Web Designer Portfolio Website Guide & Tips

As a Web Designer, one of the most important things to keep track of is updating the design portfolio. This can be done by creating a website to showcase work, and it doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. 

Despite this, many Web Designers forgo creating a portfolio website altogether due to the perceived hassle. Thankfully, with modern tools and portfolio hosting platforms, it's easier than ever to create a beautiful portfolio website that will help land new clients and jobs.

This guide will provide all of the information needed to create a stunning web design portfolio website, including examples of popular platforms and what to include on the site. Having an up-to-date and well-designed portfolio is essential for any Web Designer looking to show off their work and attract new clients.

Why Create a Web Design Portfolio Website?

In the past, a physical portfolio was the best way to showcase a Web Designer's work. This would usually take the form of a printed book that could be brought to meetings or interviews. While this is still an option, it's not as common or practical as it used to be.

Today, the vast majority of Web Designers have an online portfolio. This has many advantages, the most important being that it's much easier to share with potential clients and employers. It's also more cost-effective than printing a physical portfolio, and it can be updated much more quickly.

The Benefits of a Well-Crafted Portfolio Website

A well-crafted portfolio website has the potential to land a Web Designer their dream job or client. It's a chance to show off their skills and highlight the work that they're most proud of.

When done right, a portfolio website can be an impressive tool that showcases a designer's talents and helps them stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the benefits of having a well-crafted web design portfolio:

• Allows Web Designers to show off their best work
• Helps Web Designers stand out from the competition
• Can be a valuable marketing tool
• Makes it easy to share work with potential employers and clients
• Is more cost-effective than a physical portfolio
• Can be easily updated with new work

What to Include on a Web Design Portfolio Website?

Now that we've gone over the benefits of having a web design portfolio website, it's time to start thinking about what should actually go on the site. As with anything, there are endless possibilities, which ultimately come down to personal preference. However, there are certain elements that should be included on every portfolio website.

Here are some of the essential elements to include on a web design portfolio website:

A Clear and Concise Description

One of the most important things to include on a web design portfolio website is a clear and concise description of the designer and their work. This can be done in the form of a short bio or even just a few sentences. It's important to give visitors an idea of who the designer is and what they do.

A Showcase of Work Samples

With the exception of very new Web Designers, the majority of portfolios will include a showcase of work samples. This is usually the most critical part of the site, as it's what potential employers and clients will be looking at. It's recommended to include a mix of both personal and professional work.

Contact Information

It's also important to include some form of contact information on the site. This can be an email address, phone number, or even just a link to a social media profile. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for visitors to get in touch.

Testimonials from Past Clients or Employers

If a Web Designer has worked with clients or employers in the past, it's a good idea to include testimonials from them on the site. These can be short quotes or even just a few sentences. Testimonials add credibility and show that the designer is capable of producing quality work.

Links to Social Media Profiles

Including links to social media profiles, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, is a good way to give visitors more ways to connect with the designer. It's also a good way to show off any additional work that might not be included on the portfolio website.

In addition to these essential elements, there are a few other things that can be included on a web design portfolio website to make it even more impressive. These include:

Case Studies

A case study is a detailed report of a project that a Web Designer has worked on in the past. These are usually in-depth and include information about the goals, process, results, and lessons learned. Case studies are an excellent way to show off the designer’s work and any issues they were able to resolve.

Blog Articles

If a Web Designer has published any articles or blog posts, include these on the portfolio site. This is a great way to show off the designer's knowledge and expertise. It's also a good way to drive traffic to the site from search engines.

Tutorials and How-To Guides

Another way to show off the designer's knowledge is to include tutorials and how-to guides on the portfolio website. These can be in-depth articles or even just a few tips. Either way, they're a great way to demonstrate the designer's expertise.

Choosing a Platform for Your Web Design Portfolio Website

When it comes to creating a web design portfolio website, there are many different platform options. Some of the most popular include Adobe Portfolio, WordPress, Dribbble, Behance, and Squarespace.

Adobe Portfolio is a good option for designers who already use Adobe products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator. The platform integrates with these products easily and offers a wide range of templates. While Adobe Portfolio is a good option, it can be expensive if the designer doesn't already have a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.

WordPress is another popular option for portfolio websites. The platform has free and paid plans available. It's easy to use and offers a wide range of plugins and themes. While WordPress is a good option, it can be more difficult to use than some of the other platforms.

Dribbble and Behance are unique in that they're both social networks for designers. They offer a way to showcase work, connect with other designers, and find jobs. While Dribbble and Behance are both good options, they may not be the best choice for a portfolio website because they're not as customizable as some of the other platforms.

Squarespace is a popular option for portfolio websites because it's easy to use and offers a wide range of templates. It's also a good choice for designers who want to sell their work online, as Squarespace offers e-commerce plans. While Squarespace is a good option, it can be expensive if the designer needs more than one site.

Sign Up for Web Design Classes to Learn More

Creating a web design portfolio website is a great way to showcase the work that a designer has done. If you're interested in learning more about web design, Noble Desktop has a range of courses that can help. 

These include the Web Design Certificate, UX & UI Design Certificate, and Front End Web Development Certificate, which teach the skills needed to create beautiful and functional websites.