Why You Need a Personal Website

This blog was most recently updated on May 8, 2024. 

In the oversaturated online space, standing out is a huge challenge. If people don’t notice you online, you lose access to opportunities, whether you’re a working professional or entrepreneur. Without a personal website, standing out is even more of a challenge. Here are the benefits of a personal website and what to include in it.

Should I Create A Personal Website?

For some, creating a personal website might seem over-the-top. However, creating your own site has many benefits, no matter what industry you work in. The internet is becoming more and more important in our daily lives. Creating a website is an investment in your personal and professional brand.

You might ask “Why can’t I just create a social media page instead?” You can absolutely do that, however, it doesn’t give you as much control as your own website does. A website means you have a centralized place to showcase who you are. You have full control and ownership over everything on your site, putting you in the driver’s seat of your brand image.

Essentially, a website lets you show people what you’re all about, rather than just telling them.

Who Needs A Personal Website?

Pretty much anyone will benefit from a personal site. In particular, here is a list of people who need one and why:

• Professionals looking to advance their career. Professionals can showcase portfolios, resumes, and career accomplishments. A website is a great way to  help recruiters and hiring managers understand a candidate’s complete professional scope.
• Recent graduates and job seekers. Personal websites give employers a much fuller picture than a simple resume. You get to provide a more dynamic presentation of your skills and experiences. This digital portfolio can highlight your academic projects, internships, and any other relevant experiences.
• Freelancers and consultants looking for clients. Websites are an essential tool for freelancers and act like both a digital business card and portfolio. You can post testimonials, service descriptions, and case studies. This all helps to build credibility and attract new clients.
• Artists and creative professionals. Portfolio websites are essential for artists, graphic designers, photographers, and anyone working in the arts. As a creative, you can display your portfolio, sell products, announce exhibitions, and connect with your audience directly.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners. If you own a business, you probably already have a business site. You should put the same attention towards building your personal brand as well. With your own site you can publish industry insights and establish yourself as a thought leader.
• Bloggers and content creators. As a blogger, it’s important to publish your posts on a site that you own, rather than a third party content platform. Professional bloggers need full control and ownership over the presentation and monetization of their content. A website is free from the restrictions of social media and blogging platforms.
• Academics and researchers. Academics can use a personal website to publish research, share academic contributions, and post blogs that highlight their expertise. It also offers a place to network and collaborate with peers.
• Advocates and activists. People working in advocacy can use a website to campaign, share information, and organize events. Social media can help with these things, but a website offers a more effective, centralized location

What Is The Difference Between A Personal Website And A Business Website?

Sometimes the lines between ‘personal’ and ‘business’ blur, especially if you are a freelancer. If you are confused about the differences between personal and business websites, let’s break it down:

A personal website showcases an individual’s personal brand, skills, projects, and interests. People use them to enhance their online presence and network with employers, clients, or other collaborators. Here are some key qualities:

• focuses on the individual, including a biography, resume, and a list of achievements and projects
• features a flexible website design that allows for creative freedom and personalization
• includes a personal blog to communicate directly with their audience
• acts as a tool for personal branding, self-expression, and thought leadership

A business website represents a company, organization, or brand. Businesses use them to inform customers about products, services, and their mission. Here are some key qualities:

• focuses on promoting products or services and engaging with customers
• features a formal structure designed to enhance the customer experience
• includes essential business information and has sections like “About Us”, “Products/Services”, “FAQs”, “Contact Information”, etc
• designed to handle customer interactions and e-commerce

Personal websites and business websites have a few key differences. Mainly, personal websites focus on an individual and their personal brand.

7 Benefits Of A Personal Website

1. Craft your personal brand

Having a personal website means that you can present yourself exactly how you want others to see you. This is the place to showcase your expertise and build credibility with employers, potential clients, and collaborators. Show people who you are, what you stand for, and what sets you apart in your field. Use these tips:

• Define your unique selling point (USP), aka what makes you different from others in your industry. Make sure to highlight this on your site.
• Customize the design and content to reflect your unique personality, style, and brand.
• Write a compelling bio that highlights your skills, experiences, and values.
• Use your personal branding consistently across all online platforms, including social media profiles and professional networking sites.
• Interlink your website and social media accounts so people know where else they can find you.

Learn more about building a strong personal brand here. 

2. Stand out online

According to Forbes, 93% of the general population does not have a personal website. By creating one, you put yourself in the top 7% of people who do. This shows that you put in the effort that most people don’t. Importantly, it gives you online visibility.

Most hiring happens online these days. You can’t just “hit the pavement”, stack of paper resumes in hand, and ask to speak to the boss. You must be tech savvy enough to stand out online before you get the chance to shine in person. 

Only 7% of the general population have a personal website. You can step yourself apart online by building a website for yourself.

3. Showcase your portfolio

For freelancers like artists, designers, writers, social media managers, etc, a personal website is essential. When you are self-employed, it’s on you to find your next client. This is your place to showcase your work and projects that people want to hire you to do.

