Examples of personal website types + tips to make your own

What’s “on brand” for you? Are you known for midnight coffee runs or only wearing neutral colors? Are you famous for your dry sense of humor or relentless optimism?

If we asked you the same question about your professional image, how would you define your brand? Whether you’re an artist, a copywriter or something else gets you out of bed in the morning, you’ll certainly know who you are. A personal website lets you share this idea — your unique personal brand.

Personal websites are the 21st-century resume, and they're better than the paper-and-ink ones of the past. These sites allow you to showcase both your skills and your personality. If you’re looking for work or a place to host your creative project, it’s time to take your credentials digital.

Below, we’ll explore examples of personal websites and how to make one that shines (almost) as bright as you do.

Four types of personal websites

When you write a traditional resume or cover letter, there’s a format to follow. But there are a lot of unique ways you can design your own website. Here are some types of professional websites so you can create the one that’s best for you.

• A resume: If you do a lot of online work, consider making a resume website. Use a template to create a visually appealing, one-page site that highlights your work experience and accomplishments. Feel free to include a professional headshot.
• Online portfolio: This one’s for all the creators out there. If you’re an artist, host your portfolio online. Graphic designers, architects, and other visual artists can give site visitors a virtual gallery walkthrough. You can also attach a reel of your acting skills, a page for your creative writing, or anything else you want to show off.
• Demo: Ever heard the expression “show, don’t tell”? With a demo site, you can show your coding or web design skills in action. This way, potential customers or employers can see how you work.
• Blog: A blog is a business in and of itself. If you’re passionate about a particular subject matter and want to write about it, this type of website will promote your skills — and make you some money. Whether you’re a top-notch home chef or a brilliant DIY designer, you can make a site (and maybe a living) by showing others your skills.

Tips for personal website design

Personal website design is easy if you’re a web developer or UX designer. But creating a striking site can be challenging for the rest of us, even the most aesthetically inclined.

Part of the challenge is the wealth of site-building options and templates for personal websites. If you’ve ever fiddled with one of these tools before, you know there are almost endless customization options, and it can be hard to decide what you want.

The tips below can help you develop your vision and figure out what you want your personal website to convey. If you start with a bit of direction, you’ll be able to find a template or create an eye-catching design from scratch that represents you.

• Know your brand: You know your brand better than anyone else. Now, it’s time to put it in writing — and graphics. If you don’t already have a brand kit, you might want to make one before starting your design. In a brand kit, you’ll have your logo, fonts, color scheme and voice. This makes it easier to bypass customization options on a website builder that aren’t in line with your brand. Remember that the coolest personal website is the one that represents you.
• Use multimedia to your advantage: Images and videos can help break up text and create visual interest, so add high-quality multimedia content to your site. You may want to make a gallery-style page if you're a visual artist. If you’re an entrepreneur putting your resume online, you might limit images to ones that feature you, your products, or your business.
• Show some personality: Remember when we said to define your voice before you start creating your site? This will make your website more unique. Are you edgy or more academic? Are you more minimalist or maximalist? If you need inspiration, check out ideas for personal websites from people in your industry or niche.
• Get organized: Another overwhelming factor is the sheer amount of content you can add to your website. Try to highlight only the most essential information and lead with important concepts. Some personal websites are as simple as a few well-chosen words — with links, of course — that take a user deeper on the rest of the site.
• Include testimonials: If you’re a freelancer or independent contractor, include kind reviews from past clients so others know you’re the real deal.
• Don’t forget your contact information: Let potential clients, collaborators or employers connect with you by providing your email address and phone number. You can also add a contact form so people can reach you directly from your website.

You have your own website. Now drive traffic to it.

Once you put the finishing touches on your site and publish it on the web, you’ll want people to see it. Some may find your page through Google or another search engine, but you can do yourself a favor by pushing traffic to your site.

Leverage your presence on social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook to cross-promote traffic to your site. Make a post inviting your followers to check out your new page, and drop a link to your site in your social media bios.

If you already have a link in that space, no problem. A Linktree URL helps you branch out to several places online by including your personal site, podcast, or social media accounts in one place.