Beautify Your GitHub Profile like a Pro
Tags: git, github, markdown, tutorial
Published: 2021-05-30 04:55:22

If you have ever used **GitHub**, you must have come across some impressive-looking profiles and thought "Damn! I want my profile to look like that." Well, this article will help you with precisely that.

# 1. Add a `ReadMe`

This is simply the easiest way to boost the visual appeal of your profile many folds. To create a `ReadMe` for your **GitHub** profile, create a new repository with your username. 

![ReadMe Repository](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/prognnv0kl3t9o4y57te.png)

Initialize the repository with a `ReadMe.md` file and anything you write in the file will be shown in your **GitHub** Profile.

![ReadMe Demo](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/18md8cuyzdd4n4tzfyeq.PNG)

The `ReadMe` is the perfect place to describe yourself, list out your achievements and skills. You can also add badges like these to make your profile look even more attractive. 

[![linked-in](https://img.shields.io/badge/Linked_In-0077B5?style=for-the-badge&logo=LinkedIn&logoColor=white)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tapajyoti-bose-429a601a0/)
[![github](https://img.shields.io/badge/GitHub-000000?style=for-the-badge&logo=GitHub&logoColor=white)](https://github.com/ruppysuppy)
[![instagram](https://img.shields.io/badge/Instagram-E4405F?style=for-the-badge&logo=instagram&logoColor=white)](https://www.instagram.com/tapajyotib/)

To create the badge the syntax is:

```md
![<Badge Name>](https://img.shields.io/badge/<Badge Text>-<Background Color>?style=for-the-badge&logo=<Icon Name>&logoColor=<Logo Color>)
```

So the **Github** badge would look like: 

```md
![github](https://img.shields.io/badge/GitHub-000000?style=for-the-badge&logo=GitHub&logoColor=white)]
```

You can browse through the list of available icons on [Simple Icons](https://simpleicons.org/)

# 2. Manage your _Repositories_

**Github** allows you to pin _Repositories_ and _Gists_ in your profile. This is a remarkable feature that enables you to display the things you want to showcase. 

![Pinned repositories](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/iqiqe58zim5qmijcp2zg.PNG)

It's also a good idea to add _details_, _tags_ and _emojis_ to make the repository more engaging.

![Repository with details](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6wa625c2laimozg15jyf.PNG)
![Repository with no details](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/lf06qycuobmhv71zrdo3.PNG)

As you can see, the one with details is way more engaging than the one without any.

# 3. **Contribute**, **Contribute** and **Contribute** some more!

This is simply the most important step to make your **GitHub** look awesome! I get it, getting started is scary, so if you need help, check out this [article on how to get started with **Open Source Development**](https://dev.to/ruppysuppy/zero-to-hero-get-started-with-open-source-10b7). You don't have to start with huge features or projects; begin with documentation fixes, then move on to tiny bug fixes and features.

**Open Source Development** can boost your profile regardless if you are going for a _job interview_ or _freelancing_. After a few good contributions, you will start getting job offers from various companies. 

![Open Source Contributions](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ixcxnjh9u7azfsrboxt0.PNG)

One essential thing to keep in mind is: **DO NOT TRY TO CHEAT THE PROCESS**. Every one of your contributions is listed on **GitHub**. There are a lot of people who create fake issues to get a green dot for contribution. This only creates _negative impression_ on the person viewing your profile. If you keep making tiny incremental improvements, you will make it; if you try to use a shortcut, you will likely crash and burn. As the saying goes, "Slow and steady wins the race."

Finding **personal finance** too intimidating? Checkout my **Instagram** to become a [**Dollar Ninja**](https://www.instagram.com/the.dollar.ninja/)

# Thanks for reading

Want to work together? Contact me on [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/o/profiles/users/~01c12e516ee1d35044/)

I am a student & freelancer who will soon start off as a Digital Nomad as soon as I graduate. Want to catch the journey? Follow me on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tapajyotib/)

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