Plus, unlike social media and other platforms, portfolio websites give you complete control.
But having full control can feel overwhelming when whatsapp number database you’re getting started with the design process. Plus, with so many portfolio sites out there, how can you stand out?
If you’re wondering what separates the good from the bad, or looking for some web design inspiration, read on. We’ve rounded up examples of top-notch portfolio sites from writers, designers, photographers, and more.
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CREATE YOUR ONLINE PORTFOLIO WEBSITE
Here are 12 of the best portfolio examples we’ve seen
1. Kristin Wong, writer
Looking for inspiration for your online portfolio? Learn from these 12 top-notch portfolio sites.
Source: Kristin Wong
Why’s this a good example to follow?
When you pull up Kristin Wong’s website, it’s immediately clear that she’s legit. She prominently features big, recognizable names in her industry using copy and logos — The New York Times, Glamour, CNN, The Cut, etc.
And it’s all shown “above the fold” — a term originating in the newspaper industry that essentially refers to information a reader sees at first glance. With newspapers, that meant the front-page headline. With websites, it means the top part of the page that’s visible without scrolling.
Why does this matter? Because the most recent research from Nielsen/Norman Group shows users spend about 57% of their page-viewing time above the fold, and 74% of viewing time in the first two screenfuls. Then, they mostly scroll through the rest of the content before perking up again near the footer.
Speaking of which, Wong uses the footer on her personal portfolio to her advantage as well, featuring screenshots of her Instagram account that show off her work and a high following — social proof that she’s a well-regarded writer.
Key lessons from this example
Put your most important content (like your value proposition) above the fold.
If you’ve worked with big, recognizable companies, feature it prominently.
Showcase samples of your best work on the first page of your website in a visual format.
Use social proof to convince potential clients and boost conversions. This can come in the form of social media, as Wong’s does, or through testimonials.
2. Daniel Grindrod, cinematographer
Example of an online portfolio website from Daniel Grindrod.
Source: Daniel Grindrod
Why’s this a good example to follow?
As a cinematographer, Daniel Grindrod uses a high-quality, cinematic highlight reel to hook visitors on his personal website. In fact, as soon as you pull up Grindrod’s site, the video begins to play, immediately drawing you in. And there’s nothing else on the homepage — just his name, the menu, and the video.
Visitors can then click through the simplified menu to see other examples of his work, categorized into video or still form. And Grindrod’s site includes an active, up-to-date blog that demonstrates industry authority, improves SEO, and drives organic traffic to his site.
Blogging helps boost SEO by making your website a relevant answer to customers’ questions via search. And blog posts that use a variety of SEO tactics often rank higher in search engines, leading more customers to your site.
Key lessons from this example
Use your entire website, not just your portfolio pieces, to show what you can do. Grindrod is a cinematographer, for example, so he used cinematography. But writers can use exceptional copy, designers exceptional design, etc.
If relevant, use video to both draw people in and keep them there. According to a 2020 survey by Wyzowl, 83% of respondents say video increases the average time their visitors spend on the page.
Use an SEO-optimized blog to drive traffic and demonstrate authority.
3. Arlen McCluskey, UX designer
UX designer portfolio website example.
Source: Arlen McCluskey
Why’s this a good example to follow?
Everything about Arlen McCluskey’s site reads techy web designer, from the vibrant color scheme and blurred background to the typography. And while it seems almost minimalist on the homepage, when visitors click through one of his projects, it’s full-on substance.
McCluskey dives deep into each project’s challenges, goals, and outcomes, almost like a case study — giving potential clients a fully developed idea of both his ability and approach. And like previous examples, McCluskey’s portfolio mentions big-name clients like AirBnB, Dropbox, Segment, and Xero above the fold.
Portfolios like these are especially important to those in UX design like McCluskey. As Nick Babich, Editor-in-chief at UX Planet, says, “In UX design, portfolios matter more than degrees. Employers and recruiters will use your portfolio to determine your experience and aesthetic and, most importantly, your ability to solve real-world business problems.”
Key lessons from this example
Keep your homepage simple and clean but don’t shy away from substance on sub-pages. If someone has stayed on your site long enough to click through, they’re interested in more information. Don’t leave them wanting.
Know your industry and what people are looking for. McCluskey did an excellent job of communicating his expertise and problem-solving approach right off the bat.
