Portfolio websites showcase important information about companies and individuals. They are useful for showing off the work you're most proud of or advertising your products and services for the world to see.
Whether you're creating a portfolio website for yourself or your business, consider the following helpful tips for enjoying success.
6 Tips for Creating a Compelling Portfolio
Crafting a compelling portfolio is an art in itself, where every brushstroke of content and every pixel of design must work in harmony to captivate your audience. It goes beyond merely displaying your work; it's about telling a story, leaving a lasting impression, and conveying your unique vision. Here are the 6 tips for creating a compelling portfolio:
Involve the Professionals
You're certainly a professional in your craft, but your talents might not extend to web design. Rather than fighting with click-and-drop design elements, outsource portfolio website design to a creative web design agency.
They'll be able to build you a website from the ground up that doesn't come burdened with the coding issues of drag-and-drop builders. Design professionals also have an eye for design and the best tools of the trade. Their skills and resources can prove invaluable when you're stuck for time and inspiration. You can provide them with ideas and your preferences, they'll take care of the rest.
Remember the 'Less Is More' Rule
Portfolio websites are excellent platforms to show off your work in all its glory. Whether you're a photographer, a painter, or a sculpturist, you can fill your site with beautiful pictures of your creations.
However, it's important to remember that less is often more. You don't have to fill your site with everything you've ever done. Instead, focus on select pieces and give them space to shine in the spotlight.
No matter how alluring or amazing your work may be, it doesn't change the fact that most website visitors will spend under a minute on a single webpage. So show them your very best offerings, and ensure they're things you'd like to do more of.
Be Careful with the Design
Most portfolio website owners want their sites to stand out from the crowd. They think utilizing out-of-the-box design elements is the best way to do this. There is nothing wrong with creativity, but simplicity is usually a better approach.
Website users want to be able to scroll seamlessly through a site. They don't want to spend their entire visit troubleshooting navigation. Worse still, over-the-top design can affect site speed. Slow loading time will impact customer behavior, so wherever possible, opt for simple over showy when it comes to your design elements.
Make It About You
Site visitors will be impressed by your gallery of projects. However, they'll also want to learn more about the person behind those projects. Put a face to the name and include an 'About Me' page on your portfolio website.
You don't have to write an essay - a small paragraph on who you are and where you've come from can be all it takes to humanize your portfolio.
Be Easy to Contact
Your portfolio website is certainly there to showcase your talent. However, its main purpose is to attract more customers. With this in mind, it's vital to ensure your contact information is in a prominent position.
Most portfolio sites include contact information in an individual tab while also publishing it prominently at the bottom or top of the homepage. You can also have calls to action throughout your site.
Highlight Testimonials
You might provide countless examples of your past work, but are customers truly happy with what you've produced? Testimonials can be an excellent way for prospective purchasers to find out. You can set aside a specific part of your website for testimonials or scatter them throughout. Keep them short and sweet for easy readability.
Creating a compelling portfolio website requires a different approach from a traditional site. While challenging to get right, you can create a standout portfolio by taking some of the actions above.
