New Year, New Portfolio
10 Reasons Why Every Creative Professional Should Update Their Portfolio in 2024
Whether you’re a freelance photographer, videographer, or graphic designer, your portfolio is your most important marketing tool. More vital than any digital advertising campaign or client retention strategy, a strong online portfolio can showcase your artistry, expertise, and versatility to attract clients and build a strong reputation. It’s the first thing potential clients see, and it can make or break your chances of getting hired.
If your portfolio is outdated or doesn’t accurately reflect your current style of work, it’s time for an update.
Here are 10 reasons why we recommend every creative publisher makes a plan to refresh their online portfolios in 2024:
1. To find new clients.
Your portfolio is your online resume. It’s where you showcase your best work and tell potential clients why they should hire you. If your portfolio is outdated, it’s not going to do a very good job of attracting new clients.
2. To highlight your accomplishments from the previous year.
Have you had a great year? Make sure your portfolio reflects that success. Highlight your best work from the past year and show potential clients that you’re a talented and experienced photographer, graphic designer, or videographer.
3. To stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
The creative industries are constantly evolving, and your online portfolio should reflect that. If your portfolio is outdated, it will make you look like you’re out of touch with the latest trends.
4. To show your versatility.
If you can do more than one type of photography or videography, make sure your portfolio demonstrates that. Showcasing multiple types of work within your online portfolio will make you more appealing to potential clients who are looking for someone who can do it all.
5. To improve your branding.
Your portfolio is part of your overall brand. Make sure your portfolio is consistent with your other marketing materials, like your business cards or the styling on your email newsletters.
6. To increase your confidence.
When you have a great portfolio, you’ll feel more confident about your abilities as a creative professional. This confidence will come through in your marketing and interactions with potential clients, both online and in the real world.
7. To get more referrals.
When potential clients see your updated portfolio on Funnel, they’ll be more likely to refer you to their friends, family, and colleagues. This is a great way to find new business.
8. To charge more money.
If you have a great portfolio, you can charge more money for your services as a creative professional. This is because you’ll be able to demonstrate your value to potential clients. This might be the single most important reason why freelancers should make sure to update their portfolios regularly — because doing so will almost certainly lead to an increase in revenue.
9. To attract more high-quality clients.
High-quality clients are willing to pay more money for freelance services. They’re also more likely to become repeat clients. Just like we mentioned above, this directly leads to earning more money for your work.
10. To make a better impression.
When you meet with potential clients online, your portfolio is the first thing they’re going to see. Make sure it gives off a good impression by keeping your portfolio updated with examples of your latest work in a variety of mediums or categories.
Tips for Updating Your Online Portfolio
Choose your best work.
Don’t just include everything you’ve ever shot in your online portfolio. Only include the work you’re most proud of.
Edit your photos carefully.
Make sure the photos—or videos or designs, depending on the type of work you do—are well-edited and look their best before posting them in your online portfolio.
Post your portfolio on Funnel.
There are many great places to find potential clients online, but none have the reach of Funnel’s online marketplace. As a creative professional, you can use Funnel to promote your work and reach potential clients from around the world.
Get feedback from others.
Make sure to ask friends, family, or other creative professionals to give you feedback on your portfolio. Their insights can go a long way in helping to improve your portfolio and ensuring it reflects your very best work.
Update your portfolio regularly.
Don’t let your portfolio get stale. Update it regularly with examples of your best work.
If you’re still not convinced that you need to update your portfolio in 2024, consider this: Your portfolio is the first impression that you make on potential clients. If your portfolio is outdated or doesn’t accurately reflect your current work, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Take some time to update your portfolio today. Visit https://workwithfunnel.com to get started.