Think of your site as a menu of what you can offer your clients. Would you order at a restaurant if you didn’t know what food they served ? No. So, use these tips:

• Make your online portfolio easy to navigate by organizing it into categories.
• Include high-quality images, videos, or samples of your work to demonstrate your capabilities.
• Offer detailed descriptions or case studies for each piece of work to provide context.
• Keep your portfolio fresh by updating it regularly with new projects.

4. Help recruiters and clients find you

You want it to be as easy as possible for your next job or gig to find you, right? Having a personal website boosts your online “discoverability”, and makes you accessible. This means that recruiters and clients just might come knocking on your inbox. Use these tips:

• Optimize your blog posts and content with keywords relevant to your industry and position.  SEO (search engine optimization) helps people find you when they Google these key terms.
• In your “About Me” section, make sure to include information about your qualifications, background, and career goals.
• Offer easy contact options, such as an email address, phone number, and contact form.
• Promote your website on social media, particularly professional sites like LinkedIn. 

5. Land your next job

Your 1-2 page resume can only say so much about you. Having a personal website is a dynamic way to show off both your skills and personality to potential employers. It shows employers that you are a self-starter and makes a lasting first impression. Unlike a resume, a personal site can also include:

• thought leadership articles that showcase your innovative ideas
• testimonials and endorsements from previous employers, clients, or co-workers
• a more comprehensive biography that offers more details about who you are

6. Develop new skills

Many professions these days involve working online in some capacity. Building and maintaining a personal website lets you learn new skills that are valuable in the job market. This includes:

• Web development skills like HTML/CSS, Javascript, and responsive design
• How to work with website builders like WordPress
• Content creating skills like writing blog posts, product descriptions, or case studies
• Multimedia skills like graphic design and editing videos and images
• Search engine optimization
• Digital marketing strategies
• Social media marketing
• Web analytics

Even if you don’t use all these skills in your next job, this shows that you are a fast learner and can adapt to changes.

7. Create a long-term online asset

Social media sites and third-party blogging platforms come and go. They may rise or fall in popularity, and the algorithms change constantly. However, a personal website gives you complete control and ownership over your online presence.

Your site is something that evolves with you and grows in value over time. You can tailor your messaging and branding exactly how you want without external disruptions.

What To Put On A Personal Website

Pages a personal website needs

A personal website should include pages that reflect your goals, interests, and the content you want to showcase. But, most sites should include these pages:

• Home Page: This is your first impression to visitors, as it’s the page they will most likely land on. Offer a brief description of who you are, what you do, and what visitors can expect. Include a welcome message and clear navigation to your other pages.
• About Me: This is the space to provide more detailed information about yourself. Include a biography, education, relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. Add any relevant information that helps visitors get to know you better.
• Portfolio/Projects: This page showcases your work, projects, and creations. It should include samples of your artwork, design projects, writing, case studies, or whatever else you do. Make sure your portfolio is easy for users to navigate by including categories.
• Services: If you work freelance, definitely include a page that outlines the services you provide. Include information about how potential clients can work with you, your areas of expertise, and pricing information.
• Testimonials/Recommendations: This is the page to showcase feedback, reviews, endorsements, and case studies. These can be from clients, co-workers, previous employers, or other collaborators. Include quotes that highlight your professionalism, quality of work, and any positive experiences.
• Blog: Posting blogs regularly is a great way to both boost your SEO and publish thought leadership pieces. Use this page to share your insights, experience, opinions, and updates on industry relevant topics. Learn how to increase your blog traffic here. 
• Contact: This page is essential so visitors can get in touch with you easily. Include your email, phone number, social media profiles, and/or a contact form. If applicable, include a map with your office location.

Other features to include

• Newsletter signup: To encourage repeat visitors, consider creating a newsletter. That way, users can get updates, exclusive content, or special offers. Place the signup form prominently on the page and offer users something if they decide to sign up.
• Events/Calendar section: Include a calendar if you have upcoming events like workshops, webinars, or speaking engagements. Offer details like dates, times, locations, and registration information.
• FAQ section: Create a page to address common questions and concerns. Organize these questions by topic and provide concise answers.
• Custom visuals: Set your site apart and reinforce your brand by adding custom logos, illustrations, and photography. Create cohesive design with consistent elements, color schemes, and typography.
• Easy navigation: People won’t stay on your website if it is difficult for them to use. Use clear menu labels, hierarchical navigation structures, and breadcrumbs so users can navigate easily.
• Mobile-friendliness: Over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices, so optimize your site for mobile. Use responsive design so your site adapts to smartphones, tablets, and other devices.
• Professionalism: Pay attention to details like spelling, grammar, and formatting throughout your site.  Use high quality content, imagery, and design elements to create the polished look you (and employers) want to see.
• Creativity: Your website should show off your unique self, so inject your creativity into it. Incorporate design features, interactive elements, and storytelling techniques to captivate users.

Conclusion: Get Your Personal Website Found Online Fast

Creating a personal website means you have more access to career opportunities. No matter what field you work in, this is your space to show off exactly who you are. Use these tips to get you thinking about how you can use a personal website to further your own career.

Creating personal websites from scratch can be a daunting task for beginners. At Brand911, we create professional websites that get you the results you need. We curate each website to the needs of each client, using expert SEO and web design techniques. Get in touch today for a free quote.