Should You Use GitHub As A Portfolio Or Build A Personal Website?

If you clicked on this article, you probably already know how important personal branding is for developers. But let’s admit, sometimes, it can be overwhelming. ‘Where to start? Personal website or a GitHub account – what to do first? Is all this really necessary?’

Don’t worry, we are here to help!

In this article, we will discuss what might be the best options for you to show off your skills and whether or not you need a personal website.

So let’s start right away.

Is A Github Account Enough?

You must be wondering if having a GitHub is enough, or should you perhaps consider creating a personal website too? Well, let’s see. 

GitHub is an excellent platform for learning, and showcasing your skills. It is a great way for employers to see your code and the way you think.

GitHub is used for archiving, monitoring, and teamwork on software projects. Therefore, it makes it simple for developers to cooperate with one another on open-source projects and share code files. Developers can cooperate, network, and pitch their work publicly on GitHub, which also functions as a social networking platform. 

But here’s the thing. GitHub offers an option for someone to briefly describe themselves and what they do, but in limited capacity. Besides, it doesn’t really allow you to show your uniqueness. That’s why you might not want to put all of your personal branding eggs in the GitHub basket (so to speak). Your potential client/employer should see your GitHub, but not only your GitHub, to get a full picture of your skills. 

Therefore, this platform has its advantages and disadvantages. We definitely recommend that you have it, but you shouldn’t rely on it alone.

What About A Personal Website?

A portfolio website is an excellent way for a developer to stand out, because he can visually adjust his website and display his personal branding. And let’s look back at GitHub for a moment – it has limited options for customizing the profile. In that way, it is not easy for the developer to show his uniqueness, as well as to immediately catch someone’s eye.

There are more reasons why a personal website is preferred by job/gig candidates. Many people in the IT industry are versatile, some people deal with web design, graphic design, UI/UX, video editing, etc. along with programming. For them, all these projects that help a versatile developer get a job, cannot be displayed on GitHub. On his personal website, the developer can easily display this and show his skills by sections and fit them into his branding.

On the personal website, the developer can add his own blog, where, for example, he can write about the things he knows and can do. Additionally, show the way he came to a solution for a project, etc. (this can be considered as something behind the scenes that cannot be shown on GitHub). You can also put the CV, and show projects in a way that is accessible and easy to an employer who might not know how to use GitHub.

Read more: How to Show off Skills in a Creative Way With a Personal Website

It’s Best To Have Both (Personal Website AND GitHub)

In our opinion, for developers, both a personal website and a GitHub account are something to have.

Many would contend that GitHub is a platform that should be used by web developers of all skill levels. It is one of the few essential platforms in today’s web development industry. GitHub is an excellent platform that simplifies your life.

But in order to grow your brand as a developer, you need a website portfolio. A digital resume. That is your chance to make something entirely original and under your complete control. When someone (such as, for example, your future client) looks for your name on a search engine like Google, they will quickly find you. 

Another important thing. Being recognized is one of the benefits of creating a personal brand as a developer. Even if you are the best developer in your field, write the cleanest code, and are an expert in a particular technology, none of that will matter if no one can see you, right?

Yes, a personal website might be more professional, and an excellent way for you to stand out. But it is best to have all of that along with a linked GitHub account where the employer can see the code, and the way the developer thinks. The combination of these two is the best way for the developer to leave a good impression!

So, simply put, it is a good decision to have both – as both are really important and excellent ways to present yourself as a developer.

In Conclusion

Having a personal website might be more professional, and you will come across as more responsible to potential employers or clients. It provides a more polished and personalized presentation of your work compared to having only a GitHub account. 

However, having both is the best possible way to present yourself, as GitHub is a great way for employers to see how you think. Mix them up and showcase your skills!

Now get down to business and rock that personal branding.

Until next time!