Sometimes it feels like everyone has a personal website. Some people use their website to sell a product, others use theirs to get a job, and still others are simply showing off their creative talents. Running a personal website is something that anyone can do, but not everyone takes advantage of. After all, we all have social media, so what more do we need?
The fact is that having a personal website can be beneficial in a wide variety of ways. If your internet presence is nothing more than your complaints about work or relationships on Twitter and Instagram, then here are some very real reasons why a personal website should be your next priority.
Get Creative
If you’re a writer, photographer, musician, poet, or artist, then your own dedicated website should be an essential part of your digital toolbox. It’s incredibly refreshing to know that you can self-publish whenever you want, and by linking your personal website to your social platforms you can start growing an audience of eager fans desperate to see your next stage of creativity.
The Price is Hard to Beat
Websites used to be very expensive to build. Many people still think that this is the case even now, but the internet has moved on. While big brands still spend thousands of dollars on having a professional designer build their websites for them, you can do it yourself with little to no cost. Website building platforms like WordPress and Wix are free to use (although you can pay for additional features), and they are also very intuitive. Even if your experience of building websites is zero, with a little bit of time investment, you can have your personal website up and running within a day, and all without spending a dime.
The Website Side Hustle
Having a personal website means that you can start earning additional income. Obviously, this is the case if you’re an artist looking to sell your creations, but that’s not the only way to make money using your website. Anyone can sell advertising space on their website, or launch profitable affiliate marketing links. Affiliate marketing is an ever-growing means of earning some side cash, and as you get better at it, it might even become a solid and reliable source of income. This is largely going to be about the type of thing you post on your website, but learn some tips and rules for affiliate marketing and your website could be the side hustle that you’ve always dreamed of.
The Resume is Dying
Submitting resumes to every job opportunity used to be the norm, but it is quickly becoming obsolete. Nowadays, employers prefer to see an online portfolio or even just an online version of your traditional resume. That’s because they can be posted on a personal website which is much more dynamic, and you can update it quickly whenever you need to. Employers are especially keen on people with personal websites because those platforms can then be integrated into the brand’s online presence. Look at how Eric Mogensen promotes his role as the CEO and Corporate Director of Gulf Breeze Zoo. By adding links that lead back to his social profiles and business websites, it adds to the professionalism and online visibility of the Park.
Personal websites and online portfolios are more important than ever for employers, and that’s one of the major reasons why even more people are building one.
Develop New Skills
We live in a very digital age. When it comes to finding a new job, having a personal website isn’t just good for getting your experience seen by potential employers. It’s also a showcase of your digital skills. Building a website might be easier than ever, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t pick up a few new talents while building and managing yours. Online visibility can be hard to get right, and the more you practice with your website, the more skill sets you’ll be bringing into an interview. While modern website building platforms are easy to use, they do allow for high levels of customization. That means you could easily take the time to learn some basic coding, which not only improves the look and feel of your website but is also a great skill to bring with you into a new workplace.
You’re Easier to Find
Search engines love a good personal website. A well designed personal website with some original content is always being sought by Google and Bing. That online visibility is very valuable if you’re in the market for a new job, or if you’re selling something from your web pages. It’s also a relatively simple process to get those search engines to rank you higher and higher in their results pages by learning some basics about SEO. Don’t panic about it too much for your personal website, but having a few ideas of the do’s and don’ts of SEO means that you can improve your online visibility and bring yet another skill into any potential job interview.
Social media pages are obviously the most popular place to publish your thoughts, products, and ideas. Unfortunately, they can be very restrictive in terms of what you are allowed to post and who is allowed to see it. A simple algorithm change can mean that your Instagram post isn’t seen by anyone that needs to see it, or that your amazingly funny tweet just fades into the ether.
By owning a personal website, you can take more control over your thoughts and who sees them. Publish what you want, when you want, from wherever you are. Whether you’re looking for a new job, attempting to sell your art, or simply want a platform that is uncensored and under your control, having your own website is now one of the most important tools to have in an increasingly digital age.
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