A portfolio website is a small site with one job: show your best work and make it easy to hire you. Whether you are a photographer, designer, writer, contractor or consultant, the structure is similar. Here is what to include, examples of what works, and how to build one without writing code.
What a portfolio website needs
- A clear headline. Say who you are and what you do in one line.
- Your best work first. Show six to twelve strong pieces, not everything you have ever made.
- Short project notes. For each piece, add the problem, what you did and the result.
- An about section. A photo and a short story help people trust you.
- Proof. Add client names, quotes or results where you can.
- A contact path. A form, an email address and a phone number if you take calls.
Portfolio site examples by profession
- Photographers and video makers: a full-width gallery grid, a few categories and a booking form.
- Designers and agencies: case studies with before and after images and a clear process.
- Writers and consultants: a short list of selected work with links, plus testimonials.
- Contractors and trades: project photos by type, service areas and a quote request form.
- Musicians and creators: a media player, upcoming dates and a mailing list signup.
Design choices that help
Keep the layout simple so the work stands out. Use one or two fonts, plenty of white space and large, well-cropped images. Make sure the site looks right on a phone, because many visitors will find you there first. Keep pages fast by compressing images before you upload them.
Build it from a template
The fastest route is a template: a ready-made layout you fill with your own work. Our website templates include a one-page option and gallery layouts, and every one opens in a drag-and-drop editor where you change text, photos, colors and layout yourself. They are part of Liberation Site Builder, which you can read about on our website builder page. Hosting, SSL and a free domain are included in annual plans.
Pick a domain that matches your name
Your own name or business name works best. See our domain registration page to search for the name and see the price before you buy. Register it in your own name so you stay in control.
Keep it current
Add new work every quarter and remove anything that no longer represents you. If you want more than a template, our web design team can build a custom portfolio for you.