When I first decided to convert my ePortfolio from Google Sites to WordPress, I was looking for more freedom in design and control. Google Sites had been great for starting out, but I wanted something more customizable to truly reflect my learning journey. WordPress offered that flexibility, with endless design options and a more polished, professional look. The idea of having complete control over my site excited me, and I was eager to take my ePortfolio to the next level.
However, the switch wasn’t easy. The learning curve for WordPress was steep, and I quickly realized that creating the exact look and feel I wanted took much more time than I anticipated. Unlike Google Sites, which is very user-friendly, WordPress required me to learn new tools, plug-ins, and even some basic coding to get things just right. There were moments of frustration when I hit walls with formatting or site structure, and I found myself spending hours trying to fix things that felt simple on Google Sites.
Despite the hard work, there have been plenty of rewarding moments. One of the best parts of using WordPress is the ability to truly customize my site. I was able to purchase my own domain name, choose my own themes, and organize the layout exactly how I wanted. Every time I figured out how to solve a problem, like fixing a plugin issue or redesigning a section, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Slowly but surely, my ePortfolio started to take shape in a way that felt uniquely mine, and I was proud of how much effort I put into making it personal.
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made. Moving from a simple platform to one that gives me so much more control hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. The process helped me develop a growth mindset, pushing me to learn new skills and overcome challenges. Now, when I look at my WordPress site, I see not only my learning journey but also a reflection of my persistence and creativity. It’s been a true hands-on experience, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.
Deciding whether or not to convert from Google Sites to WordPress depends on what you’re looking for in an ePortfolio platform. If you’re like me and want more control over your site’s design, layout, and functionality, then yes, I would definitely recommend WordPress. The customization options are endless, and it allows you to make your site truly unique. Plus, owning your own domain and having more flexibility in how you present your content can give your ePortfolio a more professional touch.
However, I wouldn’t say the switch is for everyone. WordPress is more complex and can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the platform. There’s a steeper learning curve, and if you’re pressed for time or not looking to get into the technical aspects of website building, Google Sites might still be a better option. It’s simple, user-friendly, and gets the job done without much hassle.
That said, the challenges of using WordPress can be very rewarding. If you’re willing to invest the time to learn how to use it, the platform gives you the opportunity to build something that feels uniquely yours. I personally found that once I got over the initial learning hurdles, I was proud of how my ePortfolio turned out. It gave me the freedom to be creative and hands-on, which I didn’t feel as much with Google Sites.
In the end, I’d recommend converting to WordPress if you’re ready for the challenge and want to take your ePortfolio to the next level. Just be prepared to put in the time and effort, but trust me, it’s worth it if you’re looking for something more customizable and professional.
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 