There are various ways to find new clients or attract employers to hire you. One of the most effective ways to execute this is to create an online portfolio. This will allow you to present your craft to your potential audience online. You can simply provide a link for them to access your portfolio or they can look you up. The latter would be ideal. When you pop up on search engine results pages, especially if you are on the first page, then that signifies to others that you have credibility and authority in your line of work. Let us talk more about the benefits of creating an online portfolio.
A Creative Way to Leave a Good First Impression
In this day and age of digitalization, many individuals are gearing towards sharing their professional work, personal branding, and talents in the online space. Creating an online portfolio that displays one’s skills, educational background, certifications, lessons learned, and work experience will show employers and potential clients the caliber of that individual based on the information on his or her online portfolio.
There are various approaches when it comes to designing your online portfolio. Some use a simple portfolio template that was based on a free portfolio website, while others take the more visually heavy portfolio website to showcase their graphic design skill. The main purpose of an online portfolio is for the viewers to understand what kind of professional you are, and what your value proposition is.
Compared to a conventional resume, an online portfolio leaves a good first impression on its viewers. Especially for employers who are looking for someone in a specific field of work. This is important because you will easily be remembered and what you have on your portfolio website will most likely have left a good first impression. Apart from your approach with your online portfolio’s design, the highlighted skills and attributes you have indicated there will leave a mark in their memory. It will be more than just a list of bulleted skills on a sheet of paper.
Increased Chance for Online Visibility
The exponential use of search engines will fare well with having online portfolio sites. Looking for a job? Then having an online portfolio can be of great use, when companies and employers search the web. That is why it is vital to have some basic knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is the art of optimizing your web page to increase your ranking on Google’s search engine results page. The higher you are, the more likely you will be discovered. Having a spot on the first page of Google’s results will boost the chances of acquiring more clients or having employers find you.
Some key pointers that you will need to increase your chances of ranking high on Google’s search engine results page are to ensure that your portfolio, whether it is from a free portfolio website, is to ensure that it is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Having a good user interface and user experience (UI/UX) is one of the key components of SEO. So, select a great portfolio template. Having others link to you and sharing links will enhance your online portfolio’s link-building efforts. This is one of the key drivers of SEO that falls under off-page optimization. These are but a few tips that can help you get started with the foundation of your online portfolio’s SEO efforts.
A Freelancer’s Door to More Clients
Online portfolio websites are a passive way of acquiring clients. You just need to set it up and with an optimized website, you will be surprised by potential clients who will contact you, because they found your portfolio online. This will aid you in your active search for clients. You can simply send them a link to your online portfolio, and they can learn about your branding, skills, and accomplishments. Think of your online portfolio as your online value proposition and pitch.
Personal Branding
Online portfolios are presentations of your branding, who you are, and what you offer. Your public image is portrayed by the pages you have, design, and content on your portfolio template. Showing your past and/or current experience is only a single aspect of your online portfolio. You can show a dash of who you are and what your personality is like. Your branding is as valuable as your reputation. It is a way for you to establish yourself in your field of specialization or industry. An astounding online personality alone can make you stand out. But keep in mind that you always need to follow through with your performance. Your skills are only as valuable as your performance.
One of the best approaches to creating an online portfolio to stand out is to find a good portfolio template. Finding one that is in tune with your style can get you started easily. Next, maximizing your online presence will be key to stand above others who are also working on optimizing their website. Strikingly has a whole slew of free portfolio websites. You will surely find one that fits your taste. Your online portfolio will pave the way for you to communicate your value proposition and branding to differentiate yourself from others. This is especially important to freelancers. Your branding is everything when it comes to your reputation and the quality you present to your existing and potential clients.
Arranging Your Portfolio
To begin, you will need to dig deep and identify the purpose of your online portfolio. There are templates for jobseekers, showcase portfolios, academic portfolios, reputational portfolio, and many more. Your portfolio will also depend on whether you are a freelancer trying to acquire more clients to serve or someone who is looking to be employed in a certain industry.
It is critical to have a focus on who your audience is when starting with creating portfolio websites. The design will be up to you but remember to keep things concise. Your portfolio needs to be easy to get around. Easy navigation will make your portfolio’s viewers know that you created something that they can traverse effortlessly. If you plan on including some samples of your work, make sure that you organize them. Do not stuff everything that you have done and scatter them on your portfolio. The best portfolio websites typically have only their best work presented on their page. If you need some guidance on where to start, here are key things to include in your online portfolio:
1. About Yourself
Once you have everything laid out and found the best online portfolio websites to choose from, you will need to create a compelling introduction about yourself. Show your audience why they should hire you, and what makes you different from others in your field of specialization. Create a section in your online portfolio that includes your resume, educational and professional background, certifications, and your statement. Including your photos will give your portfolio a personal feel.
Having a mix of both personal and professional touches will show your audience how passionate you are about what you do. When your audience knows and understands you a little bit more, then they will know whether you are the right fit for them to collaborate with you.
2. Your Specializations and Best Work
Now is the time to boast a little and showcase your best work and include information about your specialization. When posting samples of your best work, it is important to present your craft in a way that will cater to your target clients. You can show off and present yourself in a manner that implies that your audience should choose you.
This is where you let your art speak for you. Selecting the best portfolio template to highlight the things that you have spent months or years creating. You can include some notable clients that you have worked with to increase your credibility.
3. Contact Page
Once you have caught the eye of your audience, they will become a lead for you or a potential employer to work for. To let them contact you, you will need to have a Contact page. This page should be kept clean and simple. This page will serve as a way for clients or employers to reach you. Include all means of communication for them to reach you; telephone number, cell phone number, e-mail address, and social media. Strikingly’s web editor has customizable contact form templates for you to choose from.
Key Takeaway
Creating your portfolio website is highly beneficial for those who seek to expand the way they want to be seen or acquire clients. It is a gateway to expand your business and boost your reputation. If you are interested in creating your portfolio, click here to view what Strikingly can offer!
