An about me web site is your likelihood to showcase your persona and credentials in an enticing format. However with out sturdy private web site examples to information you, it’s possible you’ll not know find out how to get began or what’s going to work greatest to your personal branding.
On this publish, we’ll cowl the very best examples of non-public web sites we’ve seen from entrepreneurs, creators, and different enterprise professionals.
Why create a private web site?
Right here’s the factor about resumes and canopy letters: Regardless of how distinctive you attempt to make your personal, for essentially the most half, they have a tendency to learn dry. And there’s a superb motive for it: It’s imagined to be a single, no-frills web page that paperwork your work expertise.
Whereas being concise is nice, there’s little or no alternative to convey your uniqueness or to your persona to shine by in any respect.
Whereas a resume is a sole, largely unchanging doc, a private web site might be custom-made and up to date based on what you’re engaged on or what you wish to emphasize. It’s each fluid and present.
As well as, 80% of businesses say a private web site is vital when evaluating job candidates. Recruiters are wanting you up on-line, and a private web site that tells the story you wish to inform could make all of the distinction between you and a competing candidate.
For creators, it’s possible you’ll query the necessity for a private web site when you have already got an lively social presence. A big social media presence is nice, however, as we’ll dig into extra beneath, an about me web site can open you as much as extra alternatives for publicity, partnerships, and extra.
In the event you’re fascinated about creating a private web site of your very personal, take a look at the examples beneath that hit the nail on the top. Impressed by a specific sort of web site?
Click on one of many following hyperlinks to leap to that part of this text:
Private Web sites From Entrepreneurs
1. José Rocha
José Rocha is a designer who makes use of pleasant parallax effects on his web site to have interaction viewers and guests. He introduces himself as a artistic designer, advertising director, and marketing consultant, covers his key energy areas, after which invitations readers to scroll by his expertise in a concise, interactive part.
The continual scrolling impact guides guests by José’s story and expertise, which is a good way to speak crucial belongings you need folks to know.
2. Caroline Forsey
Caroline Forsey, principal advertising supervisor of HubSpot’s Content material Progress Crew, affords a superb instance of find out how to put collectively an about me web site.
Caroline’s web site is clear and simple, which I admire. Along with itemizing her profession highlights in her bio, Caroline additionally features a web page for her resume. This can be a good contact if she have been to start a job search and needed to provide recruiters an opportunity to study her background faster.
3. Brent Stirling
Brent Stirling is a development advertising marketing consultant who’s spent over a decade honing his advertising abilities for each B2B and DTC firms. What I like most about Brent’s web site is that his voice comes by in each component, even when highlighting his profession expertise, as proven within the screenshot above.
4. Jason Faber
One other one among my favourite private web sites from a marketer is Jason Faber’s, a freelancing buddy of mine. Jason is a development advertising and web optimization marketing consultant with an in depth background in scaling startups, small companies, and tech firms. I personally love how he’s tied every part along with an accent colour and design component that underlines key phrases.
5. Kaitlin Milliken
Kaitlin Milliken, a senior program supervisor for HubSpot’s Freelance Community, has created an excellent about me web site for fellow entrepreneurs to pay attention to. Along with the cohesive branding all through the web site, I personally like Kaitlin’s About web page greatest. In only a few paragraphs, she sums up her present function, profession highlights, and private pursuits to provide guests a way of who she is and what expertise she has.
6. Katya Varbanova
Katya is a branding, advertising, and AI knowledgeable and the founding father of Viral Advertising and marketing Stars. One scroll by her about me web site, and it’s instantly evident that she’s a branding knowledgeable. Each component on her web site is cohesive together with her model, and the media logos of locations she’s been featured showcase her credibility and experience.
What I like most about Katya’s web site is the compelling call-to-action (CTA) button that encourages guests to succeed in out to her for talking gigs. She might probably change this CTA out to advertise totally different targets as they alter, which makes this a sensible component on her advertising web site.
Finest Practices for Private Web sites for Entrepreneurs
Exhibit your abilities, expertise, and credibility.
As a advertising author, I firmly consider the way you talk your expertise in your about me web site is as vital as the way it seems. Whether or not you employ your web site as a portfolio of your proudest tasks, a web based resume that outlines your profession achievements, or a lead technology instrument, it’s key to display your advertising abilities and credibility.
Share your successes and achievements.
If you’d like your web site to face out, point out business awards you’ve received, add logos of the businesses you’ve labored with, and guarantee your messaging is on model. I additionally discover that the very best private web sites from entrepreneurs replicate the particular person’s chosen business or the one they aspire to work in.
Private Web sites From Creators or Influencers
7. Jane Claire Hervey
Getting media consideration is an enormous deal for a creator or influencer. So, it solely is smart to focus on these press mentions on a press web page in your private web site. In relation to artistic examples of this, I like how Jane Claire Hervey curates the press mentions on her web site.
