alt Text to Images

Alt text is a short description of each image on your site. It helps with:

• SEO (search engines read it)
• Accessibility (screen readers use it)
• Better user experience if an image doesn’t load

Make your alt text specific and relevant, like “John Smith speaking at 2023 leadership conference.”

Use Internal Linking

Link your pages to each other.

For example:

• Link from your homepage to your portfolio
• From your blog posts to your about page
• From your media page to your contact page

This helps Google understand your site’s structure—and keeps visitors exploring longer.

Add a Simple Contact Form

Don’t make people guess how to reach you.

A basic contact form lets visitors send you a message without opening their email app. Include fields for:

• Name
• Email
• Message

Make sure the form is easy to find—usually on its own page or in the footer of every page.

Set Up Google Analytics and Search Console

These free tools help you track how your site is performing.

• Google Analytics shows who’s visiting, how they found you, and what they’re clicking on.
• Google Search Console shows what search terms bring people to your site and flags any technical issues.

Setting them up takes just a few minutes—and gives you data to improve your site over time.

Not sure how to handle SEO on your own? Our team at Brand911 can help with custom optimization strategies and full audits that boost your rankings and visibility. 

7. Keep it Updated & Share it

Launching your site is just the beginning.

To keep it working for you, you need to keep it fresh—and get it in front of the right people.

Keep Your Contact Info and Work Samples Fresh

Outdated info can make you look inactive or unreliable. Set a reminder to check your site every few months and update:

• Contact details
• Recent projects or clients
• New press mentions, certifications, or skills
• Any changes to your services or focus

Make sure your site always reflects where you are now—not where you were a year ago.

Link Your Website on LinkedIn and in Your Email Signature

Make it easy for people to find your site.

Add your domain to:

• Your LinkedIn profile (featured section + contact info)
• Your email signature
• Your resume, social bios, and business cards

Every time someone interacts with you, they should have a path back to your website.

Share Blog Posts and Updates to Drive Traffic

If you’re writing blog posts or publishing content, don’t just let it sit there.

Promote it:

• Share new posts on LinkedIn or other platforms
• Send links to contacts, collaborators, or communities
• Reference your posts when answering questions or giving advice online

The more traffic you drive to your site, the more chances you have to make a strong impression.

Keep Posting New Blogs

Blogging regularly helps your site stay relevant in search and builds long-term trust with your audience.

Start small:

• One post a month is enough to build momentum. Focus on quality & consistency, not on writing a super high number of blog posts. 
• Focus on topics you know and care about
• Answer common questions your audience is already asking

The goal isn’t to go viral—it’s to show up consistently and offer value.

Examples of the Best Personal Websites

A great personal website reflects your personality, highlights your strengths, and guides visitors to take action.

Here are three standout examples from different industries to inspire your own setup:

Jen Carrington – Creative Business Coach

Industry: Business Coaching

Website: jencarrington.com

What Works:

• Clean, minimal design with a calming color palette that reflects her brand personality
• Clear messaging about who she helps and how
• A blog and podcast that build trust and keep visitors coming back
• Prominent calls to action and easy-to-find contact information

Why It’s Effective: Jen’s website feels personal, clear, and focused. It’s a great example for coaches, consultants, and service providers who want to communicate value while staying approachable.

Tobias Becs – Soccer Freestyler

Industry: Sports & Entertainment

Website: tobiasbecs.com

What Works:

• Bold homepage with dynamic video content and high-impact visuals
• Simple layout that highlights major achievements and partnerships
• Clear social media integration to drive engagement across platforms
• Easy contact form for booking or inquiries
  

Why It’s Effective: Tobias’s site shows how to use visuals and movement to create a strong first impression. It’s ideal for performers, creatives, and public figures looking to make an impact fast.

Harshit Jain, MD – Healthcare Marketing Innovator

Industry: Healthcare & Digital Marketing

Website: harshitjain.co

What Works:

• Professional layout with a strong headline that establishes authority
• Detailed bio that blends personal story with professional milestones
• Media mentions and publications that back up his credibility
• Straightforward navigation and contact options

Why It’s Effective: Harshit’s site is a strong model for executives, founders, and thought leaders. It shows how to position yourself as an expert while making your accomplishments accessible and easy to understand.

Summary & Next Steps

Creating a personal website is one of the smartest ways to build your reputation online.

It gives you control over your narrative, helps you show up in search, and makes a strong first impression on the people who matter most.

Whether you’re trying to get hired, grow a business, or establish yourself as a thought leader—your personal website is your foundation.

Key Takeaways:

• A personal website is your digital home base—more flexible and powerful than any social media profile.
• Defining your brand before you build helps you create a focused, effective site.
• Simple, clean design and clear messaging make the biggest impact.
• Choosing the right platform (like WordPress or Squarespace) depends on your needs and goals.
• SEO, regular updates, and strategic sharing keep your site working for you long after it goes live.

Need a Personal Website That Works as Hard as You Do?

At Brand911, we don’t just design websites—we create strategy-backed platforms that build your reputation, attract the right audience, and convert visits into real opportunities.

Our team helps you:

• Define your brand and message
• Build a responsive, SEO-optimized website
• Showcase your work, story, and services
• Make a memorable first impression in search results
• Turn your reputation into your greatest marketing asset
  

You bring the vision—we’ll build the website to match it. Call us at 1-888-913-6552 or request a free consultation to get started today. 

↑ Back to Top