How do I create a digital portfolio? Building digital presence for freelancer

Thinking about how to create a digital portfolio to showcase all your previous works?

Congratulations on taking the first step towards a freelancer career! As a next step, you need an online portfolio to showcase your skills and allow people to find and engage you. Your digital portfolio is your one-stop-shop containing your work, skills and a showcase of what you can do for clients. Having this online presence will eventually help you land that first gig!

What makes a great digital portfolio? Having essentials such as your particulars and showcasing our own portfolio are important. However, there are other elements you need to plan for when building your online presence and digital portfolio.

Feeling like it's a daunting task ahead? We are here to help! '

Step 1: Choose a memorable domain name

How do you want to be known online? Picking the right domain name is important in building your online digital presence. Your online portfolio should be memorable and easily found! After all, you will use this space to show contact details and samples of your past work.

A nice and professional domain name will impress your potential clients. Keeping your domain name simple helps to give visitors an idea of what to expect from you.

You can include your name as part of your domain. If you are offering specific types of services, having that incorporated within your domain name will help you stand out amongst other digital portfolios. Exercise your creativity and keep it simple!

Domain names sell quickly, so register your favorite domain names as soon as possible.

If you’re having trouble finding an available name, domain registrars like GoDaddy will suggest alternate names during your domain search to help you find the perfect domain name.

Try it now!

Related: Check out our nifty guide on how to choose a good domain name, and 10 tips on choosing the perfect domain name

Step 2: Setup your web hosting for your digital portfolio

If a domain name is the address for your online portfolio, setting up your web hosting is like building the house. A web host provider provides you with a service to store pages and files of your website, making them available to computers connected to the world wide web.

Your online portfolio needs to be always available and easily accessible. If you have a rich general portfolio or a lot of design projects (ie: graphic designer or producer), these files are usually large.

Host your website on a fast and reliable web host for potential clients to easily view your work.

You also need a hosting plan that allows you to store large files and the space to showcase creative process. While you’re at it, check out GoDaddy’s web hosting services.

Editor's Note: Not sure how to pick a suitable web host? We have outlined some important consideration factors here.

Step 3: Pick a website builder

Pick a website builder for your digital portfolio

Where can I create a digital portfolio? Some of you might consider hosting your digital portfolio through a portfolio website like Dribbble and Behance. These design networks allow you to meet other creative professionals and get discovered. Having a presence on such a portfolio website provides means for you to seek work, be it part-time, contract, or full-time.

However, nothing beats having a space where you have full creative control to showcase your best work. As a freelancer providing creative and design services, you would want to make your portfolio stand out amongst other digital portfolios.

If you are strapped for time to build your website from scratch, the easiest way is to do that using a website builder. There are many solution providers, ranging from a free website builder to paid versions allowing more room for customisation. To get your website up easily, find a website builder that provides a clean, easy-to-use interface.

Step 4: Organize your digital portfolio and optimize your website

What is in a digital portfolio? Ensure that you put your best self forward to differentiate yourself from other digital portfolios. Besides information about yourself and past experiences, include your contact details and social media handles in a prominent spot for people to contact you!

Display your portfolio in a neat and coherent manner. If you have designs to show, include images optimized for the web instead of uploading your files in high resolution. Your website should load fast, look good and be easy for people to navigate.

Optimize your website so you can easily be found online. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, as more people are accessing websites on their mobile phones. Optimizing it so that your website appears on Google search engine results page is essential, as first five search results account for about 67.6% of all clicks.

Editor's Note: Get your digital portfolio optimized for Google search! Here is a simple guide on how you can do so.

You may wish to create new accounts solely for your business. Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn allow you to create business pages or business accounts for you to engage audiences and receive enquires and messages as a business entity. You can also set up a Twitter account with your business name! Include links to these accounts on your website.

Plan and create your social media content. Using different types of content and fostering conversations on the right social media channels helps to improve reach, engagement, sales, and loyalty. Whether you choose to write blog posts or create witty content on your channels, ensure that these are is timely, relevant and conversational. Leverage on current trends, while showcasing your knowledge by providing insights on these trends.

Kickstart your freelance career with a great digital portfolio

As a freelancer, building your online digital portfolio and presence allows prospective clients see your work, helping you to land the right gigs. In a nutshell, here is how you can create your digital portfolio: