Elements of a Good Online Portfolio

Personal portfolio website is a must for the designers (either freelance or fulltime). So this time we will discuss some elements that are typically used when designing a portfolio website.

The main purpose of a personal portfolio website is to show the results of our design work. By doing so, prospective clients can see our capabilities and if it does, they will use our services as a designer. Some other things that also important is that it must have its own character to differentiate your website from another's.

Here are some elements that I learned from the existing personal portfolio websites out there.

1. Portfolios are on the front page

It has almost become standard on all portfolio website templates and is very effective. What do you expect when we see a portfolio? Ofcourse! The designer's work!



In addition to facilitate visitors (to direct to the core site), this element can also be a special attraction to explore further into other pages on your website, especially if the works are very unique and interesting or as presentations to major clients.

2. The presentation of your work

After seeing the works in the Homepage, then we will go into detail about the work. Well, this part is often missed by most designers. We are accustomed to only include the screenshot, the name of the project and links to relevant websites.

In fact we can explain more details about these projects so that visitors could have added value to us, that we are not only limited to the visual designer. We could write several paragraphs about the design process, concepts, feedback from clients that we use in our designs, and some philosophy as to why we use a particular design style.



Even more interesting is that we can tell how effective the design that we created, for example: in 6 months a client's website can get 500,000 new users in because it is using the Sign Up form that veiled (Try before you buy). I am sure it will be more informative and useful for visitors or prospective clients.

3. Use an interesting opening sentence (Tagline)

We used to call it with the tagline. Interesting sentences can be our personal reflection in this virtual world. Especially if the sentence could be a kind of slogan. Then indirectly visitors will remember those words and can remember our website.





Although these elements are optional, but it would be great and effective if we take the time to think about the right taglines for our own portfolio website.

4. Use photos or illustrations that attract attention

Pictures can say more than words. And when it is juxtaposed with an interesting opening line (tagline), the combination will be very strong.

We do have to learn a little metaphor to obtain effective results. But believe me if we successfully used this way, the portfolio website will successfully attract new clients.

5. Latest blog posts

For designers who like to write articles or willing to share about their thinking, can use this way. Besides the function of blogs or articles that could build a community, we also simultaneously build a personal brand. I think one way to build a personal brand is through the content of our thoughts (which are usually showcased in written form.)



confused about how to write a blog for a designer? Try to use some of these simple ideas. Although you are very sure that you're a visual designer, let's take some time to learn to write and translate the words.

6. Personal Profile / About me page

This page is the second most important page after the portfolio. It should be clear and honest to describe yourself. The reason is quite classic, how clients want to do business with someone without a clear identity?

Write a little about your educational background, your daily job, specify the city where you live and other unique things exist in yourself (for example, you can write about your hobby of collecting action figures, etc.). In essence make this page a personal as possible, because this is more like your "business card" in cyberspace.

7. Contact information

If the visitors had come into contact page, it can be sure they're 75% interested in you. So do not waste this opportunity. Keep it informative for visitors to contact you, whether it's just to get acquainted or to cooperate in a project.

You can include an email address, phone number (optional) and your office or home addresss. This is for convenience reasons when clients work with us later.



One trick that I find effective is to use two forms of choice. A form to simply say "Hi!", And one more for the purpose of the project or give advice. That will make it easier for you to sort incoming email, since each option has a specific subject that can be distinguished.

8. Pricing

This is still a debate about whether or not to include a price on a website portfolio. It depends on each individual and type of business you run.

9. Availability to accept new projects

This is quite important for both fulltime and parttime freelancer. Prospective clients will know your availability on a new project before they want to contact you. This will simplify the way both you and the client. Do not have a discussion if it turns out you do not have the spare time to accept the new project.

10. Testimonials

Testimonials play an important role. If that does not exist then the prospective client will be slightly speculate if they want to cooperate.



With the testimonials (especially from large companies), potential new clients will be more confident to work with you. So, do not forget to ask for testimonials from clients who are regarded as having its big name and the exciting projects.

Conclusion

That's the ten common elements in portfolio website design. You may use all or only some of the important. The result of your work, about who you are and the ease of contacting you is some of the important things to have in a portfolio website. So be inspired! :D