5 Steps To Building An Online Portfolio
Do you want to build an online portfolio? There’s an easy way to do it. Having an online portfolio can help anyone find new clients and employment opportunities. An online portfolio can help you make a brand on the internet and establish a strong image in front of clients.
If you don’t have experience building a website, you might be worried that the task is too complicated. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about building an online portfolio from scratch.
Here are 5 simple steps to build an online portfolio:
Step 1: Choose an Online Tool
Making an online portfolio means doing everything yourself. The portfolio should be representative of your skills, past projects, and employment status. You can take help from online tools that help you build a website. I've mentioned a couple of them.
- WordPress
More than 30% of websites are designed using WordPress. This free and open-source tool gives you the freedom to customize the website as per your preference. You can choose from existing templates or organize multiple blocks of content yourself. WordPress is easy to use, and many tutorials can help you get the hang of it.
- Wix
If you want something even simpler than WordPress, then Wix is the next best option. This website builder is subscription-based. All you need to do is create a free or paid account on Wix, and you can start customizing your website right away. The user interface on Wix is easy to use, and there are many templates available to help you get started.
Step 2: Set the Structure
A simple structure is great for your portfolio. Don’t overdo the information and keep animations to a minimum. Your portfolio should include:
- Introduction
- Projects
- Services offered
- Contact information
You can create an impressive portfolio with only these four sections. Remember to keep the introduction as brief as possible. Clients are not interested in knowing who you are unless you can prove your worth through projects, skills, and services. Before you showcase your work, start by adding a professional photo of yourself and your full name. Add a one-liner that describes what you do. For example, a graphic designer can write: “I build things that didn’t exist before,” or “Without web design, my life would be black and white.”
Bonus Tip: Don’t add loading screens to your website. Give visitors the information they need as quickly as possible.
Step 3: Showcase Your Work
Now that the client knows who you are, it’s time to show off your skills practically. Your projects should be attractive, appealing, and straightforward. This section can help you make or break any deal.
If you try to showcase all of your work, you will compromise on quality. It is important to show your best work to clients, including big projects and achievements.
A good portfolio should also have context for each project. Instead of writing the headline or company name, focus on your role in the project. Talk about how you helped achieve company goals and how the project was a success.
Bonus Tip: Feature your most recent work. Employers look for quick learners, innovators, and tech-savvy individuals. Don’t bore them by showcasing a project that’s irrelevant to the latest industry trends.
Step 4: Add Value
If someone makes it to this section of your portfolio, they are probably interested in your work. Now, you need to add value and credibility to your name by showcasing your skills. For example, graphic designers can include skills such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
You can also tell clients about what services you offer. This can include newsletter building, website design, social media management, etc. A great way to add all this information is by creating an infographic instead of writing plain text. This brings creativity and aesthetic appeal to your portfolio.
If you choose to mention your education, keep it as brief as possible. Don’t tell clients about your high school but do mention any professional courses or industry training you’ve taken.
Testimonials are also a great way to add value to your work. You can reach out to past clients and ask them for testimonials for your portfolio. All you need is the client’s name, their picture, and a one-liner explaining why they liked your work.
Step 5: Final Touches
The last thing you need to add is your contact information. Instead of listing down your number and email, try a more modern method. We suggest using Contact Form 7 plugin from WordPress, or a contact form through Wix Builder Tool.
While WordPress and Wix will tempt you into using fancy templates, it is better to choose a simple one. Employers prefer portfolios that provide relevant information quickly.
Bonus Tip: Before you publish, make sure you optimize the portfolio for iPhone, Android, and tablet screens. The user experience should be your top priority.
Final Thoughts
That sums up everything you need to know about building an online portfolio. It might take some time to get through all these steps, but the investment is worth it. Don’t try to make your entire portfolio in one sitting. Instead, keep revisiting and editing it until you are satisfied with the product.
You only need to follow these five simple steps to build a great online portfolio. Just remember to keep updating your portfolio regularly with new projects.
