In the quest to find work or promote yourself as an individual contractor, there are many ways in which you can advance your efforts. One of the most effective is to create a portfolio website, through which you can advertise your work and provide a visual representation of your service. With this in mind, here is some practical advice on how to create a portfolio site in relatively simple steps. As with any website, it is imperative that your portfolio domain is designed with a clear purpose in mind. While a traditional business website is designed to provide a simple consumer experience that optimizes sales conversions, for example, a portfolio site must be easy to navigate and offer a platform on which your work can shine. This means that you must develop a design that features a minimal number of pages, while also showcasing your work and distinguishing it as the focal point for the layout as a whole.
While you may not be able to invest in specialist SEO (search engine optimization) services, you should at least strive to enhance the online visibility of your website. This can be done independently with a fundamental knowledge of SEO principles, as you integrate industry-relevant keywords organically into your text and work descriptions. You can also look to create a portfolio website that is optimized for responsive mobile use, as this will also have a positive impact on your ultimate listing. If you can integrate video and other examples of rich media to promote your work, this will also add considerable value. While optimization techniques will make it easier for individuals to find your website, it is crucial that you remain proactive when showcasing your work. This means sharing new additions to your portfolio as they are uploaded, preferably across an integrated network of social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus. Those with visually appealing portfolios (such as visual artists or graphic designers, for example), should also look to share their most recent work on sites such as Pinterest, You Tube and Vimeo where applicable. To review:
1) Design with a clear purpose — showcase your work
2) Use good SEO principles — include relevant industry keywords in your text
3) Share, share, share timely updates on relevant social media platforms
