5 Reasons Why You Need An Online Portfolio Today!

Whether you are a college or university student, a full-time professional or a freelancer, your portfolio is one of your most powerful tools for marketing your skills and increasing your value in the marketplace. Without it, you have no credibility and almost no chance to landing work.

It’s the only proof to other people that you can do what you do.

Has anyone ever asked you the question, “What exactly do you do?”

I get that question a lot.

I don’t think less of people for asking it, although I do get tired coming up with an answer.

But, if people can’t see the creative process, it might be hard for them to understand.

You’re a creative professional… a problem solver. You do you work with your brain.The work goes from your brain, to your fingers, to the keyboard/mouse, to the screen. Others can’t easily see or understand your creativity (unless you’re an artist, photographer or videographer).

 

woodworker, wood shop

chef, kitchen

people can’t see the creative process (unless photographer or videographer)

Portfolio is proof that you know how to do what you do.

 

Without a portfolio, you’re basically waving to someone in the dark. You know what you’re doing, but no one else can see you.

Portfolios display the skills and capabilities that you possess and communicate your potential to prospect employers. Your portfolio separates you from the rest of the competition. Below are five reasons why, as a designer or creative professional, you should have a well thought out portfolio. These reasons apply to more than just graphic designers. Photographers, videographers, riders/bloggers, and social media experts, all need strong portfolios to sell their skills.

In our free handout here (link to tip sheet), we share some free resources you can use to start your online portfolio.

1. EXTEND YOUR REACH
   Today’s business world lives online. Business leaders and decision-makers spend a great deal of time doing research and making business decisions using the Internet. Now more than ever, creative talent does not need to be in the same physical location as the business itself. More and more business is moving away from the office. Having a portfolio that can be accessed online gives you the opportunity to cast your net further and farther than ever before.
2. AVAILABLE ANYTIME/ANYWHERE
   Your online portfolio is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year. Your portfolio is working for you, even while you are asleep or on vacation. You’ll never miss an opportunity to make an online impression.
3. SHOW OFF YOUR ONLINE CHOPS
   Creating an online portfolio communicates to potential employers that you are not afraid of working in the online space. More and more traditional graphic designers are being tasked with Internet-based jobs and projects. Those comfortable working online will automatically appear more useful and valuable than those who are not. These are soft skills that are very attractive to employers.
4. HARNESS THE POWER OF THE SEARCH ENGINE
   When creating your online portfolio, carefully use words in your titles and descriptions that make your portfolio items search engine friendly. Use keywords and phrases that might be used by a potential client looking for work similar to what you can do. Making your portfolio friendly to search engines gives you increased visibility when a potential client is searching for a specific skill or talent.
5. SOCIAL MEDIA REACH
   Social media sites not only provide excellent opportunities for networking and community, but also provide a wonderful platform for sharing your skills and abilities. Sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest are all platforms that embrace not only graphic communication but audio and video as well. Your social media posts can link directly to your portfolio, greatly increasing the opportunity for exposure to vast, fast audiences.

If you would like more information about building a killer portfolio, please check out our free downloadable resource” top 10 tips for building hey killer portfolio that will bring you business” below.

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