Jane is a artistic director, artist, and founding father of the Austin-based nonprofit Future Front. On her press web page, she doesn’t simply publish hyperlinks to articles she’s been featured in. As an alternative, she features a snippet of the article together with a picture, which I discover extra partaking.
8. Leah Bury
Leah Bury is one other Austin-based artistic whose web site I personally love. It not solely showcases her creativity and magnificence, nevertheless it additionally does an excellent job of speaking the entire totally different artistic tasks she’s labored on.
9. The Everywhereist
The Everywhereist is a weblog run by writer and journey author Geraldine DeRuiter. What I like about this web site is that it exudes persona. Whether or not you’re on the weblog feed or the About web page, you’ll see sidebars with enjoyable info or a snippet of her newest e book.
The weblog additionally includes a “Finest Of” web page that highlights a few of her prime posts so guests can get acclimated to the positioning and her writing type. Plus, in relation to design, the colour scheme is heat, impartial, and freed from extra muddle that would distract from the content material.
10. Side Hustle Nation
Aspect Hustle Nation is the enterprise weblog of Nick Loper, an advisor whose web site affords tons of helpful monetary recommendation for particular person enterprise house owners.
His homepage, proven above, units a lighthearted but passionate tone for his readers. It suggests you’ll get pleasant content material dedicated to a single purpose: monetary freedom. The inexperienced CTA button, “Begin Right here,” helps first-time guests know precisely find out how to navigate his web site.
11. Salt in Our Hair
Salt in Our Hair is a journey weblog with distinctive consumer design. The bloggers behind the web site, Nick and Hannah, heat as much as guests by introducing themselves on the welcome display and highlighting current journey posts.
My favourite a part of this web site is the dropdown button that lets you select a vacation spot that you simply’re taken with. There’s additionally a user-friendly search bar on the prime of the web page that helps you navigate different topics on their weblog.
Finest Practices for Private Web sites for Creators or Influencers
Boldly present your self and your model.
As a creator or influencer, your web site is a direct reflection of your private model and magnificence. Don’t be afraid to point out off your creativity, specific your voice, and let guests know precisely what sort of alternatives you’re in search of.
Embrace a press web page.
It’s additionally a good suggestion to have a press web page and/or media equipment in your private web site. Once I’m in search of a creator to characteristic or interview for an article I’m writing, I personally solely attain out to those that have a web site or, on the very least, a media equipment. The reason being I have to get a way of who they’re, in the event that they’ve been featured in different publications, and the way credible they’re earlier than I work with them.
Private Web sites From Different Enterprise Professionals
12. Rubens Cantuni
Rubens Cantuni’s private web site hits all the precise notes. First, it showcases what he does with a playful GIF displaying the phrase “CIAO” getting edited point-by-point, simply as it will in a design instrument.
Second, it summarizes Cantuni’s key strengths in a personable abstract. Third, it lists his expertise in a user-friendly collapsible format, so if you wish to learn extra, you’ll be able to click on on every particular person function. There are additionally sections devoted to the e book he wrote, his awards, and his portfolio.
At each step, you get to understand Cantuni’s sturdy sense of design, user-first pondering, and sharp enterprise acumen. The designer ends with a CTA for guests to succeed in out to him.
He additionally prompts recruiters to inquire about his work by mentioning that he can solely share sure items of his work privately. By yourself web site, you’ll be able to leverage tasks with non-disclosure agreements as “gated content material.”
13. Martine Myrup
Martine Myrup is an artist who makes use of her web site to showcase her type and perspective. The very first thing that caught my eye was the daring font and the beautiful visuals that popped up as I scrolled.
The opposite standout component on Myrup’s web site is her CV web page, which highlights her levels, exhibitions, awards, and publications. The CV is formatted in a method that’s clear and simple to scan, with daring headings separating every part and dates on the left-hand aspect.
Whereas artists’ CVs are formatted in a different way than skilled CVs, Myrup’s formatting would work in nearly any discipline with some changes.
14. Johannes Schüchner
Johannes Schüchner’s private web site is an instance of find out how to showcase your creativity and persona whereas nonetheless highlighting your most vital skilled achievements. Whereas the copy is in German, you’ll be able to nonetheless perceive the actor’s key strengths.
On the backside, casting administrators have an choice to obtain a PDF model of Schüchner’s movie credit and theater work. This web site exhibits you could tastefully break the foundations by yourself web site as long as you stay conscious of your target market.
15. Hugo Bazin
Hugo Bazin is a product designer whose resume web site combines friendliness with partaking consumer design. On the highest left-hand nook, he features a sticky button to obtain his resume in PDF format, however for those who’re taken with getting an summary, you’ll be able to scroll all the way down to the “Expertise” part, the place you’ll be able to see his present and former employers and work achievements.
