In this section, we’ll explore popular website builders, discuss their pros and cons, and guide you through selecting a domain name and hosting options. Armed with this information, you’ll be ready to select the best platform for your online portfolio and begin the building process.
Overview of Popular Website Builders
There are several website builders available that cater to different needs and skill levels. Some popular options include:
- Google Sites: A free and basic website builder perfect for creating your first portfolio. Suitable for beginners with a no-code, drag-and-drop interface.
- Canva: A popular online design platform with loads of pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop features. Suitable for beginners or those needing to publish a quick online portfolio to showcase their work.
- Wix: A user-friendly, drag-and-drop website builder with a wide range of templates and customization options. Ideal for beginners and those with limited coding knowledge.
- Squarespace: Known for its sleek and professional templates, Squarespace is easy to use and offers a range of built-in features. Suitable for those seeking a visually appealing portfolio with minimal effort.
- WordPress: A highly flexible and powerful platform with thousands of themes and plugins. Ideal for those with some technical expertise who want more control over their website’s functionality and design.
Pros and Cons of Each Platform
Consider the following pros and cons when choosing a website builder for your portfolio:
- Canva:
- Pros: User-friendly and intuitive, extensive template library, affordable (or free) access.
- Cons: Single-page design only, no advanced coding options or things like inquiry forms, not ideal for certain professions, adding a custom domain name costs extra.
- Google Sites:
- Pros: Part of free Google productivity apps, extremely user-friendly with drag and drop interface, password protection for individual pages.
- Cons: Limited customization and design options, no advanced coding options, adding a custom domain name costs extra, limited search engine optimization (SEO) capabilities.
- Wix:
- Pros: User-friendly, numerous templates, extensive customization options.
- Cons: Limited advanced features, less flexible than WordPress, potential loading speed issues.
- Squarespace:
- Pros: High-quality templates, built-in features, responsive design, easy to use.
- Cons: Limited template customization, fewer third-party integrations, higher cost than some alternatives.
- WordPress:
- Pros: Highly flexible and customizable, large plugin and theme library, scalable, strong SEO capabilities.
- Cons: Steeper learning curve, may require coding knowledge for advanced customizations, maintenance and security are more hands-on.
Choosing a Domain Name
Your domain name is the web address where your portfolio can be found (e.g., yourname.com). Keep these tips in mind when choosing a domain name:
- Make it easy to remember and type.
- Keep it short and concise.
- Use your name or a variation of it, if possible.
- Choose an appropriate domain extension (.com, .net, .org, or a country-specific extension).
Note: If you are not ready to purchase a domain name, some website builders allow you to use a free sub-domain as a part of your account. For example, on Google Sites your free URL would appear like this: sites.google.com/view/yourwebsitename
Considering Hosting Options
Some website builders, like Wix and Squarespace, include hosting as part of their plans. However, if you choose WordPress or another platform that requires separate hosting, consider the following factors:
- Uptime and reliability: Choose a hosting provider with a strong track record of uptime and performance.
- Storage and bandwidth: Ensure your hosting plan offers enough storage and bandwidth for your portfolio’s needs.
- Customer support: Look for a hosting provider with responsive and helpful customer support.
- Price: Compare hosting plans to find one that fits your budget without sacrificing essential features.