Just started working on building an online portfolio? No clue how to start?

A well written portfolio is a huge reason to land you more successful projects on Workafy. Regardless of whether you are a freelance designer or a freelance developer, to get clients consistently needs an impressive portfolio. A portfolio is not the same as a resume. A portfolio is much more detailed and visual as compared to your resume. A portfolio includes work experience, qualifications, values and beliefs etc.

With about 125,000+ registered freelancers, competition is always high for the freelancers. This means that simply creating a profile isn’t enough. You have to have a portfolio that grabs the attention of the client at first glance. A profile gives an insight to who you are and what to expect from you.

So how do you create a profile that gets you clients?

Here is our step-by-step guide:

There are two ways to create a portfolio online; create a website to host your portfolio, or use platforms like Workafy, Wordpress or Canva that lets you create and showcase your portfolio on their website. 

The blog focuses more on later but it’s valid in both cases.

• The first thing that you need to do when starting on Workafy is to ensure that you create the right kind of profile. There are two types of profile on Workafy, the client profile and the freelancer profile. As a freelancer looking for work, so click on freelancer (I want to work).

• Add a profile photo, a good profile photo is important because it gives a sense of who you are. Your profile photo is the first thing that represents you so ensure that it conveys professionalism.  

• Add a tagline, there seems to be a general tendency of quickly writing whatever comes to mind when writing the tagline. It is important that you realize that this is the first real description of yourself that clients will see, so you want to catch their eye right away. These small details leave a huge impact and determine whether the client will consider you for a project or not. While writing your tagline be simple and concise. Use keywords or phrases that best describe your skills.

• After tagline comes overview, here you get a chance to tell prospective clients more about you. You have got a golden chance to explain more about yourself, so make it count. Focus on your niche specific skills. Add unique skills that you possess that will be of value to the clients. Always remember to highlight your skills and accomplishments to prove your value to them. Finally proofread your overview to ensure that there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.

• Showcase your work(this is where the battle is won or lost), attaching work samples is the most critical aspect of a portfolio. Think from a clients perspective and carter to their needs. Choose at least 5 projects so you can demonstrate the breadth of your work, but be selective. Only pick the best work samples, it’s always better to showcase the best works rather than the sub-standard ones. Don’t have any work yet? No problem. Just start creating on your own, and use your portfolio to display what you’ve done. 

• To validate your credentials, let clients know more about your education background. List the degrees and institution names in chronological order. If you don’t have any formal education, it’s not a big deal. Just add informal education or self taught education in the additional information section.

• To further improve your profile and credibility list your employment history as a way to showcase your experience, qualifications and past projects. In this section, list your previous work experience focusing on the projects that relate to the work you are looking for. If you gain more projects, keep your profile updated. Keep in mind that your work doesn’t end with just creating a killer portfolio. You’ll also have to regularly update it. As you create new and better work, make sure you make additions to showcase your latest projects.

Having an online portfolio is important, whether you’re trying to attract new customers, give employers an insight of your skills or enhance your visibility among other freelancers. Workafy being an online platform, helps you showcase your work to accomplish your goals.