Building Your Portfolio Website: A Cost-Effective Guide for Beginners

When I embarked on the journey of creating my portfolio website, I aimed to find the most economical yet efficient way to bring it to life. After experimenting with various website builder platforms and even dabbling with Python for web development, I found myself gravitating towards a more traditional approach: building the website from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Why DIY?

As a computer science graduate with some familiarity with HTML from my college days, I felt confident in my ability to take on this challenge. I realized that building the website myself would not only be cost-effective but would also give me complete control over its design and functionality.

Documenting the Journey

In this post, I’ll share my experience and insights gained from building my portfolio website. Whether you have limited technical knowledge or a tight budget, this guide aims to empower you to create a professional-looking website using basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

The Significance of Having a Portfolio Website

A portfolio website can significantly impact your career in multiple ways:

• Professional Presence: Establishes a professional online presence showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements.
• Personal Branding: Allows you to tailor your online identity to reflect your unique expertise and values.
• Portfolio Showcase: Essential for displaying your work and capabilities to potential clients or employers.
• Content Sharing: Enables you to share insights and industry knowledge through a blog or articles section.
• Networking and Outreach: Facilitates communication and engagement with potential clients, collaborators, or mentors.
• Career Development: Documents your professional journey and ongoing growth.
• Global Reach: Provides a platform for reaching a global audience 24/7.

Building and Launching Your Own Website

The process begins with setting up a development environment. Install Visual Studio Code (VSCode) as your code editor and explore website templates on platforms like templated.co for inspiration. Customize your chosen template with your content.

To deepen your understanding of HTML and CSS, leverage resources like freeCodeCamp.org for tutorials on website development fundamentals.

Once your website is ready, secure a domain name from reputable providers like Porkbun.com or Cloudflare.com. Host your site on GitHub for free and set up a custom domain through a straightforward process provided by GitHub.

Conclusion

Building your portfolio website is not just about showcasing your work; it’s an investment in your personal brand and future success. With the right tools, resources, and determination, you can create a professional-looking website without breaking the bank.

Stay tuned for more insights and tips on building your own website with minimal knowledge and cost.