In today’s competitive job market, merely listing your skills on a resume or LinkedIn profile often fails to attract the attention of potential clients and employers.
Creating a vibrant online portfolio allows you to visually showcase your expertise, present your best work in an engaging manner, and leave a memorable impression.
We have assisted numerous professionals in crafting captivating online portfolios. We’ve curated the top portfolio themes, compiled the most valuable plugins, and addressed many inquiries from individuals eager to present their best work in a professional and engaging format.
Through our experiences, we recognize that building a digital portfolio can seem overwhelming, especially with so much on the line. But what if we told you that developing a professional and compelling online portfolio is entirely achievable?
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a stunning portfolio website using WordPress, even if you lack prior web development experience. We will emphasize user-friendly tools and practical tips, ensuring your portfolio enhances your career rather than complicating it.
Why Is an Online Portfolio Website Essential?
As a freelancer, job seeker, or small business owner, having a portfolio is essential. Consider your online portfolio as your digital business card – always available and easy to access.
Instead of scrambling to find the best examples of your work, you can confidently share a polished, professional website with potential clients or employers. This is beneficial for everyone, not just artists and creatives. Professionals across all industries, from writers to developers and marketers, can leverage a portfolio to make a lasting first impression.
Your portfolio serves as more than just a showcase of your work; it is a vital tool for building trust. A well-crafted website enhances your credibility and showcases your expertise.
Moreover, by optimizing your portfolio for search engines, you can attract a larger audience of potential clients and employers.
Are you ready to create this important resource? We will guide you step-by-step in building an engaging online portfolio website using WordPress. Let’s begin.
- How to Create an Online Portfolio Website in WordPress Using SeedProd
- Step 1: Select Your Website Builder
- Step 2: Choose a WordPress Hosting Provider
- Step 3: Install WordPress
- Step 4: Select a Portfolio Theme
- Step 5: Create Your Portfolio Landing Page
- Step 6: Edit Your Portfolio Website
- Step 7: Create a Gallery to Display Your Work
- Step 8: Include a Contact Form
- Step 9: Publish Your Portfolio
How to Build an Online Portfolio Website in WordPress Using SeedProd
Creating an impressive portfolio doesn’t require technical skills. Our easy-to-follow guide will help you set up a professional portfolio website in just minutes, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters: showcasing your work to a wider audience.
Step 1: Select Your Website Builder
If you’re eager to create an engaging online portfolio but need a platform that is both powerful and easy to use, WordPress.org is the perfect choice.
A common mistake many beginners make is selecting the wrong website platform. While some freelancers and small business owners opt for Squarespace or Wix, WordPress is the superior option for crafting a professional portfolio. It’s user-friendly, highly customizable, and offers remarkable flexibility to showcase virtually any type of work.
First and foremost, WordPress is open source, which means it’s free to download and use. This allows you to allocate your resources towards highlighting your work instead of spending them on costly website subscriptions.
Premium website builders often come with features tailored for business websites and eCommerce stores, which may not be necessary for a portfolio. Why invest in features you won’t utilize?
WordPress allows you to install add-ons known as plugins. These software components enhance WordPress’s functionality, with over 59,000 available in the WordPress.org repository. Many of these plugins are specifically designed for professionals aiming to showcase their work online.
Even better, you can download and use all the plugins from WordPress.org at no cost.
Moreover, there are countless WordPress themes specifically crafted for portfolios, enabling you to create a visually appealing website that represents your personal brand. Many of these themes are also available for free.
It’s not just about saving money. According to our research, WordPress is the most widely used website platform globally, powering nearly 43% of all websites. This means you’re choosing the best option for your portfolio.
There are two versions of WordPress software, so it’s crucial to select the right one.
The first option is WordPress.com, which serves as a blog hosting platform. The second option is WordPress.org, commonly referred to as self-hosted WordPress. We highly recommend using WordPress.org because it allows you to install third-party plugins, including those specifically designed for creating portfolio websites.
For a comprehensive understanding of why we consistently endorse WordPress, please check out our detailed WordPress review.
Have you already set up a site on WordPress.com? Don’t worry! We provide a step-by-step guide on how to transfer your website from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.
Step 2: Select a WordPress Hosting Provider
To build your digital portfolio, you will need both a domain name and web hosting.
A domain name serves as your portfolio’s online address. This is the URL that visitors will enter into their browsers to access your site, such as CanadaCreate.com.
Web hosting is the service that allows your website to be accessible online. To assist you, we have curated a list of the top WordPress hosting options available for your new site.
While the WordPress software itself is free, the costs for hosting and domain names can accumulate quickly.
Concerned about your budget? We have created a guide detailing the expenses involved in building a WordPress website, helping you avoid any surprise costs.
An ideal web host should be capable of scaling to accommodate high-traffic websites, provide reliable support for any issues, prioritize web security, and include features that enhance your safety online.
Look for the fastest WordPress hosting providers to ensure your site loads quickly. This is especially crucial if you plan to showcase numerous high-resolution images or videos in your online portfolio.
