Step 1A Notes

Purpose:
The purpose of my website is to create a professional online portfolio that showcases my work as a digital marketing student. This site will act as an extension of my resume and give employers a clear look at my creative abilities, my marketing projects, and the design work I have completed. It will allow me to present myself professionally, show the person behind the resume, and highlight the skills I am developing as I prepare for my future career.

Goal:
The main goal of this website is to attract potential employers and internship opportunities by presenting my marketing, design, and strategy projects in an organised and engaging way. I want my portfolio to demonstrate my strengths, my creativity, and my ability to work on real-world projects.

Audience:
The audience for this website includes marketing professionals, hiring managers, small business owners, and instructors who want to review my work. It is meant for anyone looking for a student or early-career marketer with experience in digital marketing, social media, branding, and creative design.

Description of the Website:
The website will include an “About Me” section, a portfolio showcasing my design work (such as magazine covers and visual layouts), a Projects section highlighting my marketing and strategy work, a blog, and a contact page. The overall website will reflect my interests in digital marketing, creativity, and communication.

Web Hosting Provider:
Bluehost

Step 1B Notes

I am hosting my website on Bluehost. My rationale for choosing this provider is as follows:

  1. My Usage:
    I plan to keep this website long-term as part of my professional digital portfolio. Bluehost is reliable and designed for long-term use, which makes it appropriate for a website I plan to continue updating beyond the course.
  2. Budget:
    Bluehost offers affordable, beginner-friendly plans. Their basic plan is cost-effective and includes everything I need for this assignment, without unnecessary extras that increase cost.
  3. WordPress Installation:
    Bluehost provides a simple 1-click WordPress installation, making setup fast and easy. This helped me connect my domain and hosting without technical issues.
  4. SSL Certificate:
    A free SSL certificate is included in all Bluehost plans. This meets course requirements and ensures my website is secure.
  5. Backup Services:
    Bluehost includes reliable backup options and offers tools that help me maintain my site safely. This is important for keeping my portfolio protected.
  6. Other Features:
    Bluehost provides a number of useful features, including:
    a. Free domain for the first year
    b. 10 GB SSD storage on the basic plan
    c. Unmetered bandwidth
    d. 24/7 customer support
    e. Custom email integration
    f. Easy cPanel access
    g. Automatic WordPress updates
  7. Reviews and Reputation:
    Bluehost is one of the most widely used hosts for WordPress and has strong reviews from both beginners and professionals. Its long-standing reputation gives me confidence in its reliability.
  8. Resources:
    Bluehost offers tutorials, articles, and support videos that help me navigate hosting, WordPress setup, and troubleshooting. This is helpful as I continue building and maintaining my portfolio.