Looking for a way you can showcase your portfolio online? Gone are the days of lugging around printed portfolios and scrambling to interviews in order for people to see your work. You can elegantly display your creative side on the Internet so that anyone connected to a device can see what you’re capable of. We’ve created a step-by-step guide to show you how to create an online home for your work with minimal effort and without breaking the bank.
Secure a domain
Step one is to get yourself a domain name. A portfolio website is all about making a strong first impression. A domain name is often the first introduction people have to you and your work. If you’re not sure where to start, check out one of our helpful guides on how to choose the perfect name for your business or portfolio.
Hover sells tons of great domains and we’re here to help you choose one that reflects your unique work and personality. Click here to search for your perfect name!
Choose how to host your portfolio
Step two is to find a place to host your portfolio. You’ve got the domain and now it’s time to make your work come to life. Whether you want the cheapest and simplest option or you like the idea of building a custom website from scratch, we’ve outlined a couple of different ways you can do this below.
1. Create a profile on a community-based platform
Option one is to start by creating a page on one of the many community-based platforms where creatives can showcase their work. These are generally free and they’re a great way to get new eyes on your work, as people explore the platform for fresh content. This includes social media platforms like Instagram and niche platforms with free versions like Behance, DeviantArt, and Coroflot. Although this limits the control you have over your branding and may not seem as professional as having your own website, it’s a fast, easy, and free way to put your portfolio online. Plus, you can add a touch of professionalism by pairing them with a custom domain! We’ll get more into this below.
2. Build your own website
The second option is to build your own stand-alone website. Site builders like WordPress, Wix, and Cargo have plenty of templates to choose from. It’s also worth checking out website builders that are specific to your niche, like Format, a Toronto-based provider that caters exclusively to photographers!
3. Why not do both?
A third option is to get the best of both worlds. You can take advantage of free platforms with strong communities that will help new fans discover your work while positioning your following to drive traffic over to your website. Direct visitors of your community page straight to your custom website by linking to the URL in your posts and profile.
Connect your domain to your portfolio
A custom domain is a must-have professional touch that whether you’ve opted to build your own stand-alone portfolio site or have decided to start off with an account on a community platform. Either way, your fans can type in your custom domain name, and be directed to your portfolio.
Here’s how it works.
With a stand-alone website
Our Hover Connect feature lets you attach your domain to your website in just a few clicks. If you aren’t using a Hover Connect partner, no sweat. All you have to do is update your nameservers using our simple guide.
With a community-based platform
While your portfolio may have to live on a deviantart.com or behance.net domain name, you can still have a custom domain that redirects your fans to your page. A custom domain looks a lot more enticing and professional when you include it in your Instagram bio link, email signature, business card, or any other marketing materials! Drive audiences directly to your social media profiles, live streams, or online store using your unique and professional URL.
Make a space for yourself online and don’t be afraid to share your most unique and creative projects with the world. Click here to search for your perfect domain.
