Thread by @brttnytrnh

At least once a week I find a thread discussing the struggles of creating a personal website, so I wanted to give some suggestions.

Thread (1/n) #academicchatter #academictwitter #phdchat

I just realized that some people are still handwriting HTML for their personal academic websites.

This is great if you enjoy it, but if not,USE A WEBSITE BUILDER. It will save you so much TIME! (2/n)

#academicchatter #academictwitter #phdchat

I recommend: Wordpress.ORG (NOT .com!) @squarespace and Google Sites

Wordpress is getting ALL the negativity. Mixing up WordPress.ORG and @wordpressdotcom is a common mistake to make - I made it too!

.ORG is the one you want for FULL CUSTOMIZATION (3/n)

Personally I do not recommend Wix or Weebly. (4/n)

If you hire someone to create/develop your website, make sure to ask them BEFORE you start if you will be given FULL ADMIN of the website after the project is complete.

Or DIY your site and have full control ALWAYS

Guide below (5/n)

Choosing your platform
- Want FULL customization/control and OK w handling more advanced tech issues? WordPress.org
- Want to DIY a professional look minus the tech headaches? @squarespace
- Want simple (less than 10 pgs), budget-friendly? Google Sites (6/n)

Creating the website
- BUY your personal domain. PRESERVE YOUR NAME/BRAND. It makes it easier for Google to find you, aka easier for others to search you. Domains are start ~ $12/yr depending on where you get it. (7/n)

Creating the website, cont.
- PLAN your content on a word doc BEFORE going to design. Write out ALL the website text. Select images you want. Then organize them by page.

- BUILD your site. Now you can add it all to your website and customize it how you want (8/n)

tldr; STOP wasting time on platforms that don't work for YOU. Find one that suits YOUR needs so that you can spend LESS time trying to figure it out and MORE time on more meaningful work. (9/9)