CVs are essential, but with the way the world is moving, you might want to have a portfolio too. Scratch that, you need to have a portfolio. Who would do all the talking when you’re not in the room? Your portfolio. What would defend your price when it seems like you’re asking for too much? Your portfolio. Your portfolio is everything and more, and if you don’t build one, you can as well kiss a lot of job opportunities goodbye. As a result, we are here to help you when it comes to building a portfolio. 

The next question is, how do you go about building a portfolio?

Thanks to the internet, several websites allow you to build your portfolio. Let’s take a look at some sites that help in building a portfolio. 

Squarespace – best overall portfolio website builder. There are no free templates, but it is affordable. It ranges from $12 – $46 / month. It’s Ideal for creatives.

Weebly – best for affordability. It has a great SEO tool. Storage cap on the cheapest / free plans. Designs aren’t as impressive. It is easy to use.

Wix – best for SEO support. There are over 500 free templates and Free plans available. Paid Plans: $14 – $56 / month

Duda – stylish portfolio designs. Balance of creative freedom and guidance. Multi-site-packages are of good value. Widgets for bookings, events etc.No free plan, and the cheapest is $14/mo. SEO tools are pretty basic.

GoDaddy – the quickest way to build a portfolio. Free trial available. Paid Plans: $9.99 – $19.99 / month. Design is not as sleek as other sites.

 

ERRORS TO AVOID

So you are done building a portfolio. Note that having a portfolio is one thing, but having it constructed properly is everything. And if you have not built your portfolio already, this would guide you to avoid making these prevalent mistakes. Let’s dive into it, open your portfolio website, and check if you are making the following mistakes. Are you ready?

Too much work on display: We know you love what you do, and you like to show the world, but sometimes, a little is all it takes. No one wants to spend forever perusing through your portfolio. Curate your best work, and update them as you improve. Remember always to put your best foot forward.

No context: I know I’m looking at a screen, but what is the screen saying to me? Try implementing the following: When was the work created? How was it made? Is this entirely your work or collaboration? What was the brief? Was the client happy? What was the timeline? What elements of the project are not on display? These inputs would enable one to understand your work better.

It doesn’t open on phones: Your portfolio should always be compatible with mobile devices. These days, your employer is more likely to look at your portfolio through a mobile device than his laptop. As a result of this, you need to make sure it’s not going to look awful on a small screen. Ensure you can view the images properly, and they don’t reduce to tiny, formless thumbnails?