Since graduating, I've had the time to finalize my personal website. It may seem daunting to create your own website, but it isn't in the end. I decided to build it at the same time I reviewed my resume so both would be consistent. My personal website is an extension of my resume and houses my portfolio. Here are the eight essential things I've learned to guarantee a successful website.

1. Choose the website builder

Use a website builder you’re familiar with. I have used wix.com for projects in the past, so I decided to build my website on this platform. It’s easy to use and the free version will work for me until I’m able to pay a recurring fee for a site.

2. Stick to a clean design

Don’t overwhelm the viewer with images and colorful designs. Include images relevant to the content. Since the homepage is a more personal representation, I included two images of myself next to my personal statement and profile. Stick to white and soft colors. Also, consider what the site will look like on different screens. Better safe than sorry.

3. Choose a reader-friendly font

Choose one font and stick with it throughout your website. Switch up the size and style of the font in terms of bold, italics, underlining and alignment to give your website a more dynamic feel. Use larger, bold font to off-set sections of your website.

4. Start with your home page

This is the place for the most important information you want a potential recruiter or employer to read. You should take the time to introduce yourself in a paragraph at the beginning. Moreover, this page should act like an extended version of your resume. Although the website in its entirety is an extended resume, the homepage is where the most important and corresponding information should be.

5. Images are key to grabbing attention

Below my introductory paragraph, I included a slideshow gallery of images I’ve taken which represent me the best. This is the first example of my creativity as a photographer and a visual introduction.

6. Use the space of a website to your advantage

Continuing down the homepage of my website is my personal statement. I enjoyed creating a personal website because of the creativity it allowed me with my personal branding. As a public relations major, I’ve been taught to think of myself as a ‘brand’ so taking the time to represent myself is a key feature of the homepage. Moreover, the space of a website allows you to write more and let your voice come through to give the hiring manager a glimpse into who you are.

7. Expand upon your skills and experience

Since your resume is a condensed, one-page description of yourself, you can link pages in your site to your various sections. Under experience, I linked my Odyssey profile since content creation is relevant to my public relations career path. In my last class, I was on a team for a public relations campaign competition, so I will include the material once it has concluded. I added photographs and graphic design samples to my skills section, housed on a linked page.

8. If relevant, create a portfolio of your work

This can be work you created for classes or work you did during your internship(s) or job(s). Any relevant examples will help your future employer see your work and the potential you bring to the position. I created this as a separate page, which can be found in the header of my website. A recruiter will be able to find examples of my social media management during a campaign, samples of graphics, and writing samples.