Whether you’re a writer, an artist, a musician or a graphic designer, an online portfolio is seen as one of the essential modern ways to sell yourself to employers looking for people with your skills. With your own small corner of the internet devoted to all you’ve worked on in the past, you’re able to curate your brand in exactly the way you wish to appeal to employers – as unique, talented and bright. This article is aimed at those who’ve never set up an online portfolio before, offering useful tips to get you started in creating an online display of your very best work.
Select a Platform
Unless you’re lucky enough to have the (considerable) time at your disposal necessary to learn to code a website, you’re going to want to use a platform that helps you build your site through useful templates. Whether you choose Wix, WordPress or other large and professional free-to-use websites, you’ll be presented with plug-in options that’ll help build the fabric of your site with ease. Once you’ve found a platform you like, it’s time to choose a domain.
Choosing a Domain Name
Your domain name is the words someone will have to type into their internet search bar to find your site. Often, people choose their names and their occupations, but you might have created a brand name that you’d like to use instead. You can check the availability of your chosen domain name online; some you’ll have to pay a nominal fee to use. Then you’ll have your own tiny slice of the internet on which to play.
Upload Work
You’ve got your domain name, and your chosen platform is showing you different themes that you can select from to display your work. Now comes the simple task of uploading your work. Most platforms will make this incredibly easy for you to do, with prominent upload buttons directing you. Choose an arrangement that flatters your work, whether it’s visual or textual, and make your portfolio section both noticeable and exciting.
Your Bio
You should also include a short biography that describes yourself, your passions, your experience, and your expertise. This is something akin to a very brief resume and will be important for those who’re looking for a context to link to the work that you’re displaying. Don’t forget to upload some contact details, too, so that anyone looking to get in touch with you can do so directly from your website.
Integrate with Social Media
The platform that you’ve chosen will also be readily able to link to your social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter among them) to give viewers a further taste of your personality and talents. This is all-important in driving interested traffic to your website. It’s an effective method for self-marketing that’ll have those who’s browsing your social media accounts sent directly through to your portfolio if they’re curious enough to check out your work. You never know where these click-throughs could lead you.
These simple tips will help you understand how to create your own online portfolio – and should be easy to follow so that you’ll have your corner of the internet fully set up within a day.