Calendar-Filling Portfolios
A step-by-step guide for freelance creatives wanting to build or improve their online portfolio.
"Shlomo gave me awesome advice to make some super impactful changes to my portfolio."
– Camille Hogg
"I learned everything about
building an impressive portfolio"
– Zobair Siddique
You’ll love this guide if you are…
😇 a freelance creative looking to land better projects.
😮 freaking out when clients ask to see your portfolio.
🙃 great at marketing, but not at marketing yourself.
🤔 planning on building a portfolio, yet unsure where to begin and what to include.
🫠 wanting to give your old portfolio a quick face-lift.
🫤 feeling like clients are underestimating your value.
🙄 tired of answering the same questions from clients.
😵💫 already building a website, that’s been under construction for decades, and you need an action plan.
So what’s inside?
Learn how to:
- Land your first testimonial.
- Deal with testimonial refusers.
- Reuse testimonials on different platforms.
- Ask better questions for better testimonials.
- Combine different types of social proof, making your testimonials truly believable.
2. Your work: Show your skills
Learn how to:
- Use the “Darling Exterminator” to pick your best work.
- Make your work look slick, even if it’s just text.
- Deal with cancelled or “ruined” projects.
- Make the most out of every idea.
- Create strong case studies.
3. About me: Create a connection
Learn how to:
- Make yourself approachable with your story.
- Highlight your other passions and skills.
- Come across as an authentic person.
Learn how to:
- Niche down (or not).
- Choose your services.
- Drive clients to get in touch.
- Display your pricing and packages.
- Explain the process of working with you.
5. Plan the portfolio: Design for busy people
Learn how to:
- Create your own visual identity.
- Make your portfolio easy to use.
- Map and wireframe your website.
- Pick the right portfolio platform for you.
- Use five UX techniques that make people spend more time looking at your work.
6. Build the portfolio: Go live ASAP
Learn how to:
- Quickly test your website with real users.
- Pick the perfect domain.
- Improve your page speed.
And also....
Inspiration
30+ portfolios of top-earning freelance creatives.
Toolbox
25+ must-have portfolio tools and resources.
To-dos
Every chapter includes actionable tasks. Complete them all, and your portfolio is ready.
Quick Wins
Even if you already have a great portfolio, I’ll give simple tips that will help you improve it.
Formulas & Exercises
I developed formulas that will make tough decisions like, “what work should I use,” easy.
By the time you’ve finished the guide, you’ll have your own online portfolio
Here's what people say:
“Shlomo helped with my website portfolio…have already seen the benefits and can’t recommend him enough.” Isaac Kirby
“I bought Shlomo’s portfolio-building course… He brings a fresh perspective to anything he touches. And he showcases it all in a visual, interactive way. Angela Floca
“Shlomo helped me with my portfolio. He pointed out what I can improve to look more professional and reliable.” Gouri Mahali
That sounds like a lot of effort. You sure I even need a portfolio?
✅ Yes
Because as a creative, no one wants to see your fancy degree. What matters most are your skills and personality. A good portfolio will highlight both of these.
✅ Yeah
The shoemaker’s son shouldn’t be wearing Crocs. If you’re helping people with their websites, yours should be great as well.
✅ Yep
Because making your busy clients search for your work through messy Google Drive folders and PDFs makes a bad first impression.
Questions?
Freelance creatives: copywriters, content writers, art directors, designers, social media managers, and UX people who want more high-quality clients.
It’s self-paced. You can finish reading it in about an hour, but how long it’ll take you to build the portfolio depends on you.
I already have a portfolio, do I still need the guide?
If you want to improve it, then sure! I have no doubt you’ll find many useful tips.
Will you teach me how to build a website?
No. I’ll show you what should go into your website and how to create an effective user experience.
To build the website, you’ll need to use a website builder like Wix, WordPress, etc. You can learn to use them for free on YouTube. There’s no need to understand any coding.
Besides the guide, will I need to spend more on my portfolio?
It depends. You can build an online portfolio using free tools. Though, I’ll be recommending some paid tools within the guide to make your portfolio more professional.
What if I'm worried of the technical aspects of building a website?
I’ll recommend some great tools that allow you to create an online portfolio without using code. Outsourcing is always an option if you see it’s not for you. No worries! I’ll explain how.
Do I have to build a website right away?
No. If you’re not ready for a website right away, I’ll show you how to quickly create a temporary online portfolio for free.
Do I need any experience with Notion to use the guide?
No. Notion is super intuitive. If you’ve ever used the internet, you’ll be able to use the guide.
Anything else? Shoot me an email at Shlomo@thecreativemarketer.net
A step-by-step guide to building the portfolio your creative work deserves.