When I started freelancing I struggled to get new jobs because I did not have work samples to show potential clients. It was tough. I needed the jobs so badly but the waiting seemed forever. Somehow, I found a way to get work samples, build a portfolio and the jobs started coming in.
Today, I know a number of beginners who are experiencing this same struggle and on the lookout for some head start. But really, with advancements in technology, it is now a bit easier to build your portfolio from scratch.
In an era where devs, creators and freelancers are competing with high tech solutions like Artificial Intelligence, you want to put in a lot more time to build skills that will make your work stand out. Adding looking for jobs to the mix makes it a whole different ball game.
As someone who’s been through this in the past, I’ll be sharing with you some of the strategies that’s worked for me and many others. Including what I’d do if I were starting all over from scratch today.
Define your Niche & Gain Mastery
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Define your niche, the kind of skills you want to sell and the clients you plan to attract. Doing this allows you to streamline the skills you can project, experiences you’ll build and the kind of jobs you’ll curate for your portfolio.
Do not build a portfolio without the right niche as you may not be able to target the right clients with such portfolio. Even if you have a wide array of skills like I did, try to narrow it down to the most essential or viable skill at the time. You’ll eventually evolve to add the other ones.
Also, remember a portfolio is not and cannot be built around mediocre skills, you’ll be fished out and embarrassed. So beyond well curated portfolio, you need real life skills that can actually serve clients that’ll show up with diverse kind of jobs.
This means that if you’re a web developer do not just be an average dev, find a way to get yourself to stand out. As a web dev, writing was a super power I had. Using that, I was able to help clients build their ideas into real life websites and platforms that positions them exactly as imagined.
Build, nurture and find a unique dimension to your skill that can stand you out. It’ll help you to be different from the crowd. And you can use that as an advantaged area to appeal to a specific set of clients.
Try Probono or Discounted Jobs
Probono jobs give you the chance to build a portfolio and get testimonials if done strategically. It is one of the sure-fire strategies used by beginners from different industries and you can start this strategically especially on those early days.
Before starting this option, you want to be very strategic. Use your probono option only for jobs you can actually use on your portfolio, get a testimonial from or build a particular kind of experience.
You do not want to get a probono offer for clients that cannot offer a testimonial in return or a permission for you to use their work as part of your storytelling content, marketing or portfolio.
That said, building a beginner portfolio out of a probono work is quite like a low hanging fruit among the portfolio building options. You can start with a small business from your friends and family, a non-profit or NGO brand, a new startup business but you have to be strategic.
In return for your work, ask for a testimonial that can be posted on your own or the beneficiary’s platforms, social media mentions, permission to use their work as a part of your portfolio, in exchange for your services.
In addition to outright free jobs, you can go for discounted offers which you’ll charge clients below industry standard rates in a bid to attract new clients while still offering excellent services.
This is an excellent option for beginners looking to build job portfolios but keep in mind this can be tricky as well. Returning clients might want to pigeonhole you into the discounted rates if you’re not very clear from the onset that the rate is for a specific period.
Signup for Internships
Internships provides an opportunity for beginners to learn real life industry skills, gather experiences and even earn an income in some cases. And I totally recommend it as a pathway to build a portfolio as a beginner.
When I started out as a freelance dev, I did not have the chance to try out internships because I was doing many other things alongside freelancing at the time still I’d have jumped on the chance to intern and build my skills if I was starting out today.
While looking out for internship opportunities, source for opportunities that aligns with your niche, specific skills and expertise you want to develop etc.
Also, do not wait for open internship opportunities before applying. Pitch the brands you admire. Some brands can create an opportunity if they know you’ll add value to their team. We’ve had a number of brands mail us available internship opportunities in their establishment. Even if you can’t get a direct internship in your preferred firm, you can be placed elsewhere.
While doing all of this, remember that the goal isn’t just about building a portfolio but improving on your skills, learning new experiences and also a network that will be beneficial to your career prospects.
Volunteer on Niche Based Opportunities
Like internships, volunteering can give you an opportunity to make real life impact while also gathering job experience and building a portfolio.
Unlike internships, volunteering is driven by a desire to contribute to a cause still it can position you as an experienced freelancer in your industry or even as a thought leader if you’re strategic about it. And you can leverage the two chances this presents you.
