How to Easily Build a Full Website With Notion

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of building a personal website using Notion. You will create multiple pages, a blog, a contact form, and more, while utilizing Notion's new Sites features to set up a custom domain. By the end of this guide, you'll have a fully functional website tailored to your needs.

Step 1: Explore the Example Website

• Visit the example website at Thomas's Website to get inspiration.
• Analyze the layout, design, and features that you might want to implement in your own site.

Step 2: Start Building Your Website

• Open Notion and create a new page for your website.
• Choose a blank page or a template that suits your vision.

Step 3: Create the Pages

Create individual pages for the following

• Home
• About Me
• Portfolio
• Blog
• Contact
• Use headings to clearly identify each section.

Step 4: Prepare an Assets Folder

• Create a separate folder within Notion to store images and files you plan to use.
• Organize your assets for easy access during the design process.

Step 5: Create a Button

• Use the button feature in Notion to create call-to-action buttons.
• Customize the text and link them to important pages, like your Contact page.

Step 6: Resize and Crop Photos

• Ensure all images are uniform in size for a cohesive look.
• Use external tools or Notion’s built-in features to crop and adjust images as needed.

Step 7: Create a Featured On Section

• Add a section to showcase any platforms or publications where you've been featured.
• Include logos or links to these sites for credibility.

Step 8: Favorite the Page and Add a Header

• Mark your main page as a favorite for easy access.
• Create a header that includes your website's title and tagline.

Step 9: Create a Wave Header Image

• Design a unique header image that represents your brand.
• Use graphic design tools like Canva or Photoshop to create this visual element.

Step 10: Create the About Me Page

• Write a brief introduction about yourself.
• Include your background, interests, and what visitors can expect from your website.

Step 11: Create the Portfolio Page

• Add a dedicated page for your portfolio.
• List your projects, including images and descriptions of each.

Step 12: Link to External Websites

• Include links to your social media and other relevant websites.
• Ensure that these links open in a new tab for user convenience.

Step 13: Create the Blog

• Set up a blog page where you will post articles or updates.
• Organize this page for easy navigation.

Step 14: Create the First Blog Post

• Write your first blog post directly in Notion.
• Include images, links, and other media to enhance the post.

Step 15: Add Blog Sections

• Create categories or tags for your blog posts to improve organization.
• Use headers to separate different sections within your blog page.

Step 16: Add a Newsletter Signup Box

• Integrate a signup form for visitors to join your newsletter.
• Use a third-party service like Mailchimp for this feature.

Step 17: Create the Contact Page

• Design a contact page with a form for visitors to reach out.
• Include your email and social media links for additional contact options.

Step 18: Make the Website Live

• Ensure all your pages are complete and linked properly.
• Publish your Notion page to make it accessible to the public.

Step 19: Customize Your Website Settings

• Adjust the settings in Notion to optimize your site’s appearance.
• Choose a theme that matches your brand identity.

Step 20: Create the Header Menu

• Design a navigation menu at the top of your website for easy access to all pages.
• Ensure that all links are functioning correctly.

Step 21: Set Up a Custom Domain

• Follow Notion's instructions to connect a custom domain to your site.
• This may involve updating DNS settings with your domain registrar.

Step 22: Forward a Domain to a Free Notion.Site Page

• If you don’t have a custom domain, consider using a free Notion site link.
• Ensure that visitors can easily find your website.

Step 23: Customize SEO Settings

• Optimize your site for search engines by adding relevant keywords.
• Use appropriate titles and descriptions for each page.

Conclusion

You have now built a comprehensive personal website using Notion! Make sure to test all links and features to ensure everything works smoothly. Consider keeping your content updated and engaging to attract and retain visitors. Happy building!