Playbooks for scholars building persuasive digital identities.

I Asked Reddit Why Academic Websites Are Ugly—and Here's What I Learned

Ten Reddit takes on why academic personal sites feel neglected—and what those excuses reveal.

How to Build a Website That Works for You on the Academic Job Market

Turn your personal site into a persuasive asset that supports your academic job market story.

• - Treat the site as a researched first impression that articulates your thesis in plain language.
• - Restructure CV materials into scannable evidence with focused sections and clear highlights.
• - Plan time for design, mobile polish, and CTAs so committees know exactly how to follow up.

Show, Don't Tell: Creative Elements That Make Academic Websites Memorable

Use interactive storytelling so visitors grasp why complex research matters in practice.

• - Use interactive elements to let visitors experience the core insight of your research.
• - Map audiences first so every element speaks to the people who most need your work.
• - Prototype lightweight games or quizzes that link directly to deeper resources and publications.

Beyond the Digital CV: Argue for Your Scholarly Identity

Turn your academic website into a thesis-led argument with clear evidence, structure, and audience pathways.

• - Lead with a thesis that articulates your intellectual identity, not just your title.
• - Curate publications, teaching, and service as evidence that supports that thesis.
• - Structure navigation around visitor pathways for committees, students, and media.

Launch Playbook: 10 Checks Before Academics Go Live

A punchy checklist for research teams preparing to launch a new site or landing page.

• - Set up analytics, search console, and privacy pages before launch day.
• - Compress hero media and add descriptive alt text to maintain performance.
• - Draft a simple email sequence or checklist download to capture early interest.

Academic Website Launch Checklist

Download the launch checklist we use with clients to keep every academic website rollout smooth.

• - Align your thesis, messaging, and lead magnet before launch day.
• - Confirm accessibility, performance, and mobile experience checks.
• - Prepare logistics: analytics, privacy policy, and announcement sequence.