No secret here: the job market is a bit challenging for us techies these days. 😓

But here’s the good news—there’s a lot you can do to showcase your skills, champion your work, and put your best foot forward. And did you know that GitHub can help? 💡

In this edition of The GitHub Insider, we’ll show you how to set up a robust and impressive portfolio with our free website hosting service, GitHub Pages.

Whether you’re looking to land that new job (💪) or simply boost your online presence to set yourself up for future opportunities (🚀), this newsletter is your ultimate guide to creating a brilliant online portfolio that will make you stand out to potential employers and prospects.

Let’s get started!

Step #1: Setting up your GitHub repository 👩🏽‍💻

Before we dive into building your portfolio, let’s start with the foundation: a GitHub repository. This repository will be the home for all your website files, i.e. the engine that powers your online presence. By the end of this step, you’ll have your very own repository ready to be transformed into a polished portfolio site.

• Go to your GitHub account
• Click on the New repository button
• Name your repository as username‌.github‌.io, where username is your GitHub username. This will be the URL for your portfolio site (e.g. ht‌tps‌://username.github‌.io).
• Set the repository to Public
• Optionally, you can also initialize the repository with a README file.

Then, you’re going to clone the repository to your local machine using Git:

Step #2: Design your portfolio 🎨

Now that your repository is good to go, it's time to hit the green on bringing your portfolio to life. This is where you can tap into your creativity and design something that highlights your skills and personal brand. Remember, your portfolio doesn’t need to be everything to everyone, unless you’re trying to impress your cat and grandma at the same time! 🐱👵 Instead, focus on making it uniquely yours, telling your story in a way that sets you apart.

Create or find a template:

You can design your portfolio from scratch using HTML, CSS, and Javascript, or you can choose from many pre-built templates and themes online:

• Start Boostrap templates
• GitHub Pages themes
• Jekyll themes

Customize your content:

• Modify the files to include your information, including your name, skills, projects, contact information, etc.
• Update the CSS to match your personal branding or style (whatever looks good to you!) with colors, fonts, and layout.

Step #3: Add your content to the repository 📃

With your design in place, it’s time to fill your portfolio with the content that showcases who you are as a professional. This is where you take all the hard work you’ve put into crafting your career—your projects, skills, resume, and experience—and bring it to life in your repository. Think of it as decorating your new digital home with everything that makes you unique. Ready to move in?

Add your files:

• Place your HTML, CSS, and any other necessary files (like images or JavaScript files) into the cloned repository folder.
• If you’re using a Jekyll theme, make sure the _config.yml file is configured correctly for your site.

Commit and push changes:

After adding and customizing your files, commit and push them to your GitHub repository:

Step #4: Deploy your site 🔥

The moment of truth has arrived. It's time to launch your portfolio into the world! With just a few clicks, your site will be up and running, ready to impress potential employers, clients, or anyone else who stops by. It’s kind of like rolling out the red carpet for your online debut. Let’s make this official! 💍

Enable GitHub Pages:

• Go to the settings of your repository on GitHub.
• Scroll down to the GitHub Pages section.
• Under Source, select the branch you want to deploy from (usually main or master).
• If you’re using a specific folder (like /docs) for your site files, specify that folder.

Check your site:

• After a few minutes, your site should be live at ht‌tps‌://username.github‌.io (remember that “username” is your own).
• If there are any issues, check the Actions tab in your repository for build errors or warnings.

Step #5: Keep your site updated ✅

Congratulations! Your portfolio is live, but the journey doesn’t end here. Like any great project, your site needs regular updates to stay fresh and relevant. Whether you’re adding new projects, updating your resume, or refining your design, keeping your site current ensures that it continues to represent the best version of you. Let’s explore how to maintain your portfolio so it always shines:

Add projects and update your resume:

• As you complete gigs and add more opportunities to your resume, make sure to update your portfolio accordingly.

Monitor your site:

• Regularly check your site to ensure everything is functioning properly, especially after making updates.

Add goodies:

• Have your own custom domain? Whether you already have one or want to create one for your new portfolio, you can set this up in the GitHub Pages settings and configure your DNS settings accordingly.
• To keep track of who’s visiting your site, integrate Google Analytics or another tracking service to monitor your site’s traffic.
• For better or worse, it’s all about SEO these days. Optimize your search engines by adding meta tags, descriptions, and relevant keywords to your HTML files.

Voila! You now have your own little online ecosystem to host your work and show the world your mighty developer prowess. Also, remember to link to your GitHub profile and display any GitHub Gists you’d like to showcase. These final touches make it easy for visitors to explore your work and see your skills in action. All the best to you as you apply to jobs and connect with colleagues with your newfound digital presence—may your new portfolio open many doors to exciting, fulfilling opportunities. ☀️

Start building your portfolio today

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✨ This newsletter was written and produced by Gwen Davis. ✨

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