Decisions decisions decisions

Well here I am at my first big decision.  Do I take the plunge and get a website to showcase my work?  If so which website do I go with.  So many things to take into consideration.  What they offer for the price, what I can do with my own design, etc.  Where do I advertise the site? Do I use their pricing or my own?  Lots of things to think about and research. Want to get it close to perfect the first time. So any comments or help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.