8 key elements you should include in your personal website

If you're looking to establish your online presence, creating a personal website is a great way to do so. A personal website can showcase your skills, accomplishments, and personality to potential employers, clients, or collaborators.

In this era of remote work and digital communication, having a personal website can help you stand out from the crowd and increase your visibility online.

In this article, I'll cover the key elements that you should include in your personal website to make a great first impression and effectively communicate your message to your audience.

What is a personal website?

A personal website is a website that is designed to showcase an individual's personal brand, skills, achievements, and interests. Personal websites typically contain information about the website owner, such as their name, professional or personal background, contact details, and sometimes a blog or portfolio of their work.

Personal website can be used for a variety of purposes, such as networking, job seeking, freelancing, or simply for personal branding and self-expression.

With the availability of website builders and content management systems, creating a personal website has become more accessible and affordable than ever before.

Things you need to include your personal website

#1: Your bio

Your bio is one of the most important elements of your personal website, as it gives visitors an overview of your background, experience, and skills. Your bio should be concise, engaging, and highlight your unique abilities and accomplishments. Make sure to use relevant keywords in your bio to help improve your search engine rankings.

#2: Samples of your work

One of the best ways to showcase your skills and expertise is by including samples of your work on your website. This can include writing samples, design work, photography, or any other work that you're proud of. Be sure to choose your best work and present it in a clear and organized manner.

#3: A picture of you

Adding a picture of yourself to your website can help visitors feel more connected to you and your brand. It can also help establish your credibility and professionalism. Choose a high-quality image that accurately reflects your personality and style, and use it consistently across all of your online profiles.

#4: Contact information

Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you by including your contact information on your website. This should include your email address, phone number, and any other relevant information like your mailing address or Skype handle. You may also want to consider adding a contact form to your site to make it even easier for people to get in touch with you.

#5: Blog page

Including a blog on your website can be a great way to showcase your expertise, share your thoughts and insights on relevant topics, and engage with your audience. Your blog can also help drive traffic to your site and improve your search engine rankings. Be sure to update your blog regularly and promote your content on your social media accounts.

#6: Your social media accounts

Speaking of social media, be sure to include links to your social media accounts on your website. This can help visitors connect with you on other platforms and keep up-to-date with your latest updates and content.

#7: Subscription form

If you have a newsletter or other form of regular communication with your audience, be sure to include a subscription form on your site. This can help you build an email list of interested subscribers who are more likely to engage with your content and services.

8. Testimonials and Reviews:

Including testimonials and reviews from previous clients, customers, or employers can add credibility and trustworthiness to your personal brand. These testimonials can be placed on a separate page on your website or interspersed throughout your content.

10. Professional Headline:

Your professional headline is a brief statement that summarizes your skills and expertise. It should be prominently displayed on your website, so visitors can quickly understand what you do. Your professional headline should be clear and concise, and it should accurately reflect your brand and what you offer.

11. Awards and Achievements:

Including any awards or achievements you've received can help you stand out from the competition and showcase your skills and expertise. Awards and achievements can be listed on a separate page on your website or incorporated into your bio.

12. Links to Your Published Work:

If you've written any articles or blog posts that have been published online, include links to them on your personal website to demonstrate your expertise. This can also help drive traffic to your published content and establish you as an authority in your field.

13. Multimedia Content:

Incorporating multimedia content such as videos or podcasts can add an engaging and interactive element to your website. This type of content can help keep visitors on your site for longer periods of time and encourage them to return in the future.

14. Free resources

Finally, consider offering free resources or downloads on your website. This could be in the form of a free e-book, template, or other resource that your visitors would find valuable. Offering free resources can help build trust with your audience and establish you as an authority in your field.

Why you need a personal website?

Create your own identity

A personal website helps you to showcase your skills, experiences, and achievements and helps you establish your own unique identity on the internet.

Make strong online presence

A personal website allows you to build a strong online presence, which can increase your visibility to potential employers, clients, and collaborators.

Generate passive income from anywhere

A personal website can serve as a platform to generate passive income through various means such as affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and online courses.

Share your opinion and skills

A personal website enables you to share your thoughts, opinions, and expertise on a variety of topics, which can help you establish yourself as an authority in your field.

Create brand awareness

A personal website can help you build brand awareness and recognition for your personal brand, which can help you stand out in a crowded market.

Start online business

A personal website can serve as a starting point for launching an online business, allowing you to sell products or services to a global audience.

Create online portfolio

A personal website can serve as an online portfolio, showcasing your past work and accomplishments, which can help you attract new clients or job opportunities.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, having a personal website is essential for establishing your online presence, showcasing your skills and accomplishments, and building your personal brand. It provides you with the opportunity to generate passive income, share your opinions and expertise, and even launch an online business.

By including key elements, you can create a powerful and effective personal website that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Frequently asked questions 

Q1. What should I include in my bio on my personal website?

A: Your bio on your personal website should be brief, engaging, and informative. It should highlight your key skills, experience, and accomplishments, and convey your personality and interests. Some key elements to include in your bio are:

• Your name and title

• Your professional experience and accomplishments

• Your skills and expertise

• Your education and training

• Your personality and interests

Q2. How many samples of my work should I include on my personal website?

A: The number of samples of your work to include on your personal website will depend on the type of work you do and the level of detail you want to provide. However, it's generally a good idea to include a diverse range of your best work, including:

• Examples of different types of projects

• Projects that showcase your skills and expertise

• Projects that demonstrate your creativity and originality

• Projects that highlight your professional achievements

Q3. What type of picture should I include on my personal website?

A: The picture you include on your personal website should be professional, engaging, and reflective of your personality and brand. Some key things to consider when choosing a picture are:

• Use a high-quality image

• Choose a picture that is well-lit and visually appealing

• Use a picture that reflects your personal style and brand

• Make sure the picture is appropriate for your industry or niche

Q4. What contact information should I include on my personal website?

A: The contact information you include on your personal website should be clear and easy to find. Some key elements to include are:

• Your email address

• Your phone number

• Your physical address (if applicable)

• Links to your social media profiles

• A contact form for visitors to fill out

Q5. What should I blog about on my personal website?

A: The topics you blog about on your personal website will depend on your personal interests and expertise. However, some key things to consider when choosing blog topics are:

• Write about topics that are relevant to your industry or niche

• Share your expertise and opinions on key issues

• Provide helpful tips and insights for your readers

• Write in a conversational and engaging tone

Q6. How many social media accounts should I include on my personal website?

A: The number of social media accounts you include on your personal website will depend on your personal preferences and the platforms you use. However, it's generally a good idea to include links to your most important and active social media accounts, including:

• LinkedIn

• Twitter

• Facebook

• Instagram

Q7. How do I create a subscription form for my personal website?

A: To create a subscription form for your personal website, you can use a variety of tools and plugins that integrate with your website platform. Some key things to consider when creating a subscription form are:

• Choose a tool that is easy to use and customize

• Determine what information you want to collect from subscribers

• Make sure the form is visually appealing and fits with your website design

• Offer an incentive for visitors to subscribe, such as a free resource or newsletter

Q8. What type of free resources should I offer on my personal website?

A: The free resources you offer on your personal website will depend on your personal expertise and interests. However, some key ideas for free resources are:

• An e-book or guide related to your industry or niche

• A checklist or template for a specific task

• Access to a webinar or video training

• A printable worksheet or infographic