Creating a Digital Portfolio: A Beginner’s Guide

When hearing the term “digital portfolio,” many think of depositories of work for photographers, graphic designers, or other visual artists.

But the truth is, no matter what your profession a digital portfolio is a great way to showcase your unique skills and talents and document your work history.

A recent study showed that over half of employers surveyed are currently using or plan to use digital portfolios as part of their screening process.

Here are four simple steps to creating a digital portfolio to suit your needs.

Understand Your Audience

A digital portfolio for a graphic designer is going to look different than one for a student majoring in English Literature. Defining your target audience is the first step to understanding how to layout your work.

When creating a portfolio to land a job, think about the target industry and pick work that fits it. It is important to include professional information such as a resume, relevant skills, work history, testimonials, and awards.

Study examples of digital portfolios in your industry to see how others are reaching that audience.

Curate Your Work

Think quality over quantity when selecting your work to showcase. Include materials that really spotlight your best abilities. Highlight any pieces that have won awards or you can link to client testimonials.

Keep in mind that with fewer pieces, you should look for a lot of variety between them. You want to show your most creative and unique pieces when creating a portfolio.

Consider Navigability and Function

Try to see your portfolio through the eyes of a potential client or employer when setting it up.

Don’t make someone click through endless screens or make essential information hard to find. The design should be uncluttered and easy to navigate.

Work should be categorized in a way that makes the most sense for your goals.

You can set up a chronological portfolio, showing your work’s progression, or create categories that showcase individual talents or highlight industry-specific skills.

One way to ensure your digital portfolio is easy-to-use and attractive is to use a website builder. Here are some of the best website builders for creating an online portfolio.

Tell Your Story When Creating a Digital Portfolio

A digital portfolio is a great way to show your unique skills and qualifications. Don’t be afraid to be bold, just keep in mind that too much “fluff” can actually distract from your work.

One easy way to flex your personal touch is to create a personal brand and build your portfolio around that.

A Few Tips To Consider

Once you have your digital portfolio ready to showcase your best talents, you can increase traffic to it by using search engine optimization (SEO) tools. Social media is another great way to promote your portfolio.

And don’t forget to update the portfolio on a regular basis. Setting a monthly reminder for yourself can help you keep your content fresh and relevant.

The most important thing to remember when creating a digital portfolio is an extension of you and your unique talents. Don’t forget to have some fun when creating it.

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