If you’re freelancing, putting together a great portfolio is key to your success!
Even if you only have a few projects under your belt, YOU can create one of those enviable, client-bating portfolios 🤩
⚡️ Include the most important elements
A portfolio isn’t just a collection of all your past projects.
Add explanations to your portfolio to preempt questions that someone hiring you might have, such as your pricing, working style, or niche expertise.
In order of importance, the function of your portfolio is:
- To show what you can do to make the client’s/employer’s life easier.
Instead of saying what you do, say what you can do for them. So if you’re a content marketer, rather than saying that you write epic sales copy, say that you can triple their email open rates and double their conversions, for example.
- To give them an easy way to contact you.
Make it simple for visitors to get in touch with you as soon as they know they’re interested in your services!
- To explain the details of the work you can provide.
Spell out the exact type of work you like to do, what kind of clients or companies you’d like to work for. For example, if you’re a web designer who wants to build personal websites for artists, say so!
- To tell them who you are and what you will be like to work with.
Take the time to explain the process you went through to complete past projects in your portfolio, and describe your work style.
⚡️ Tell, don’t show
Portfolios are all about providing examples of your work. Take the time to explain the work you did on a project, as well as any special circumstances or problems you worked through.
This will give potential employers or clients a better idea of your work style and thought process, so they can imagine how they might also work with you.
⚡️Focus on what work you want to do and who you want to work with
If your portfolio is a little sparse, take some space to explain the kind of work you’re passionate about. This is the place to call out specific types of companies or clients you’d love to work with (and why), and to explain your goals.
Even if none of your projects demonstrate those skills yet, showing that you have ambition and potential can go a long way.
⚡️Include “passion” projects
A portfolio doesn’t have to include only paid work, and it doesn’t even need to be limited to work you did with clients. If you worked on projects in school or in a training course, include them! And don’t be afraid to include tiny projects you work on in your own time.
⚡️Talk about your education
Showcasing your education is a great way to fill in any gaps in your portfolio, especially if you just learned new skills.
⚡️ Include press, mentions, and testimonials
Even if it doesn’t relate EXACTLY to the type of work you’re doing, testimonials are social proof that you are who you say you are.
Don’t shy away from asking for testimonials either! Ask former clients, employers, and even teachers to send you a testimonial 💥