Stand Out Online: How to Build a Portfolio That Gets You Noticed

Table Of Contents

• Why an Online Portfolio is Your Most Powerful Tool for Career Growth
• 6 Tips to Create an Online Portfolio That Shines
• Your Work Deserves the Spotlight—Let’s Get It Online

Picture a beautifully curated art gallery—each piece thoughtfully displayed, the lighting just right, and everything working together to tell a story. That’s the experience your online portfolio should create for potential clients and collaborators.

It’s your personal gallery, designed to welcome visitors, showcase your talents, and leave a lasting impression. And the best part? You already have everything you need: your skills, your creativity, your passion, and the unique journey that brought you here.

All that’s left is to pull everything together into a portfolio that’s polished, reflects who you are, and shows off your best work.

Why an Online Portfolio is Your Most Powerful Tool for Career Growth

Sometimes, a resume just can’t capture all of your talents, especially if you’re in a creative field. This is where creating an online portfolio can become a game-changer.

An online portfolio is a visual résumé, a brand statement, and a client magnet all rolled into one.

It’s where people go to see what you can do, learn a bit about who you are, and decide whether to work with you.

Think of it as a handshake. It sets the tone for your professional relationships. And just like a firm, confident handshake, your portfolio should leave a strong first impression.

Who Benefits Most From an Online Portfolio?

If you’re in a creative field, the answer is simple: you.

Whether you’re a graphic designer showcasing sleek branding projects, a photographer sharing stunning visuals, or a writer presenting your best pieces, your portfolio is how you prove your skills without saying a word.

Freelancers, small business owners, and anyone in the creative space will find that an online portfolio is a game-changer. Even if you’re just starting out, it’s the perfect way to show potential clients what you’re capable of.

6 Tips to Create an Online Portfolio That Shines

Creating an online portfolio doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, it can be as simple as piecing together a puzzle.

For this guide, we’re focusing on a winning combination: LOGO.com x Wix.

1. Choose Your Portfolio Design

Getting started is a breeze with LOGO.com x Wix. You have two great options to kick off your portfolio:

Choose a Template

Browse Wix’s library of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries. Whether you’re a graphic designer, photographer, or writer, you’ll find templates that resonate with your style. Once you’ve picked one, customize it to make it uniquely yours.

Design With AI

Pressed for time? Wix’s Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) has you covered. Answer a few simple questions about your needs, and the AI will generate a personalized portfolio design for you. Think of it as having your own creative assistant!

Pro Tip: Do not forget to claim your domain! It’s the easiest way to add instant credibility and make it easier for clients to find you. LOGO.com x Wix makes claiming a domain simple. You can connect an existing domain or purchase a new one directly through the platform.

2. Include Crucial Pages and Sections

A strong portfolio has all the essentials. Be sure to include:

• Homepage: A welcoming introduction to your portfolio.
• About Page: Share your story and connect with your audience.
• Contact Information: Make it easy for people to reach you.
• Clients and Testimonials: Highlight glowing reviews and successful collaborations.
• Content Page: Showcase your work with organized, clickable sections.
• Resume: Include a downloadable version for added professionalism.
• Personal Statement: Summarize your expertise and goals in one compelling paragraph.

3. Upload Your Best Work

Focus on quality over quantity when you’re uploading your work to your portfolio.

Your portfolio is not meant to be a catch-all for every project you’ve ever done. Choose work that you’re proud of—projects that reflect your strengths and the kind of work you want to do more of.

It’s better to feature a handful of exceptional pieces than an overwhelming collection of everything you’ve ever done.

• Highlight pieces that showcase your skills and align with the type of work you want to attract.
• Use high-quality images or videos to create a polished presentation.

When visitors see your best work front and center, they’ll immediately understand your value.

4. Tell Your Story

Your “About Me” section is where you connect with visitors. Think of it as your chance to tell them who you are beyond the work. Share your passion for your craft, your creative journey, and what sets you apart.

As Hani Safe, Head of Portfolio Product at Wix, puts it:

“An outstanding portfolio is all about storytelling. It’s not just a showcase of work but a narrative that weaves together a professional’s skills, creativity, and personality.”

Showcasing your design process is a great way to stand out and show your expertise. Clients and collaborators love getting a behind-the-scenes look at how ideas come to life—whether it’s sketches, mockups, or work-in-progress shots. It gives your portfolio more depth and shows just how much thought and effort you put into each project.

Pro Tip: Your portfolio should feel like you. Use consistent branding throughout your portfolio, and let your personality shine in everything from the visuals to the tone of your bio.

4. Know Your Audience

Your portfolio isn’t just a showcase of your work—it’s your chance to connect with the people you want to work with. Who are your ideal clients or collaborators? What are they looking for?

If you’re a graphic designer, maybe your audience wants to see sleek branding projects or creative layouts that pop. If you’re a photographer, potential clients might want to know that you can capture the perfect shot, whether it’s for their wedding or a product launch.

The trick is to align your portfolio with their needs while staying true to your style. Think of it as a conversation: show them you understand what they want, but let your unique personality shine through.

5. Keep your Portfolio Up-to-Date

Think of your portfolio like a wardrobe—it needs regular updates to stay fresh and reflect where you are now. Every time you finish a project you’re proud of, consider adding it in. And do not be afraid to remove older pieces that no longer match your current skills or the kind of work you want to attract.

Set aside time every few months to give it a quick refresh. Ask yourself:

• Does this still represent my best work?
• Are there any gaps I need to fill?
• Have I included anything new and exciting?

When your portfolio stays current, you feel more confident sharing it with potential clients or at networking events.

6. Ensure Easy Navigation

A confusing portfolio can turn visitors away fast, so keep things simple by:

• Using clear labels and organizing your work into easy-to-follow categories like “Design Projects” or “Photography.”
• Creating a logical flow that guides visitors seamlessly.
• Adding a search bar can make finding specific projects a breeze, especially if your portfolio has a lot to showcase.

A well-organized portfolio lets your work shine and makes it easy for visitors to stay engaged—and get in touch.

Online Portfolio Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s what can turn people away:

• Too Much Work: Less is more. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Outdated Projects: If it doesn’t reflect your current skills or style, leave it out.
• Unprofessional Presentation: Low-quality images or cluttered layouts can send the wrong message.
• Hard-to-Find Contact Info: Don’t lose opportunities because someone couldn’t figure out how to reach you.

Your Work Deserves the Spotlight—Let’s Get It Online

Your online portfolio is more than a showcase—it’s your professional handshake. Start small, keep it simple, and focus on presenting your best work. With LOGO.com x Wix, building a portfolio has never been easier.

Let’s make your creativity shine and open the door to new opportunities