In marketing, and in many other industries, but in marketing in particular, we spend a lot of time having to prove our value and how what we do makes a difference on the business’s bottom line. One of the best ways to predict future behaviour/success is to look at past behaviour/success.

Think about when you are shopping online, most of us look at the reviews to see if other people like the product before we buy it. You may equate this with your references but really it would be your application as a whole. How can you prove to the employer that you can give them results? How have you helped other businesses? If you can do it for them, can you do it for me?

How can you answer these questions for the business in a way that makes sense? A strong history of quality work! That’s where your portfolio comes in.

How do I build an online portfolio?

  1. Google Drive – As a first step, compile all of your past work into a Google Drive folder so you have a central place to see everything you have done in the past and a place to keep new projects once they’re complete. If you are like many of us in digital marketing, you probably have a few different areas you’ve done projects in; use additional folders to help keep you organized and can easily find when you are applying for a job in a specific area.
  2. Microsoft Sway – A simple and creative way to share your past projects. Microsoft Sway is part of Office 365 and is an easy-to-use digital storytelling app. It allows you to present your portfolio in a way that will fit with your personal brand but is simple enough to use that it won’t take you long to create and will set you apart from the crowd.
  3. Build a website – lay out all your expertise by creating a whole website that displays your past work, who you are, utilizes your skills, and highlight additional skills through a blog. A website can be your main hub for driving people to when they want to learn more about you. For future employers and clients, everyone will have a place where they can get a better idea of your brand and your qualifications.

Get Your Portfolio Out There

Here are a few ways that you can show potential employers your work even before they ask for it!

  1. Link your portfolio to your resume/business card using a QR code – highlights that you’re tech savvy and provides the employer with more information without handing them more paper
  2. Attach it to your LinkedIn profile – make your profile more than just a chronological list of past experience, SHOW them what you did – also great if you completed a project outside of your current placement
  3. In the interview – again, less paper for people to keep track of. Come with it open on a tablet or computer for the interview to scroll through with you and leave them with the link to review back to it later

Looking for opportunities to build up your portfolio?

Check out these places for freelance opportunities to help fill out your resume:

And join The Tech Effect Community! A global community of connected entrepreneurs & digital marketers working together to succeed collectively. We are passionate about sharing knowledge, solving challenges collectively, and educating each other on the latest techniques and trends to help build our careers and businesses.
Why you should join:

  • Experience exclusive conversations and opportunities that you may not find anywhere else to build your portfolio or land a dream job.
  • Meet people who share your interests in entrepreneurship and digital marketing, who do the same things, or who care about the same topics to grow quicker together and expand ideas.
  • Make better, more well-informed decisions about advancing your career or business.
  • Swap stories, experiences, and ideas (not necessarily advice) around our shared mission.
  • Find a little inspiration, thought-provoking conversations, and expert perspective each and every day to keep you up to date and in the know, no matter where you are.

To learn more, head over to the TTE community info page.