How to make an outdoor water pond?

Lowe's has a great site with the information here https://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/build-a-pond-or-water-garden/project.

So many ideas on the internet. Goggle it

Are you going for fish, too? or just water? Depending on the size, you can dig it yourself if it's under 300 gallons and 18" deep. Arrange the shape on the ground with a hose, remembering you will need this area to have access to electricity and a water source. (Very important). Dig the hole with your shovel, allowing for ledges for plants along the edges and tamp it down. With some of the dirt you dug, build up a berm around the edge to keep crud from slipping in the water Get a GOOD rubber liner and lay it over the hole. Working from the center, smooth it as much as you can. You can leave it rubber or line it with stones. Place small boulders around the edge to cover the lining. Get your pump (the correct size) and place it in the lowest portion of the bottom. Fill the pond with water and let it run for about a week before adding anything living. Better yet, get a book on ponds. If you're going to have decorative fish, the process is a bit more complicated.

I did my pond with a preformed plastic liner...it's still holding up after 10 years...did my Moms pond with a liner ..which is easier...both are holding up well...I dug the hole to size than lined it with old carpet so nothing poked through...lined the edge with stepping stones from Lowe's.