How to Create an Online Portfolio – An Easy-to-Follow Guide

When it comes to making a great first impression, your online portfolio is one of the most important tools you have in your arsenal. This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to create an online portfolio that will make employers take notice.

Let’s get started!

What Is an Online Portfolio?

An online portfolio is a collection of your work that’s accessible to anyone with an internet connection. It can include anything from writing samples and photos to videos and projects. A good portfolio will give employers or clients a solid insight into your skills and what you can do.

Why Should You Make an Online Portfolio?

There are many reasons to make an online portfolio. Perhaps you are a freelance writer or a photographer who wants to share your photos with the world. Whatever your reason, an online portfolio can help you achieve your goals.

Making an Online Portfolio

Now that we know what it is and discussed the benefits of creating it, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of how to make your own online portfolio yourself.

Step 1 — Pick a Platform

There are many platforms that you can use to make a portfolio online. Some of the best web design software include WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace. We recommend doing some research to find the right platform for you.

Step 2 — Choose a Domain Name

Once you’ve picked a platform, it’s time to choose a domain name. It’s the address people will use to access your portfolio (e.g., yourname.com). Try to choose a domain name that is easy to remember and reflects your work or personal brand.

Step 3 — Create Your Portfolio

Once you have chosen a platform and domain name, it’s time to start creating a portfolio. Any further steps will vary depending on your platform, but most are relatively easy to use. Be sure to include your best work and ensure that each piece is well-crafted.

Step 4 — Promote It

Once you have created your portfolio, it’s time to promote it! Share the link with potential employers or clients and post it on social media. You can also include a link to your portfolio on your resume or email signature.

Making an Online Portfolio on WordPress

WordPress as a platform currently powers more than one-third of all websites on the internet. These steps are also applicable for almost any CSM platform, such as Squarespace and Wix, as they’re all heavily content-based.

Step 1 — Pick a Theme

WordPress has a wide variety of themes to choose from. There are themes for all types of businesses and websites. Be sure to pick a professional theme and reflect on the kind of work you do.

Step 2 — Choose Your Plugins

Once you’ve chosen a theme, it’s time to select some plugins. Plugins are how you add functionality to your WordPress site. There are plugins for everything from contact forms to social media sharing. Choose the plugins that you need for your online portfolio template.

Step 3 — Create Your Pages

Once you’ve chosen a theme and installed some plugins, it’s time to create some pages. WordPress is very easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. Simply add the content you want on each page and then publish it.

Step 4 — Add Your Work

Now it’s time to add your work! Be sure to include high-quality photos or videos of your best work. You can also add written descriptions of your work to each page.

Step 5 — Promote Your Site

Once you have created your portfolio, it’s time to promote it! Share the link with potential employers or clients and post it on social media, especially LinkedIn, since it’s an employment-oriented platform. You can also include a link to your portfolio on your resume or email signature.

Creating Online Portfolios for Specific Professions

If you’re wondering how to make an online portfolio for a specific career — don’t worry. Numerous online portfolio platforms are particularly designed for certain professions. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you can use Canva to create a portfolio.

You can use DeviantArt to showcase your artwork if you’re an artist. If you’re a writer, your portfolio will be less visual, in which case, you can use a blogging platform like Medium to create a portfolio of your work.

The best way to find the right online portfolio platform for you is to do a Google search for “online portfolio platform [profession].” You’ll find a wide variety of platforms to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Making an Online Portfolio for Graphic Design

Graphic designers are often required to create an online portfolio as part of the job application process. It typically includes samples of their work, a biography, and contact information.

To create one, graphic designers often use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. These programs offer various templates and layouts, making it easy to create a professional and polished portfolio.

With Photoshop and Illustrator, designers can then use InDesign to create a portfolio book. It allows them to print their portfolio and share it with potential employers or clients in a physical format.

Making an Online Portfolio for Photography

If you’re a photographer, there are many platforms you can use to create an online portfolio. Some of the best ones include Pixpa, Zenfolio, Wix, etc.

They offer a wide variety of templates and designs to choose from, making it easy to create a portfolio that reflects your style and work.

These platforms are easy to use and allow you to add photos, videos, and text. They also offer a variety of tools to help you edit your photos and videos.

As a photographer, it’s often hard to stand out. Building an online portfolio can help you show your best work and set yourself apart from the competition.

Making an Online Portfolio for Web Design

If you’re a web designer, Adobe Dreamweaver is the perfect program to use for creating your online portfolio. It’s easy to use and has a wide variety of templates to choose from.

Aside from Dreamweaver, you can also use HTML and CSS and some front-end frameworks to create a visually pleasing portfolio website. They will give you more control over how your website looks and feels.

To create a stunning portfolio website, you can also use a professional portfolio template provided by the best web design software, like WordPress, Startup by Designmodo, Webflow, etc.

They are easy to use and offer a wide variety of themes and plugins that you can use to set up and customize your website quickly.

Making an Online Portfolio for Writing

If you’re a writer, chances are you already have a portfolio of your work. Whether it’s published articles, short stories, or even just a blog, you can easily showcase your work online.

If you want to create a portfolio online from scratch, using a blogging platform such as Medium is a great option. It’s easy to use and gives you flexibility when choosing your aesthetic. You can even add multimedia content to enrich your posts further.

You can also use CMS platforms such as WordPress to create your own personalized blog and a website where you would showcase the best examples of your content.

Making an Online Portfolio for Public Relations

Whether it’s press releases, media kits, or even just a blog, it’s easy to showcase your work online to potential clients.

To create your portfolio as a public relations manager, you can use a social media platform such as LinkedIn. It’s a great way to showcase your previous experiences in the PR world and build a network of potential clients for your future endeavors.

Aside from that, you can also start a blog where you’ll talk about your PR accomplishments. After all, 53% of marketers consider blogging as their primary marketing strategy.

Wrapping Up

Making an online portfolio is undoubtedly the best way to showcase your skills and talents to potential employers or clients. Using one of the many available platforms, you can create a professional, polished portfolio that reflects your personal style.

So what are you waiting for? Start creating your online portfolio today!