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In the online world, clients don't care so much about your college degree or your work background.
The ONE thing that matters?
It’s whether you can do the job or not.
This is why building a portfolio is very important for newbies.
An online portfolio shows clients what you can do through samples of work you’ve done in the past.
The best way to accomplish this is, of course, by providing samples of what you CAN DO.
They don’t have to be from paid gigs, but they should be enough to prove how good you are in the skills you wrote in your profile and cover letters.
So, how do you start building your portfolio?
What are you good at? Which areas do you want to help clients in?
Regardless of your background, you definitely have marketable skills online.
Even if your computer skills are basic, you can offer something valuable to clients who are swamped with work.
For example:
The fact that you’re reading this article right shows you know how to use Google for research.
Offering research services can be very valuable to clients who don’t have the time.
Maybe you’re really good at writing Facebook posts, replying to comments, or maybe finding products to sell on online stores…
Take those into consideration and write them down.
What about your educational background or work experience?
You may be moving from the corporate world to the online world, but you can still bring your experience with you.
Some of the work you’ve done corporate will relate to the services you can offer online.
Do not worry too much whether the skills you come up with are in-demand or not.
Just take note of them and work with what you already have.
Since your portfolio items are proof of your skills, it doesn’t matter whether you got paid for them or not.
Say, for example, you’re a new photographer.
Before you can start charging for your photography skills, you must do free photoshoots so you can show potential customers that you can take good pictures, right?
It’s exactly the same online.
If you’re a graphic designer, create 3-5 graphics that you made using Adobe Illustrator or even free tools like Canva, to show your creative skills.
If you’re a writer, write sample articles that showcase your style and tone.
If you’re a marketer, create sample marketing strategies for your target industries.
Upload them as portfolio items to boost your online profile.
If real-life experience is important to you, you may look for internship opportunities from other freelancers or online business owners around you.
If you don’t know anyone, join freelancing or e-commerce communities to meet leads.
Offer to help with small projects related to your skills, or even volunteer to get hands-on practice.
Photo by Startup Stock Photos from Pexels
For example:
If you’re venturing into SEO, you may give out free SEO audits to 1-2 businesses and use those as samples.
Most entrepreneurs would appreciate free help, so you can easily find prospects.
A great bonus is, if they like your free work, they might even hire you. ? Win-win!
If while creating samples or volunteering you realize that you can’t do some tasks, don’t get disheartened!
It only means that you need to learn a little more skill.
There are lots of free tutorials on YouTube or you can invest in paid, step-by-step courses for guidance.
The online world is a very progressive world, so knowledge is ALWAYS a good investment.
Apart from the new skills you’ll acquire, learning also boosts confidence and helps you network with like-minded people.
There you have it! I hope this gives you an idea on how to start building your online portfolio.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below ?
Happy freelancing! ?