I like that all through the copy, Bazin makes use of emojis to showcase his persona, however he’s selective. He retains emojis out of the “Expertise” part of the net web page, the place it’s important to take care of a severe, skilled tone.
16. Christian Kaisermann
Christian Kaisermann’s about me web site employs a singular theme to maintain viewers on the web page and showcase his sturdy coding abilities.
On the higher right-hand aspect, you’ve got the choice to change from channel to channel, such as you would on an previous TV, and it adjustments what performs within the background. He additionally solely contains two paragraphs of copy on the homepage, proving that being transient is vital in order for you guests to focus in your web site’s design.
Within the backside left-hand nook, customers can entry Kaisermann’s crawlable HTML resume, e-mail, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You may also activate “House Mode,” which brings up a distant management to alter the channels — very cool!
17. Seán Halpin
What I really like about Halpin’s about me web site is that it’s brief, candy, and to the purpose, which is genuine to his voice and private branding outlined on the positioning. As an alternative of lots of copy, Halpin presents giant thumbnail playing cards in order that his tasks communicate for themselves and permit the consumer to delve deeper if one catches their eye.
18. Tony D’Orio
In the event you’re a creator like a photographer, it’s vital to maintain the design of your visible portfolio easy. That’s why I really like how photographer Tony D’Orio lets photographs seize guests’ consideration by that includes daring pictures entrance and heart on his web site.
His brand and navigation menu are clear and don’t distract from his work. And, he makes it simple for potential clients to obtain his work freed from cost. Need to give it a attempt? Click on on the hamburger menu within the prime left nook, then choose + Create a PDF to pick as many photographs as you’d wish to obtain.
When you open the PDF, you’ll discover that it comes totally outfitted with D’Orio’s enterprise card as the duvet… simply in case you want it.
19. Verena Michelitsch
While you’re a designer, not one pixel in your private web site ought to go unused. Verena Michelitsch’s portfolio, proven above, is roofed finish to finish in art work.
From her intensive library of labor, she selected to exhibit a number of colours, kinds, and dimensions so guests can see simply how a lot vary she has as a designer. It’s an ideal instance of the traditional adage, “present, don’t inform.”
20. Gari Cruze
Cruze is a copywriter. However by turning his web site right into a portfolio that includes photographs from totally different campaigns he’s labored on, he makes guests wish to preserve clicking to be taught extra about him. Additionally, there’s an excellent CTA on the prime of the web page that leads guests to his newest weblog publish.
I’m additionally a fan of his web site’s humorous copy — particularly within the “17 Random Issues” and “Oh Sure, They’re Speaking” sections — which showcases his abilities whereas making him extra memorable. These pages additionally embrace his contact data on the right-hand aspect, making it simple to succeed in out and join at any level.
21. The Beast Is Back
Christopher Lee’s portfolio is busy and colourful in a method that works. Once I realized about Lee on his simply navigable web site, I noticed that such a enjoyable and vibrant homepage is ideal for an illustrator and toy designer.
Identified by his model title, “The Beast Is Again,” Lee’s net portfolio highlights eye-catching designs with recognizable manufacturers, equivalent to Goal and Mario, together with hyperlinks to buy his work. That is one other gallery-style portfolio with pops of colour that make it enjoyable and provides it persona, thus making it extra memorable.
22. Daniel Grindrod
This freelance videographer is one other instance of a easy however glossy private web site, permitting his potential purchasers to browse deeper into his “Work” and “Stills” sections. The opening video on the homepage — as proven within the nonetheless picture above — additionally provides his web site guests a direct preview of his work and magnificence.
23. Byron McNally
In his portfolio, Byron McNally doesn’t instantly embrace his work however slightly a photograph of himself, which helps foster a connection between him and web site guests. This minimal web site design additionally invitations customers to proceed partaking with the web site’s content material and see a few of his current movie, business, and music productions.
A nonetheless picture doesn’t do that artistic private web site justice — take it from me. It’s a must to scroll by it your self to get the total influence of Byron’s work expertise, tasks, and creativity.
24. Enric Moreu
Enric Moreu showcases his 3D design abilities by creating an interactive, gamified private web site. As customers scroll, the web page easily takes them by Moreu’s spoken languages, coding languages, abilities, and work experiences. It’s partaking, mild on textual content, and visually putting.
I like that his web site embodies the medium and abilities he claims to be an knowledgeable at.
25. Mariah Weathersby
Talking of gamified, I had lots of enjoyable clicking round — or slightly, enjoying with — Mariah Weathersby’s private web site.
