Why You Need a Portfolio Website & How to Get Started

In today's all-digital world, you need a way to showcase your work online. A portfolio website is how.

When you apply for jobs today, you submit your resume online. You answer questions online. You do video screening interviews online. So much of moving up in the world happens online today. So why would you keep all your projects and work off-line where no one can see what a superstar you are?

Introducing the portfolio website. Although it may sound intimidating, a portfolio website is simply a website that houses your projects, whether it's graphic design work, engineering work-ups, lesson plans or a marketing campaign plan. It's a hub for all the work you do as a sample of what you're capable of.

Trust me, your work says a lot more than your resume or your botched interview. If you've got the work to back it up, your portfolio will get you a job.

Now for the part that might actually scare some of us - a website. All of us non-programmers and computer coders might shudder to think about what goes into building a website with terms like HTML or JavaScript. But guess what? Technology is creating ways for you to build a beautiful, functional website, even if you're not a coder.

How can this be, you ask?

Companies like Wix, GoDaddy and Squarespace have been providing website solutions (many for free with a few limitations) for years for non-coders. You pick a template or build your own design by simply pointing, clicking, dragging and typing. You can upload documents, set up slideshows, integrate videos and more with these programs easily.

Our personal favorite for personal portfolio websites is Wix, simply because it's free and user-friendly.

What needs to be on your website?

There are a few basics to get you started. Include an "About Me" page with some background on who you are and your passions. You'll need a resume page with your education information and any academic awards you've earned. We encourage having a "Contact Me" page with your email and social media linked, as well as maybe setting up an inbox through Wix to manage messages. Most of all though, you'll need an organized "Work" or "Projects" page broken up into categories that make the most sense.

Portfolio websites don't have to be scary, but you do need one. Go get started!

/ written by Rachel Madden