Using an Online Portfolio

A portfolio is a series of examples of your work.  They are samples of some of the best things that you have done.  The work samples that you include are not chosen at random.  Each should represent something about you and the business that you are promoting.

Include published works in your portfolio.  They don’t have to be paid jobs but if a piece of your work was accepted somewhere or shown somewhere, include that work in the portfolio.  Any bylines that you have garnered should be included.  A customer can see that you are not the only person who is admiring your work.

Well, an online portfolio is much the same as one that you carry around to advertise in the real world.  Put together a series of works that you have completed.  The pictures and descriptions need to be clear and concise.  If your business has more than one area of concentration, focus on displaying something from each area in your portfolio.  Potential customers need to see all that you can do for them.

The portfolio may or may not include your picture, but a picture lets customers connect with you.  They will see that a real person runs the business.  Include any testimonials that you have received for products sold and/or articles published. 

An online portfolio gives you a chance to tell the best things about yourself.  Customers want to know what background and experience you have in the area of the service that you are offering.  Include awards won for your published work.

Save any photos or clips as a PDF file.  That way, someone can download them and see them better.  If the photos are found somewhere else on the Internet, make sure that you include copyright information for each so there are no legal ramifications.

In your online portfolio, add links to other works that you have sold or where you have been published.  Once you sell the work, it belongs to someone else.  Don’t forget to state that the work is protected and cannot be used on other sites without permission.  This goes for you also.  Check with the owner of the work and ask if it is alright to use on your website.

Whenever you can, add a link to that online portfolio so others can view it and find your website.  The portfolio of published or sold work is a testimonial to your business and how much effort you put behind it.  A customer would feel confident buying from you.