Few freelance platforms are as unique as Skillbox and even though they may offer free portfolios like we do they may not have the capacity to offer in-person and online courses! Read on to find out how to create a freelance portfolio.

A portfolio on Skillbox can be vital to your success. It's your introduction to prospective customers, a significant opportunity to catch attention and distinguish yourself from the competition — not just as part of your proposals, but also for potential customers who may find out about your profile. Many clients are looking for freelancers with the skills they need and are inviting them to view their job posts; it's a proactive method that can help businesses fill their project needs faster and better.

Completing your profile doesn't only give consumers the details that they need. This also lets Skillbox sorts you in easy to find skilled categories and allows you to join our level-up system when you complete a certain amount of jobs or hit monetary targets. 

Photo by Daniel Apodaca and blog by Skillbox

Create a free portfolio today!

Start your profile by selecting the categories of work most appropriate to your skillset. Set an hourly rate which represents your skills and level of experience. You should check Skillbox to get an idea of what freelancers charge. Then find these tips to help enhance your profile and ensure in the best light that it highlights your knowledge and expertise.

Skillbox has a detailed list of structured skills which will help you recognise your strengths quickly and link you to relevant projects. These skills also help clients find you more comfortably. They should represent their specialisations and expertise: just assert and list skills that can be backed up in one of your other portfolio pages, such as your work or job background, resume, education, or certifications.

Tag up to 5 of the most relevant skills based on the projects you've done and of course, the more you tag, the better — and move the tags around to make them appear as necessary. If you have many work interests (e.g., writer and accounting), tag the number of skills that are proportional to projects. (If the skills list lacks a significant talent, please send feedback). 

Update your skill tags accordingly as you develop your skills or add new ones, and remove old skills as they become outdated.

Pro Tip: Note what skills and keywords potential customers use when evaluating exciting projects. You may see that consumers in your niche are searching for freelancers by the service they want (i.e., logo design, web design) instead of the software they need (i.e. Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe).

Clients would like to feel they can trust a freelancer before engaging with them to complete a project and your portfolio photo is a vital part of the equation.

It might seem simple to come up with a title, but it's a potentially powerful tool that freelancers sometimes forget. Why is it so big? And when a client discovers your portfolio inquest, the first thing that they can see is your title.

Your summary is not fully available unless anyone checks out your freelance portfolio, but it's also a highly noticeable aspect of your marketing because it's at the top of your profile. Use this to showcase yourself and pitch your services.

An intro clip can help you stand out, notably as many freelancers are skipping this optional section. It can seem daunting to make a video, but it doesn't have to be! Start with a great script that outlines who you are, the type of projects you would like to work on, and your skill areas.

Practically, your freelance portfolio is guaranteed to attract the attention of a potential client: It's your chance to show — not just tell — the quality of your work and the value of your expertise.

Choose pieces that represent your niche and help to prove your expertise. If your skills are not primarily visual, consider finding innovative ways to illustrate the task behind each sample and how it had an impact on your work.

Listing the certifications you have received will help to show your specific expertise or skills, particularly as they relate to particular systems or applications that your customers might be searching for.

E.g: Translation freelancer certification section.

Tip: Consider adding certifications that reflect your proficiency in that language to discover clients who may be looking for translation skills that are not your native language.

Adding relevant information about your job history can help clients understand your background, on and off Skillbox.

You can start by adding a brief overview of your duties and achievements from your experience; pay attention to projects that relate to the type of gigs you are currently searching for.

Consider adding new entries to a few of your most successful projects to help reconfirm your reputation as your freelance business expands.

E.g: In Translations, a freelancer 's employment history

If you have a limited employment history, consider adding a single line item to your freelance business, with a brief description summarising your focus. You can use bullet points to highlight accomplishments and showcase your specific expertise.

Your knowledge does not just come from your previous experience at work! The way you have been educated and other activities — such as volunteering, mentoring programmes, online courses, and other outside activities — can also help shape what you're doing and how you're presenting yourself.

Suggest giving a detailed overview of every specific piece of education by listing the name and programme of the institution in chronological order, beginning with the most recent one.

In the 'Description' section, you can also add informal education and activities. This can include research projects, tournaments, or other interests that may help to demonstrate your value (You can also upload a PDF file).

You may find inspiration in viewing the portfolios of other freelancers but remember to make yours exclusive and original.

Consider additional tips given below:

• Design your freelance portfolio properly. 
• How will you be helping them?
• Be consistent with your most reliable skills and use all parts of the profile to back up your skills (title, talents, description, history of work).
• Help to create faith and trust through completion of all parts.
• Be concise with your words and be straight forward.
• Check each section carefully, and regularly update your profile.
• Track your level and exercise greater control over your Skillbox level. 
• Update visibility of your profile if your profile is moved to "personal" due to inactivity
• Link other professional accounts in your profile configuration to help you better suit your job
• Keep a perfect answer score by speedily reacting to invitations and messages.
• Update your profile to "verified," so you'll radiate more trust in your potential clients.
• And ask friends to give you feedback before you publish your profile.
• Another good tactic is to read your profile loudly: It's a perfect way to see if your profile works well, has a nice rhythm and sounds like you.

Sign up with Skillbox today and start creating that perfect profile.