24 Apr 2017

Setting up your own website can sound like a big deal, and something that would require a lot of technical expertise, time and effort.

While it’s true that you should take time to fine tune your website’s appearance and messaging – actually setting up your site to have a personal landing page can be done very simply, and in as little as fifteen minutes!

You’ll also be pleased to hear that you don’t need an advanced understanding of coding systems like HTML or CSS to get your name out there on the web. Here’s how you can get started:

Choose a web hosting company that has one-click installation of web apps like WordPress

When you purchase your domain name, choose a registrar/web host who offers one-click WordPress installation. WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that makes it very easy to edit and add pages to your website. Think of it as the Microsoft Word of websites; but instead of creating great looking documents, you’re creating a great looking website!

ecohosting are one UK-based hosting company, who offer WordPress hosting packages. They also have great student deals on .uk domain names. Once you register your domain name with them, you simply need to click on the WordPress icon from your control panel and your website will be created in seconds!

Log into your website and install a theme

Once you’ve installed WordPress, head to your website’s admin URL (usually yourdomainname.uk/wp-admin) log in, and you’ll see a left-hand navigation. One of the options will be “Appearance” with a secondary option of “Theme”. When you click on that, you’ll be able to browse from a variety of fully designed themes which will act as your website template. A great option for a profile site is the WP Profile theme. When you find a theme you like, click install.

Customise the homepage

Once you’ve installed a theme, you’ll be directed to customise it with your personal information and preferences. This information will vary theme to theme, but generally will include colour scheme, images and social media account details, along with some introductory content. If you don’t have time to write what you want on your homepage when you set up your site, a good idea is to tell people that your brand new website will be coming soon, and that they can check out your social media profiles for more information in the meantime.

This means that you’ve secured your online space, and have a great foundation to then start thinking about the content you’d like to put on the site, as well as other pages you’d like to include, which could even incorporate a blog or portfolio of your work.

Remember, a personal website is your own online space to make your mark. Think about the kind of impression you want to make, and remember that the beauty of using a platform like WordPress, is that you can change your theme or content if you need to – the biggest step is knuckling down and getting started!

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For students wanting to boost their online brand with their own website, Bianca recommends visiting ecohosting; packages will be on offer to those who would like to create a .uk domain name.