Noone likes to hire a newbie to perform tasks that would cost them time or money. If it were you, even you wouldn’t let a newcomer in the industry spoil your existing earnings if we specifically look at a digital marketing gig.
So, how can newcomers in the industry get clients? Or is it impossible to get one?
Well, I had seen a few people getting work from freelancing websites or direct clients even when they had nothing to show, but their communication skills were strong enough to convince the employer that they knew the job and could manage it timely.
However, this isn’t the case for all freelancers, and it doesn’t even work for all clients.
Even if you’re experienced but don’t have proof of work, you’re less likely to get the job.
What matters is the right portfolio to show to your clients.
So, how to Build a Portfolio on Freelancing Sites?
Let me show it to you:
Provide Services to Yourself
One of the best ways to build your portfolio on freelancing sites is to provide the service yourself. For example, if you are a content writer, you can write blog posts for a made-up client; if you’re a digital marketer, you can bring in clients for yourself; if you’re a graphic designer, you can create a logo and the mock-up website with all the visual elements.
Once you send the proposal to the actual client or want to share your portfolio with a potential lead, you can share the work done for yourself. You won’t have to say you’re a newbie because you’ll have samples.
Also, you wouldn’t be telling any lies about the experience because what you’ve done for yourself would be the quality of service you’ll be doing for the client. Thus, there’s nothing wrong with doing it.
Include a story with each portfolio piece you offer
Freelancing websites like Fiverr and Upwork also allow you to include a portfolio in your main profile with a specific story. You can leverage all the available slots and add something within each space offer.
It would be best if you describe the project briefly and explain what you’ve done and why the client liked it. Here if you’re using the work you’ve done for yourself, you can highlight the main features of the work under consideration.
Make sure to keep the portfolio elements engaging
It is not only the portfolio but how you present it. No one will take time to browse your portfolio if it is boring or cliché. You must make sure your portfolio is attractive for the client to explore.
As a digital marketer, you can add comments with screenshots, highlighting the increase in revenues that your efforts brought to the company.
Similarly, categorizing different campaigns industry-wise or geographical location-wise could be a great thing to do. It will let the potential client find what they are looking for within minutes. That will be a plus point for you and will satisfy the reason for building a portfolio on the freelancing websites.
Update your portfolio regularly
Another important thing you must note when building a portfolio on freelancing websites is updating your portfolio regularly.
Every time you work for a client, you’re improving your skills. So, why keep the same portfolio that wouldn’t only e misguiding for the client but will also limit your potential of getting the new job?
It is better to keep updating the portfolio items regularly as it can show your client what you’re actually capable of.
Include high-quality images of your work
Irrespective of the industry you’re working in, you must include high-quality images of your work. You must not expect the client to understand that you couldn’t manage the quality images, but your work was good. The low-quality images of your work will put your efforts aside, and the client will simply leave your profile because of it.
It is a compulsion in graphic designing but not only limited to it. For example, if your digital marketing is blurry, do you think someone will try to zoom in on the results and see what you’ve done when they have hundreds of other freelancers available for their help?
Utilize Testimonials
If you’ve testimonials on a particular project, it is better to include that along with building the portfolio on the freelance websites.
It actually tells the potential customer that you’re not making general claims but means proper business.
Overall, adding testimonials can enhance your credibility and trust with potential clients. It is important to Build a Portfolio on Freelancing Sites
Summing up
Clients will indeed be looking for experienced freelancers to join their teams. So, you must show your expertise level, even if you’re a newbie.
Building a portfolio on freelancing sites is a great way to do it. By following the tips mentioned above, you can surely stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting the job.
Best of luck!
If you want to learn portfolio building in more detail, you can be a part of the Lifetime Earning Module offered by Aamir Ahmer Academy. Join now to learn more!
