There are many companies that create websites for high athletes, specifically, websites that help student-athletes get noticed by schools. Gaining in popularity, stellar profiles help athletes attract the attention of recruiters, opening up opportunities to play at the college level.
But what happens after college? How can you promote your skills to a new employer, especially if you don’t intend on playing professionally after graduation?
Creating a personal website as an athlete can help you stand out from the competition when job hunting. Having a website can also help you grow your network while highlighting your accomplishments, which helps if you don’t have much work experience early in your career (p.s. … if this sounds familiar, you’re not alone: I didn’t have much work experience after graduation either!)
Creating a website can happen at anytime. Here are a few benefits to creating a strong personal website while you’re in school:
- For athletes seeking to grow NIL opportunities, a personal website can help them gain connections and partnerships that can result in business opportunities
- A website can help grow a current or former athletes’ brand
- An authentic website or solid social media profiles help athletes grow their visibility
- A personal website can help you extend your digital footprint and allow you to be seen by more job recruiters
So what if you don’t have a lot of work experience? What are a few items you can put on your website? Here are 7 ideas to help you boost your digital footprint while allowing recruiters (or future business partners) to learn more about you.
7 Content Ideas for an Athlete’s Website
- About you. Let readers learn who you are. Where did you grow up? What are your favorite hobbies? What are some interesting facts that you can share about yourself or your journey that others would like to know?
- Awards. Many hiring managers I know love working with athletes. Even more important: business love hiring competitors, goal setters, and winners. Make space on your website to highlight academic accolades and athletic achievements.
- Volunteer efforts. When someone volunteers, they do more than giving back. Volunteering can help you gain a sense of pride and community. Seeing volunteer work on your website can help show your future employer how you selflessly spend time outside of work and what you priorities are during your down time.
- Photos. Studies show that people remember 80% of what they see, 20% of what they read, and 10% of what they hear. Sharing pictures of your games, competitions, awards ceremonies, volunteer efforts and more can help a potential recruiter connect with your mission. With any images, just make sure the photos you post are appropriate and relevant to your brand.
- Videos. If used properly, videos can make a huge impact on your website. I’ve watched athletes’ highlight reels and videos of students who studied abroad that inspired me to do better. Similar to any photos you post, make sure any videos you share are carefully selected, polished, and help build your brand.
- Partnerships. If you’ve worked with businesses before (e.g. NIL partnerships, freelance work, etc.), include this information too! Job hunters love seeing former and current partnerships you’ve garnered already.
- Work experience. Similar to partnerships, any work experience you have, whether it be part time or full time, are great things to put on your website. Seeing an athletes’ commitment to working while going to school and playing a sport is extremely impressive.