From Chaos to Clarity: My Journey in Building a WordPress Portfolio
When I first started creating my portfolio, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to begin—what format to follow, which colors to use, or even how to design my logo. To make matters worse, I used too many fonts, colors, and design elements, making my website look cluttered and far from professional.
Trial and Error: My First Attempt
I began with the Astra theme because it’s lightweight and pairs well with Elementor. Along the way, I installed plugins like Essential Addons for Elementor, Google Site Kit, and RankMath SEO. I also tried LiteSpeed Cache but removed it due to caching issues.
Without a clear direction, I started dragging and dropping whatever I felt like, filling my portfolio with a mishmash of content. When I asked for feedback in a Facebook group, I received mixed reviews. Some said it looked good, but others, including a web designer, pointed out that I needed to improve my design skills.
That feedback was invaluable. The web designer shared tips on choosing cohesive colors, building a consistent brand, and designing a professional-looking website. It was an eye-opener, and I knew I had to start over.
Starting Fresh: The Turning Point
Determined to improve, I dived into learning. I stumbled upon Flux Academy’s “Web Design for Beginners” on YouTube, which helped me understand the principles of web design. Armed with this new knowledge, I completely revised my portfolio.
Here’s how I approached it:
- Research: I explored portfolios of other web developers for inspiration.
- Planning: I sketched ideas on paper, created a sitemap, and designed wireframes.
- Execution: Once satisfied with the layout, I built it in WordPress.
- Optimization: I ensured my portfolio was mobile-friendly and user-friendly.
The result? A portfolio that reflected my skills and creativity, while being organized and professional.
Exploration and Growth
In my quest to improve, I experimented with new tools. While remaking my portfolio, I switched to the Kadence theme because of its free sticky menu feature—a feature Astra only offers in its premium version.
I also grew to appreciate RankMath SEO for its ease of use and advanced control over indexing and submitting pages. It’s now my go-to SEO plugin.
Exploring different themes, plugins, and third-party tools has become an integral part of my journey. By comparing their features, I’ve learned to identify the best options for specific needs. This way, when I eventually work with clients, I can confidently recommend solutions that fit their goals—even if we’re working with free versions.
Lessons I Learned
Looking back, I’ve realized the importance of:
- Seeking feedback to identify blind spots.
- Embracing trial and error as a learning process.
- Planning before building, from sketching ideas to creating wireframes.
- Continuously exploring and experimenting with tools to expand my knowledge.
I’m still at the beginning of my career, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. Each challenge has taught me something new, and every step forward is a testament to my growth as a WordPress developer.