How to create a portfolio website

As a small business or freelancer, you’ll know that the most powerful way to convert new clients is to share your existing work. A dynamic online portfolio is vital. However unless you’re a coder or tech fanatic, building your own website may seem a bit above your pay grade.

So if you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry – we’ve broken down the process into six simple steps.

What is a portfolio website and why do you need one?

A portfolio website is a unique way to share what you do. Because who wouldn’t want to show off their best work to the world? It should reflect your business and overflow with personality. Whether you’re a tattoo artist, copywriter, painter or web designer, your website should represent what makes you you.

How can I create a portfolio?

You don’t need to be a tech whizz to put together a portfolio website. Here are some easy steps to get you started.

1. What’s your goal?

As tempting as it is to jump in at the deep end and start building your template right away, it’s best to take a step back and determine your goals first. Ask yourself:

Do I want to drive more sales and conversions? Or am I more concerned with brand awareness?
Do I want to target particular industries or niches?
Do I need my work to support an application?
Am I planning to showcase all of my work or just a snapshot?

2. “Hello, my name is…”

Choosing a domain name for your website can be both a fun and daunting task. If you already have an idea in mind, that’s great! It could be your own name, your company name or something else entirely. But if you’re drawing a blank, look at other creatives or brands for inspiration.

Once you have a few ideas, you can check to see if it’s available (or transfer your existing domain name) – then secure it for free!

3. Time to show off

If you’ve been on the scene for a while, you probably have countless pieces to hang on the (virtual) wall – so take the time to choose your best work. Consider selecting a range of examples, so potential leads can get a sense of your versatility. But make sure they all speak to your personal brand and business goals.

4. Dress the place up

Now for the fun part. Don’t worry if you’re not an artist. There are plenty of templates available, so you won't have to start from scratch.

Consider your purpose – if you’re a photographer, you might go for something that puts your images in the spotlight. On the other hand, a writer or marketer might choose a template to make their copy stand out, without loads of visuals overshadowing their work. Do what works for you.

5. Add your content

Don’t be like everyone else. Get creative with your content. Most website builders allow you to change colours, layouts and fonts, so you can customise your site as much as you like.
That said, your website design shouldn’t detract from the amazing work you want to share with your audience. So play around with a few different formats to find the one that best highlights your content.

6. Three… two… one… lift off!

And just like that, you’re ready to launch! When you’re completely happy, you can share your website with the world. Once live, don’t panic if you spot a comma in the wrong place or an image one pixel out of line. You can still edit, adjust and optimise your site after launch.

Ready to put your work into the world?

Like most of us, you probably want to keep costs to a minimum. The great news is you don’t need to break the bank to get yourself online. With shared web hosting plans ranging from £5.99 to £15, you can launch your portfolio while keeping your piggy bank happy. And with the first month free, you can play around without committing.

If you’re inspired to create your own portfolio, take a look at our plans. Each comes with a free domain name for the first year, an SSL certificate and smart SSD storage. To find out more, contact us online or get in touch with our sales team on 0800 0612 153.