Hostinger is the perfect option for small businesses seeking affordable and user-friendly hosting solutions. Plus, Hostinger is offering our readers a complimentary domain name and significant discounts on WordPress hosting, starting at just $2.69 per month.
To set up your Hostinger account in just a few minutes, simply click the button below:
If you need assistance with signing up for Hostinger, refer to our guide on obtaining a free domain name, which includes a detailed step-by-step tutorial.
After registering and configuring your hosting plan, navigate to your dashboard and click on the ‘Domains’ tab.
Next, you’ll need to enter the desired new domain name.
You will then be prompted to either create a new site or migrate an existing one.
For this tutorial, you can select the option to ‘Skip, create an empty website.’
Next, click the ‘Select’ button under ‘Claim a Free Domain.’
Simply enter the desired domain name for your portfolio website.
If you’re unsure about a domain name, we offer a free business name generator to help you find a memorable and marketable company name.
For a personal portfolio, you can use your first and last name as the domain. If that’s unavailable, consider adding your profession. For instance, if johndoe.com is taken, you might try johndoephotography.com or janedoewriter.com.
It’s best to choose the .com domain extension, as it is the most recognized and trusted for small businesses.
Need assistance in selecting a domain name for your nonprofit site? Check out our guide on how to choose the perfect domain name.
Step 3: Install WordPress
Whether you opt for Hostinger or another WordPress hosting provider like WP Engine or Bluehost, refer to our guide on how to install WordPress for comprehensive, step-by-step instructions.
Next, navigate to your Hostinger dashboard and click the ‘Admin Panel’ button featuring the WordPress logo to access your WordPress website’s dashboard.
Alternatively, you can visit yoursite.com/wp-admin directly in your web browser.
Step 4: Select a Portfolio Theme
After setting up your WordPress site, it’s time to personalize your website design by selecting a theme and creating new pages.
For this tutorial, we will utilize SeedProd to develop a theme specifically tailored for portfolio websites.
SeedProd is a widely-used drag-and-drop WordPress page builder that has been instrumental in designing numerous partner websites. We employed SeedProd to create the Duplicator, WPForms, and WP Charitable sites – even the SeedProd website itself was crafted using SeedProd!
Whether your goal is to establish a portfolio website to attract potential clients, launch a WordPress blog, or create an online store, SeedProd offers a comprehensive solution with templates designed to meet your specific needs. It even includes templates specifically for online portfolios.
Interested in learning more? Be sure to check out our in-depth SeedProd review.
The initial step is to install and activate the SeedProd plugin. For further information, please refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
After installation, you’ll be guided through the setup wizard. Click ‘Get Started’ and follow the step-by-step instructions to customize the SeedProd plugin to meet your requirements.
Once you’ve finished the setup wizard, go to SeedProd ≫ Settings and input your license key. You can find your license key on your account page on the SeedProd website.
After entering your information, click the ‘Verify Key’ button.
You will now have full access to all of SeedProd’s features.
Step 5: Create Your Portfolio Landing Page
Next, navigate to SeedProd ≫ Theme Builder.
Here, you can click the orange button labeled ‘Theme Template Kits.’
You will be directed to a page featuring a searchable library of WordPress themes. Enter ‘portfolio’ in the search bar and choose the theme template that aligns best with your website concept.
You might also want to explore other keywords if you’re targeting a specific niche. For instance, if you’re a realtor, SeedProd offers various real estate WordPress themes that you can utilize.
For this tutorial, we will be using the ‘Freelance Portfolio’ theme, but feel free to select any theme that suits your requirements.
We will create a one-page portfolio website, integrating the portfolio section directly into the homepage. This approach allows you to launch your portfolio quickly without the complexities of managing multiple pages.
In the WordPress dashboard, navigate to Settings ≫ Reading. Next to the Homepage option, select the ‘Portfolio’ dropdown to set your portfolio page as the Homepage.
After that, return to SeedProd ≫ Theme Builder, where you’ll find a list of all the pages within your theme.
Scroll down and hover over the ‘Portfolio’ page, then click the ‘Edit Design’ button.
Step 6. Customize Your Portfolio Website
Now it’s time to personalize the content and make it uniquely yours.
Using SeedProd’s intuitive visual drag-and-drop page builder, you’ll find a variety of ‘Standard’ and ‘Advanced’ widgets available, including headlines, text blocks, lists, headers, featured images, and more.
Simply drag the desired widget to your preferred location on the page.
You can also personalize the background by selecting a solid color, gradient, or background image.
To customize your background, simply click on the outer layer box, and then navigate to the ‘Content’ section in the sidebar menu for various options.
For assistance with the SeedProd interface, feel free to check out our helpful SeedProd video tutorials.
When creating your main portfolio page, be sure to include several essential components, such as:
Compelling Call to Action (CTA):A successful portfolio should feature a prominent CTA button to encourage visitors to reach out or even hire you. Position the CTA button above the fold and again at the bottom of your portfolio page.
