Websites

Every student organization needs an online presence to communicate what it does, especially if you host large events, want to attract outside attention, or are connected to the broader community beyond Stanford. The key is to choose the right platform for your club's goals.

There are several options for creating a website, and the best choice depends on what you want to achieve. A great way to start is to review the options on Stanford IT's Website Hosting Options page. As you evaluate different platforms, think about your team's skills and what you can realistically maintain long-term.

Level 1: Easy

Social Media as a Website

For many clubs, especially those focused on community or culture, a social media profile on platforms like Instagram is all you need. It’s the fastest and simplest way to establish a presence, and it can easily be used alongside a more dedicated website later. Another free resource is to leverage your CardinalEngage group page but keep in mind that only Stanford students have access to view it.

Google Sites

For a quick and free dedicated website, use Google Sites through your Stanford SUNet account. This option requires very little technical expertise and integrates seamlessly with other Google apps. While customization is limited, you can create a functional site and even use a custom URL.

Level 2: Intermediate

Stanford Domains

If your team has more technical experience, Stanford Domains provides a flexible platform for website development. This service offers tools like WordPress, allowing for greater customization. By default, your site will have a [example].su.domain subdomain, but you can also try to request a custom [example].stanford.edu URL or use a domain you’ve purchased externally.

Third-Party Website Builders

For more design freedom, you can use your club's budget to build a site with premium third-party vendors like Squarespace, Wix, Webflow, or Framer. These platforms offer extensive design and functionality options. If you choose this path you can also buy a domain name directly from the webhost vendor or a domain registrar like Hover.

Level 3: Advanced

Building from the Ground Up

This option offers full control but requires significant technical expertise. Building a website from scratch means managing everything yourself—from code to hosting—which can be a major challenge.

Stanford Sites

Alternatively, you can use the centrally managed Stanford Sites service. This option is streamlined and easy to use, but it comes with greater limitations on customization. Since these sites represent Stanford, they must follow strict university standards.

Note: Recognized student organizations can use the 'Stanford' name in their communications such as a domain name or social media profile if they choose to do so.

Need Help Deciding?

Navigating these choices can be a challenge. We recommend scheduling an advisement meeting with the Office of Student Engagement. We can help you evaluate your goals and resources to find the best option for your organization.