Module 6: Finalize and Polish Your Content

You’ve made it to the final module!

At this point, you’ve drafted all the content for your one-page academic website:

  • A short bio
  • A research overview
  • Selected work or publications
  • Optional sections (like teaching or awards)
  • Contact and external links (coming up shortly)

Now it’s time to pull it all together, refine your content, and get it ready for the web.


Your Goal in This Module

You’ll:

  1. Review your draft with fresh eyes
  2. Tighten and polish your wording
  3. Make sure the full page content flows as one clear, focused narrative
  4. Add a simple Contact + Links section

The result? A concise, well-structured text that’s ready to drop into your site.


Step 1: Read It Top to Bottom

Start by reading your draft like a first-time visitor would.

Ask yourself:

  • Does it introduce me clearly and confidently?
  • Is it obvious what kind of work I do?
  • Is it free of jargon, long lists, or dense formatting?
  • Is it the right length (ideally 300–500 words total)?

Keep the tone professional, warm, and readable. Short paragraphs, clear headings, and scannable formatting all help.


Step 2: Cut the Clutter

One-page sites work best when they’re lean and focused.

Look for:

  • Repetition: Have you said the same thing twice in different sections?
  • Overly detailed entries: Trim down anything that reads like a CV.
  • Long sentences: Break them up for clarity.

Tip: Most visitors will skim. Help them by keeping sections short and punchy.


What to include:

  • Email address (or contact form link)
  • Links to your academic profiles, such as:

    • Google Scholar
    • ORCID
    • LinkedIn
    • Personal blog, Substack, GitHub, etc.

Example:

Contact Email: firstname.lastname@university.edu Google Scholar, ORCID, LinkedIn

Keep this section simple and place it near the bottom of your page.


Your Module 6 Mini-Assignment

  1. Review your full draft from top to bottom.
  2. Make edits for clarity, flow, and consistency.
  3. Add your Contact + Links section at the end.
  4. Optional: Read it aloud or ask a colleague to give feedback.

Final Checklist

Use this quick checklist before you move on to formatting or building your page:

  1. I’ve clearly stated who I am and what I do
  2. I’ve included only the most relevant work and info
  3. Each section is short, focused, and easy to skim
  4. There are no long lists, jargon, or academic filler
  5. I’ve added simple, clear contact details and links

You Did It!

Your content is now complete and web-ready. You’ve crafted a clear, concise one-page academic profile that presents you at your best.


Next up: Module 7 - Prepare to Publish and Maintain Your Website(bonus)