Knowing how to create an effective portfolio website is crucial to your success as a freelance web designer.
❌ Bad website = bad clients = struggling freelancing business.
✅ Good website = good clients = good freelancing business.
So, let me help you increase your chances of success.
In this article, I’ll walk you through:
How to build a portfolio website
What to avoid
Your website
Home
Services
Pricing
Blog
Experience
Testimonials
Call To Action
Clear Contact Method
Thinking like the client
Marketing your website
If you want a free portfolio website template like this:
Download it here:
Before we get started, a lot of you ask me, "What is the best platform to make websites?"
After trying most of them, I recommend Wix Studio and I share why in this video:
Now, let's get into the advice:
Starting with the Home Page:
Clear and concise headline:
Quickly convey your specialization (e.g., "UI/UX Web Designer specializing in E-commerce").
Strong value proposition:
Explain how you can benefit clients (e.g., "Boost conversions with visually appealing, user-friendly websites").
Call to action:
Encourage visitors to take the next step (e.g., "Contact me for a free consultation").
Showcase your best work:
Use high-quality images and videos to highlight your projects.
About Page:
Personal brand story:
Share your journey as a web designer and your unique selling points.
Skills and expertise:
List your technical proficiencies (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React) and design principles.
Client testimonials:
Include quotes from satisfied clients to build trust.
Services Page:
Detailed service descriptions:
Clearly outline the services you offer (e.g., website design, development, maintenance).
Pricing:
Be transparent about your pricing structure (e.g., hourly rate, project-based fees).
Not sure how much to charge? Watch this:
Case studies:
Showcase successful projects with measurable results.
Portfolio Page:
Curated projects:
Showcase your best work that aligns with your target clients.
Project descriptions:
Explain the challenges, solutions, and outcomes for each project.
Interactive elements:
Use animations, hover effects, or interactive demos to enhance the user experience.
Blog:
Share industry insights:
Write articles on web design trends, best practices, and tips.
Demonstrate expertise:
Position yourself as a thought leader in your field.
Drive traffic:
Optimize your blog posts for search engines (SEO).
Contact Page:
Multiple contact options:
Provide email, phone number, and a contact form.
Social media links:
Connect with potential clients on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter.
Design Considerations:
User experience (UX):
Ensure your website is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
Mobile responsiveness:
Optimize your website for viewing on various devices.
Speed:
Use fast loading times to improve user satisfaction.
Accessibility:
Design your website to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Marketing and Promotion:
SEO:
Optimize your website for relevant keywords to improve search engine rankings.
Social media:
Share your work and engage with your audience on platforms like Instagram and Dribbble.
Networking:
Attend industry events and connect with potential clients.
Content marketing:
Create valuable content (e.g., blog posts, guides) to attract and engage visitors.
That's it - hope it helps!
Cheers,
Kyle