Locate the ‘Button’ option in the left-hand menu and drag it onto your page on the right.
To edit any element, click on the specific item or area you wish to customize.
The options for that block will appear on the left side. As shown below, the ‘Content’ tab allows you to modify the button text and add a link to your contact page.
The ‘Templates’ tab enables you to select the button style, while the ‘Advanced’ tab allows you to adjust padding, fonts, and more.
Services you provide:Potential clients want to understand your offerings to determine if you’re the right choice for them. As a WordPress developer, specify your services: do you provide custom plugin development, website customization, or full website creation?
To set up a services section, simply add a ‘Column’ widget and insert an ‘Icon Box’ for each service you provide. You can then personalize the text and icons by clicking on the element and using the sidebar for adjustments.
About Me Section: This is your chance to connect with potential clients on a personal level. Share your background, experience, and most importantly, your passion for your work. Let them get to know the person behind the portfolio.
To add an ‘About Me’ section, just include the ‘Image Box’ widget on your page. Then, upload a portrait photo of yourself and write a description that shares more about who you are.
If you’re creating a portfolio for a business or brand, feel free to use your custom logo in this section instead.
Testimonials: Including testimonials from previous clients is essential for building trust, especially if you’ve collaborated with well-known brands. When potential clients see that others are satisfied with your work, it gives them the confidence to choose you for their projects.
Easily incorporate the ‘Testimonials’ widget into your page. You can then upload a client photo and customize their name and testimonial. If you’d like to include additional reviews, simply click the ‘Duplicate’ icon next to the client’s name.
Step 7. Include a Gallery to Display Your Work Samples
Building a portfolio website allows you to highlight the impressive work you’ve accomplished. When prospective clients view your capabilities, they’ll be more inclined to trust you with their projects.
For this purpose, we will utilize Envira Gallery, the top WordPress gallery plugin. Although the ‘Advanced Gallery’ widget on SeedProd is an option, Envira Gallery offers superior features.
For instance, it includes ‘Lightbox’ images, which allow users to click on a photo and view it in its original size without any cropping or resizing. You can also create slideshows and organize your galleries into albums for better categorization of your work.
Interested in learning more? Check out our comprehensive review of Envira Gallery.
To begin, you need to install and activate the Envira Gallery plugin. For detailed guidance, refer to our tutorial on how to install a WordPress plugin.
After activation, navigate to Envira Gallery ≫ Add Newin your WordPress dashboard.
Start by entering a name for your gallery in the title bar. Next, click on ‘Search Files from Your Computer’ to upload images of your portfolio projects.
After uploading your portfolio items, scroll down and switch to the ‘Config’ tab.
Here, you can specify the number of gallery columns to display. Choosing ‘Automatic’ will allow the images to fill each row automatically.
If you wish to modify the image sizes, scroll down in the ‘Config’ tab to find the ‘Image Size’ option.
Select the size that best highlights your portfolio items.
You can also customize the lightbox image size to show the original image when someone clicks on it.
To do this, navigate to the ‘Lightbox’ tab and set the image size to ‘Original Image.’
Next, scroll back to the top of the page and click ‘Publish.’
Below the publish button, you will find a shortcode. Copy this shortcode to embed the gallery into your WordPress portfolio page.
Now, let’s return to your portfolio page in SeedProd.
To add the ‘Shortcode’ block to your page, simply drag and drop it to your desired location. Then, paste the shortcode into the ‘Shortcode’ box found in the sidebar menu.
To preview the shortcode, click the ‘Preview’ button located at the top right corner of the page.
This will display a preview of how the entire page will appear.
You should see your Envira Gallery successfully embedded within your portfolio site.
Thanks to the lightbox feature in Envira Gallery, you can click on each item to view the full-sized image.
Step8: Incorporate a Contact Form
Now that you have captured your visitor’s attention, it’s essential to encourage them to reach out. While you could simply provide an email address, a contact form allows potential clients to message you directly without needing to open their email application.
The most effective way to create a straightforward and professional contact form is by using WPForms.
WPForms is the leading WordPress contact form builder that enables you to create custom online contact forms.
We utilize WPForms for all our forms at CanadaCreate, including our contact form, so we are confident it will be an excellent choice for your portfolio website. To discover more about this popular plugin, be sure to check out our comprehensive WPForms review.
To get started, follow our detailed tutorial on creating a contact form in WordPress.
After finishing your form, return to your portfolio page.
Next, use the ‘Contact Form’ widget to insert a form from WPForms. Simply select the form you created under ‘Select a Form.’
Step 9: Go Live
Once everything looks perfect, you are ready to launch your portfolio website.
Simply click the arrow beneath the green ‘Save’ button in the top right corner, then select ‘Publish.’
Check your live site now.
Everything should be visible, including your portfolio gallery, buttons, and contact form.
With your professional portfolio website ready, you can start attracting more visitors or engaging potential clients.
We hope this guide has helped you create an online portfolio website using WordPress. We also suggest exploring our guides on creating a paid newsletter and designing a link in bio page.
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