How can you create a standout online portfolio for your consulting business?

1 Choose a platform

The first step to creating a standout online portfolio is to choose a platform that suits your needs, budget, and preferences. There are many options available, from free website builders like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, to paid platforms like Portfoliobox, Format, or Carbonmade. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, or Medium to showcase your work and network with other professionals. The best platform for you depends on your industry, niche, and goals. You should look for a platform that offers flexibility, customization, and security, as well as features that enhance your portfolio, such as analytics, testimonials, or contact forms.

3 Select your best work

The third step to creating a standout online portfolio is to select your best work and organize it in a logical and appealing way. Your best work is the work that showcases your skills, achievements, and impact in the most relevant and impressive way for your target audience. You should choose work that demonstrates your interpersonal communication skills, such as how you collaborate with clients, stakeholders, or team members, how you communicate your ideas and solutions, and how you handle feedback and challenges. You should also choose work that reflects your personality, style, and values. You should organize your work in categories, such as by industry, service, or client, and use labels, tags, or filters to make it easy for visitors to find what they are looking for.

4 Write engaging content

The fourth step to creating a standout online portfolio is to write engaging content that showcases your work and tells your story. Your content should include an introduction, a description of each project, and a call to action. Your introduction should briefly summarize who you are, what you do, and why you do it. Your description of each project should explain the context, the problem, the solution, and the results of your work, using specific examples and metrics. Your call to action should invite visitors to contact you, hire you, or follow you on social media. Your content should be clear, concise, and compelling, using active voice, simple language, and emotional appeal.

6 Update and promote your portfolio

The sixth and final step to creating a standout online portfolio is to update and promote your portfolio regularly. You should update your portfolio with new work, testimonials, or awards that demonstrate your growth and achievements. You should also check your portfolio for errors, broken links, or outdated information that might harm your credibility or reputation. You should promote your portfolio on social media, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters, and share it with your network, clients, or prospects. You should also solicit feedback and reviews from your visitors, clients, or peers, and use them to improve your portfolio and your services. Updating and promoting your portfolio can help you maintain your online presence, build your reputation, and generate more leads and opportunities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?