For instance, start with choosing and sorting out opportunities that aligns with your proposed niche, target audience and choice area of interest. Apply for these opportunities and when you get the roles, create a remarkable experience for the brand but don’t stop there, talk about it.
Document the entire journey as you’re creating the solution or providing the specific services for the brand. Share your experience, the lessons you’re learning and any other interesting details.
The result? While doing this you do not merely end up with a portfolio, you also build credibility, showcase experience and this on its own can also attract jobs to you. I have documented how this method has worked for me and others in the past.
At the end of the day, while doing everything to build a portfolio as a beginner, always remember that storytelling can also amplify your brand standing.
Use Case Studies to Solve Problems
If I were starting all over again to build a portfolio as a beginner today, I’d use case studies as one of my powerhouse strategies to showcase my skills and cement my expertise.
A case study is a detailed study of a specific topic, subject matter or idea to form a clear conclusion. In terms of building a beginner’s portfolio, case studies can allow you to try to solve specific industry related problem, relevant to your niche.
It does not have to be something overly new or out of the box. The real issue is to build something from scratch, showcase your creation process from where you started to where you’re able to get it into a logical conclusion.
It’s not hard. Let’s say you’re a freelance digital marketer and one of the challenges of new businesses in your niche is getting new clients. You can create a case study with an actual social media ad, showcasing a high performing ad and a low performing ad and then using the illustration to pin point why some ads perform more than others, positioning your brand as the preferred brand to deliver on high performing ads.
The problem with case studies however is that it might take some time and resources from you. And you’ll also have to be very knowledgeable in the subject matter but it’s still a very solid strategy to secure jobs for your portfolio as a beginner.
Build Sample Jobs for Portfolio
In addition to creating your own case studies, you can build sample portfolio jobs without waiting for clients. These are typical jobs that will be needed by your target clients.
If you’re a web developer, this could be sample web design jobs for different kind of businesses etc. if you’re a Graphics Designer, these could be sample logo design, flyer, user interface or whatever you think will be appealing to your clients.
Regardless of your industry there are plenty options you can use to get job samples and have them published on your portfolio. A number of our students have used this option and it has been pretty beneficial as they build a portfolio as beginners.
You can also leverage this strategy. Take on real jobs in your industry. Design and set up a project then include them as a part of your portfolio.
Even if you’re applying for real jobs outside freelancing, this can serve as a way to build your experience and real life skills.
Get a Platform for your Portfolio
When you’re done with step 1-6, you can go ahead and decide on the platform you want to build and host your portfolio.
Always keep in mind, you can’t be a freelance web developer and expect other brands to patronize you out of the blues. They need to see your own website as well. You also need this website to host your portfolio and some details about your brand.
Same goes for freelancers in other industries. If you’re a content developer, you have to show us your blog with varieties of content from different industries with different styles and focus.
As a social media marketing expert, show us your own platform and the excellent work you’re doing to get it across to your target audience. This is very important and even for freelancers that are graphics designers, video editors etc.
While putting in the work to build a portfolio, remember that you need a platform to showcase your best jobs. And it’s important to have one. So, you want to get on the social media and build a page there.
Outside the social media, get your own website. This gives you a space to showcase your work and control exactly how you want it to be displayed. Also, having a website positions you as a more serious professional.
Beyond helping you to get clients, it can also give you the chance to reach a global audience.
Final Words
Beyond everything you’ve read here, focus on personal development. This is very important. Outside pursuing excellence and visibility, commit to learning and becoming much better than you are if you want to compete in your industry.
Also, remember to pitch for jobs. I’ve seen some freelancers who did not have as much experience as confidence but they got some top jobs because they believed in themselves. You need this solid self-belief as a beginner and you can build it if you commit to it.
In addition to that, building a portfolio is not a guarantee you’ll get the jobs coming in. sometimes you’ll need to knock on the right doors, get in the right circles and have people in the right table to secure a sit. This is one thing networking can do for you so, network like your life depends on it.
And finally, we’re here to guide you. Sign up for our trainings to gain a hands on mentorship or reach out to us if you have questions.
Now it’s your turn. What are your biggest challenges when it comes to building a portfolio as a beginner? Drop your answers below.
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