Things You Should and Should Not Put on Your Personal Website

If you've been exploring the vast cyber wilderness, wondering how to curate your personal website, you're not alone.

I've been there, lost in the matrix of endless possibilities. But fear not! I've blazed a trail and I'm here to guide you.

Why a Personal Website?

In the digital age, having a personal website is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity.

Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine the internet as an enormous global party. At this party, everyone is vying for attention, trying to make connections, share their stories, and leave an impression. Now, wouldn't you want to be the life of this party? That's where a personal website comes in.

A personal website is more than just an online resume or portfolio—it's your digital avatar. It's where you invite people over to show off your favorite books, your most recent DIY project, or maybe those mouthwatering cupcakes you baked last weekend. It's a space where your personality should shine brighter than my aunt's sequin dress at a family reunion.

Your personal website offers you an unfiltered platform to express yourself, showcase your skills and achievements, and connect with like-minded individuals. It's like having your own little corner in the vast universe of the internet.

But why is having a personal website so crucial in today's digital world? Here are some reasons:

1. Professional Visibility: With employers increasingly turning to the internet to vet potential candidates, having a polished and professional personal website can set you apart from the crowd.
2. Personal Branding: A personal website allows you to control your online presence and shape your personal brand just the way you want it.
3. Networking: Your website can act as a networking hub where professionals, potential clients, or collaborators can learn more about you and reach out.
4. Learning and Development: Building and maintaining a website can help you develop valuable skills like web design, SEO, and content creation.
5. Showcasing Work: For freelancers, artists, writers, and other creative professionals, a personal website serves as a dynamic portfolio of their work.
6. Sharing Your Passion: Whether you're passionate about travel, food, fashion, or tech, your personal website is the perfect platform to share this passion with the world.

So, are you ready to be the life of the digital party? Are you prepared to carve out your own personal space in the online world? If yes, then dive right into creating your personal website! And remember, it's not just about what you put on your website—it's about how you present it. So let's delve into the things you should and shouldn't include on your personal site!

What Should Go on Your Personal Website?

1. An engaging 'About Me' section: This is more than just a formal introduction; it's your digital handshake to the world. Tell a story that encapsulates who you are. Are you a tech enthusiast with a penchant for vintage comic books? Or perhaps a wellness coach with a love for salsa dancing? This section should be a blend of light-hearted anecdotes and genuine insights into your persona. Remember, this isn't a job interview - it's an opportunity to connect with people on a personal level, to show them the person behind the screen.
2. A portfolio of your work: A personal website without a portfolio is like an art gallery without paintings. It's where you showcase your skills, talents, and achievements. Whether you're an artist displaying your latest sketches, a writer sharing snippets of your unpublished novel, or a developer demonstrating your coding prowess, a well-crafted portfolio speaks volumes about your capabilities and dedication. Include images, documents, links to your work - anything that adds depth and dimension to your offerings.
3. Your blog or vlog: This is where you can really let your personality shine through! Share your thoughts, ideas, experiences or knowledge about subjects that fascinate you. It could be anything from quantum physics to gardening tips for small spaces. Not only does this provide value to visitors, but it also positions you as an authority in your field. Plus, it's a great way to engage with your audience and spark conversations.
4. Links to your social media profiles: Social media is like the casual lounge of your digital living room. It's where visitors can see another side of you - the daily updates, the candid shots, the casual conversations. By linking these profiles to your website, you're making it easy for people to connect with you on different platforms. However, ensure these platforms reflect the same 'you' that's on your website. Consistency is key in building a strong digital persona.
5. Contact Information: Your website is not just a platform for self-expression; it's also a channel for interaction. Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you by providing clear and visible contact information. This could be an email address, a contact form, or even your business address if applicable. If you're feeling a bit old school, you could also include a fax number (just kidding!).
6. A compelling call-to-action (CTA): What's the next step for visitors after they've explored your site? Do you want them to subscribe to your newsletter? Register for your webinar? Download your free eBook? A strong CTA guides your visitors towards an action that benefits both of you. Make sure it's clear, enticing, and easy to find.

What Should You Avoid?

1. Overloading with information: While it's important to provide valuable content, there's such a thing as too much information. Keep it simple and clean. An overly cluttered website can be overwhelming and confusing, turning visitors away faster than a pop-up ad on a slow internet connection.
2. Being too formal: Your personal website is not a corporate brochure; it's a space where your unique personality should shine through. Avoid jargon and stiff language. Instead, opt for a conversational tone that makes visitors feel like they're chatting with a friend - not reading an instruction manual.
3. Forgetting to update: A personal website is like a living organism - it needs regular care to thrive. Keep your content fresh with regular updates. This shows that you're active and engaged, and gives visitors a reason to come back. Plus, search engines love fresh content!
4. Ignoring SEO: While you shouldn't stuff your website with keywords like a turkey on Thanksgiving, ignoring SEO is a digital sin. Use targeted keywords strategically in your content, meta tags, and alt text. This will help improve your visibility on search engines and attract more traffic to your site.

How Can You Make Your Personal Website Stand Out?

Standing out in the digital crowd can seem like a daunting task, especially considering the millions of personal websites floating around in the cyber sea. But fear not, there are ways to make your website shine brighter than a disco ball at a 70s party.

1. Unique Design: First impressions matter. A lot. According to research, it takes about 0.05 seconds for users to form an opinion about your website that determines whether they like your site or not, whether they’ll stay or leave. So, make those milliseconds count with a unique and eye-catching design that reflects your personality and style.
2. High-Quality Images and Visuals: A picture speaks a thousand words, and high-quality images can really elevate the look and feel of your website. Whether it's photos of your work, a professional headshot, or graphics for your blog posts, make sure they are clear, well-lit, and visually appealing.
3. Consistent Branding: Your personal website is an extension of your personal brand. Consistency in colors, fonts, tone of voice, and messaging across all pages will help build recognition and trust with your audience.
4. User-Friendly Navigation: Ever walked into a store where you couldn't find anything because everything was in disarray? Frustrating, isn't it? The same goes for websites. Make sure your site is easy to navigate with clear menus, intuitive layout, and logical flow of information.
5. Interactive Elements: Interactive elements like quizzes, polls, or comment sections can increase engagement and keep visitors on your site longer.
6. Testimonials or Reviews: If you have testimonials from clients or reviews of your work, include them! They serve as social proof and can greatly enhance your credibility.
7. Optimized 'Link in Bio': This is where the magic of Jingle Bio comes in! Jingle Bio is a SaaS product that allows you to create a dynamic, personal space with ease. With Jingle Bio, you can effortlessly optimize your 'link in bio' - which is essentially the front door to your digital home. An optimized link in bio makes it easy for people to enter your digital space and explore everything it has to offer.

Remember, the key to standing out is authenticity. Don't try to mimic someone else's style or ideas. Your personal website should be a reflection of you - your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. So go ahead and let your true colors shine through your website. After all, there's no one else quite like you in this digital universe!

Conclusion

Crafting a personal website is like painting your digital self-portrait. It's about authenticity, creativity, and connection. From a captivating 'About Me' section to a compelling portfolio, every element should echo your individuality. Avoid pitfalls like information overload and formality, keep content fresh, and remember the importance of SEO.

To truly stand out, ensure unique design, consistent branding, user-friendly navigation, and engaging elements. Use tools like Jingle Bio for an optimized 'link in bio', opening the front door to your digital home. Ultimately, your website should be a unique space that reflects you. So venture forth and conquer the digital world - your personal website adventure awaits!