You don’t need to know HTML, CSS, or “how the internet works” to make an academic website. You don’t even need to design it from scratch.
Most people today, academics included, use templates. And with the right platform, you can set up a professional-looking site in a few hours, using just your browser.
This post walks through simple, reliable tools that let you build a site without touching code.
What Should You Look for in a Website Tool?
Before choosing a platform, ask yourself:
- Do I want something I can set up once and rarely update?
- Am I comfortable with a slightly more powerful tool if it gives me more flexibility?
- Do I want it to look modern but still be easy to maintain?
You don’t need the “perfect” tool. You just need one that matches your comfort level and goals.
Recommended Tools for Academics
Each of these options lets you build a site by choosing from a list of templates and then adding your content.
1. Google Sites
- Best for: Absolute beginners, no-frills academic sites
- Pros: Free, fast to set up, familiar interface, integrates with Google Drive
- Cons: Limited design options, looks very “institutional”
- Templates: Yes — simple academic and portfolio layouts
Why use Google Sites?
If you want something quick, functional, and free with no learning curve, this is a great place to start.
2. WordPress.com
- Best for: Academics who want more flexibility without giving up ease of use
- Pros: Popular, lots of templates, widely supported
- Cons: Slight learning curve, free plan includes ads
- Templates: Dozens of themes designed for resumes, portfolios, blogs
Why use WordPress.com?
It’s one of the most widely used platforms in the world—academic or not—and once it’s set up, it’s easy to maintain.
3. Carrd
- Best for: Minimalist one-page academic sites
- Pros: Clean templates, very low cost ($19/year for most features), fast to build
- Cons: No multi-page sites unless you upgrade
- Templates: Dozens of one-page personal and portfolio layouts
Why use it Carrd?
Perfect if you just want a clean landing page with your name, CV, bio, and contact info—nothing more.
How to Decide: A Quick Guide
| If You Want… | Use |
|---|---|
| No learning curve at all | Google Sites |
| A traditional multi-page website | WordPress.com |
| A sleek, one-page personal profile | Carrd |
Don’t Worry About Being Fancy
The goal isn’t to create the most “impressive” website. It’s to make a clear, professional space where people can find:
- Who you are
- What you work on
- How to contact you
- (Optionally) Your publications and teaching
Templates help with the hard part—layout and design. Your job is just to fill in the blanks.
