4-Common Portfolio Problems (and the Tools you didn’t know you needed) (+ 1 more)
A winning portfolio should include a few things:
- Strong work samples done for previous clients
- Client testimonials and reviews
- Certifications and other professional details
However, knowing this and actually creating a stellar portfolio are two different things.
Whether you’re part-time, full-time, or have no-time, crafting a top-notch portfolio doesn’t have to be a painful experience.
To help you avoid common pitfalls here are some tools that can make the process a breeze.
Problem 1: not enough experience or examples
“Oh no, I don’t have enough experience!”
“Ugh, my portfolio is just not strong.”
“I need more examples.”
It’s okay.
You can make mock-ups and samples using tools like:
- Goodbrief
- FakeClients
- Squarespace
Why this works: While having real clients is ideal, showcasing your creativity (and competence) is just as essential. Let them know you won’t let anything stop you from delivering good work.
Prospects want to know you can handle their project, so show them you have the knowledge: you’re just waiting on the opportunity.
Problem 2: no cover, examples, or screenshots
“I don’t have good cover photos!”
“I need better screenshots!”
“My examples are boring.”
You can use tools like:
Why this works: While your writing is super important, you will need eye-catching designs. Personally, I love Canva, but you can use any of these to find cool ideas, create cool designs, and inspire your prospects, even if you’re just starting out.
You can also look up infinitely cool ideas on Pinterest, IG, and Bēhance.
Problem 3: no platform
“I have all my cool work, but no where to host it!”
“I want something simple, but websites are too hard/expensive.”
“I want something complex, but I don’t know where to start!”
I get it.
It can feel daunting trying to find the best platform to build on. But you have to build.
Start here.
You can use:
- Contra
- Fiverr
- FreeUp
- Upwork
- Wix
- Wordpress
Why you should use it: You need to host your portfolio somewhere. Most services have a small fee, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Personally, my favorite is Contra (which is perfect for hosting, finding new clients, and 100% commission free).
If you really want to go bare bones, you could even use a Social Media page (like Instagram) as your portfolio (results may vary).
And if you want super complex, I would recommend something like Wordpress to make your portfolio.
It’s really up to you!
Problem 4: no direction
“Okay, I made it, but nothing is happening!”
“They look at my portfolio but don’t do anything else.”
“Is it even working?”
If you went through all the hard work of making your portfolio, building super-cool examples, and showcasing your unique style, but don’t seem to be getting the results you want, you’ve got to ask:
What is your CTA?
A CTA is a “call to action.”
This means “what are you telling them to do?”
You know those annoying red buttons that say “Buy now,” “Click here,” or “Sign up?”
Your CTA doesn’t have to be a menace; it does have to be clear.
You can:
- Schedule Calls with Calendly
- Make a Landing Page with Canva or LeadPages or Linktree
- Make a Work Order (Brief) with Typeform
Why you should use it: The hard part is over. You got their attention: now direct it.
Your CTA allows you to influence what they do next. Will they Call you? Email you? Schedule an appointment? Join your newsletter on the philosophy of donughts?
The sky — and your imagination — is the limit.
Problem 5: no motivation.
“I know what i must do but i don’t have the strength.”
We all have been there.
Tired. Stressed. Burned out.
Unmotivated and Uninspired.
But you don’t have to stay there.
Tools you can use:
- Boost Motivation by Co-working with Focusmate or Caveday
- Find Inspiration via Pintrests
- Use on Youtube or Spotify to make amazing playlists
- De-stress with Meditation Apps like Breathwrk, SelfPause
- Use Pomodoro timers like Flow or Calm
Why you should use them: most all of us need help.
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t actually the portfolio, but managing life, mood, and energy.
Maybe you don’t need to “Find” motivation. Maybe you just need some inspiration.
Maybe you don’t need better music, but some accountability could help.
Find what you need, then use the heck out of the solution.
And there you have it,
by addressing these five common problems and leveraging these powerful tools, you can craft a portfolio that showcases your skills and personality to prospective clients.
Freelancers, side-gigging hustlers, and 9–5’ers alike.
Remember: your portfolio is not just a collection of your work, it’s also a reflection of who you are as a professional and a person.
So take the time to make it the best it can be, and watch as potential clients come running to work with you.
You got this;
Go get it.
k-Lin
Reach me here for burning questions, inquiries, and good vibes.