Mariah Weathersby has coded a putting “playable” resume that pays homage to old-school video games and showcases her sturdy design abilities. In the event you love experiencing nostalgia, this artistic private web site will reel you in. In the event you solely need the resume, you’ll be able to obtain a PDF model — a win-win.
26. Isaac Fayemi
Isaac Fayemi’s private web site is delicate and putting on the identical time. Reasonably than loading the web page with extreme graphics, he has created a 3D model of his head that follows your cursor as you progress round. You have got two choices: To seek out out extra about him or take a look at extra of his work. This private web site is a stellar instance of find out how to preserve it easy whereas nonetheless delighting the senses.
Finest Practices for Private Enterprise Skilled Web sites
Use your web site design to share about your self.
No matter your occupation is, your web site ought to replicate that. For instance, for those who’re a graphic designer, exhibit your abilities in a method that displays your design type and experience.
Create an orderly UX.
Group can also be key. In case your portfolio is stuffed with images, logos, and different photographs, be sure that it’s simple for guests to navigate to the place they will contact you.
Develop your model id.
It’s additionally a good suggestion to model your self. Select a brand or icon to make your data simply identifiable. That is particularly useful for those who’re interviewing for jobs and wish to stand out among the many different candidates.
Make your web site private and enjoyable.
Which leads me to my subsequent level: Don’t be afraid to have enjoyable. Your private web site is your private house and may showcase components of your persona, type, and humorousness.
What to Embrace on Your Private Web site
Based mostly on my private expertise creating my very own web site, together with writing about web site design for a number of years, I do know a factor or two about what ought to be included on a private web site.
Nonetheless, I received’t depend on my information alone. To get much more insights, I talked to one of many entrepreneurs whose web site I featured earlier, Katya Varbanova.
Listed below are the weather you need to embrace in your private web site.
Cohesive Branding
An underrated a part of having a web site is a powerful visible model. Your model is the one factor that units you aside on the web, so it solely is smart to spend money on a model id that’s distinctive and private.
“Don’t low-cost out on design,” says Varbanova. “Rent a superb designer and a superb model strategist to construct with.”
Press Web page
Varbanova recommends that if the purpose of your private web site is to showcase your experience and generate press or talking alternatives, you need to embrace a media bio, media options, and a short description of a few of your services and products.
“When the media is in search of specialists, they often take a look at your web site earlier than figuring out for those who’re the precise knowledgeable for them,” she says. “That is how I’ve secured options in huge media like Telegraph, Forbes, Enterprise Insider, and extra.”
All of these items might be added to a separate web page, both a “press” web page, or “talking” web page, and even an “expertise” web page. You’ll be able to consider this web page as a media equipment. Take into consideration the issues a media outlet or model accomplice would wish to know earlier than interviewing you or collaborating with you.
Don’t neglect so as to add your backstory to assist folks get the total image of your journey. It’s additionally a good suggestion to stipulate an inventory of subjects you’ll be able to talk about, whether or not for a podcast interview or a talking alternative.
Clear Messaging and Robust CTAs
The perfect private web sites I’ve seen have sturdy messaging and CTAs to match. Whether or not they’re a marketer, creator, or different enterprise skilled, they make it simple to grasp who they’re, what they’re an knowledgeable in, and what sort of alternatives they’re in search of.
In relation to CTA buttons, the very best web sites transcend a easy “contact me” message.
For instance, Varbanova’s homepage features a CTA button that claims, “Rent Katya to Converse.” This can be a direct motion that somebody can be inspired to take when visiting her web site. Plus, she has loads of logos and press mentions on her web site to again up her credibility and experience.
Private Web site vs. Social Media Web page or LinkedIn
Let’s settle the age-old debate: Do you actually need a web site?
Relying on what your function is and what varieties of alternatives you’re in search of, you might be able to get away with not having an about me web site. As an illustration, for those who’re solely in search of full-time alternatives and work in an business that doesn’t lend itself to portfolio-type tasks, then being lively on LinkedIn might be sufficient.
Nonetheless, for those who work in a artistic discipline, are constructing a enterprise, or are an influencer, then you definately’ll wish to create a private web site.
“Having a powerful social media presence is nice, nevertheless it doesn’t change having a web site,” says Varbanova. “In case your purpose is to construct your private model, it’s essential to have a web site that’s Google-friendly.”
Varbanova provides that constructing belief is likely one of the greatest advantages of getting a web site. “Individuals belief individuals who have web sites,” she says. “It actually acts as a enterprise card and introduces folks to your work.”
Creating a Private Web site
No matter the kind of private web site you’re constructing, there’s loads of inspiration above on find out how to convey persona whereas connecting together with your viewers. Preserving the above suggestions in thoughts, keep in mind to design to your viewers’s expertise, and most significantly, have enjoyable.
Editor’s notice: This publish was initially printed in April 2019 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.