Elements of a Successful Portfolio

As we speak, or as you read this? Or perhaps as I write this I’m planning the evolution of my website. My site needs to the take the next level up the designer’s chain. I need to go from the impact of ‘oh this guy makes websites’ to ‘WOW I need this guy makes brilliant websites and I need him to work for us’.

So this begs the question: What makes a good designer portfolio? This post is a kind of recap to some of the things I have come across when attempting to answer this question my self.

1. Work

This of course goes without saying the most important things it’s why prospective employers of your skills will look at the site. Depending on what you do, your portfolio should contain big images, clearly accessible to the user. Always include a link to the live version of the website you worked on, and link your screenshot to the live version. I find it a nice touch when designers list the skills or software they have used on a project (probably in the grand scheme of things not that important, but it makes me happy!)

2. Tagline 

With so many different areas and sub genres of design I think a nice  tag line can showcase to the user what exactly you do with out going in a ‘sales pitch’. For example I use “Web Designer + Superhero” – although notably I have no evolved this notion enough on my current site, but watch this space…) I’m telling the viwer what I do, I am also adding some personalisation to illustrate that I’m a real guy, not a web geek robot.

3. About

Some of the best designers have brilliant about me pages. I think that it is important here to show that you are different from the crowed but remain a tad professional and respective of who will be viewing your site. I do believe that the more details you give, the better your users can form a bond and build trust with you, trust is the key in this industry. When a client puts trust in your to design their website, brand their company etc it is a lot of trust. If the client has a good idea of what they are putting their time and investment into it will hopefully provide long last relationships. Especially in our current economic climate companies want to keep their hard workers, and are less willing to take risks on new people.

4. Blog 

A blog is always a good idea. Blog about your area of expertise; show you know what you’re talking about. It will help promote you and prevent your website from lying static. It will improve the sites SEO ranking in Google. Especially if you are blogging about relevant and contemporary issues. It will result in people stumbling across your site. Equally when writing a blog post try and encourage discussion, (allowing users to be able to write comments on posts)

5. Action

Each page should have a call to action, a “Next step.” The best way to accomplish this is with a “call to action” button that is clear and stands out from the rest of the page. Link it to your blog, portfolio or contact page, and use appropriate language (e.g. “Hire me,” “Request a quote,” “View my portfolio”).

6. Language

How you conduct yourself is important. Remember, it’s a personal portfolio website, so be personal. Be friendly and personal, but also clear and precise; don’t ramble.

These are some of the main elements I have came across in the idea gathering and concept stages for my evolution of my site. If you have any suggestions please feel free to comment.