Are you a freelance social media marketer looking to grow your business? A portfolio isn’t just helpful; it’s a must-have tool. With a portfolio, you can easily show your previous work, experience, and analytics.
Whether you’re a social media manager just starting out, or a social media marketing agency landing high-profile clients, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. In this blog post, we’re going to show you how to create a portfolio that doesn’t just show off your skills — it wins clients.
My name is Ben, and I have 5+ years in the social media marketing space. From managing social media pages for many brands to growing my own online presence, and everything in between. I've also had the opportunity to connect with many social media managers, gathering insights and strategies, all to bring you the best advice in this blog post.
Let’s get into it.
Do you want more clients? If your answer to that is yes, then I highly recommend creating a portfolio. Just like a resume opens doors to job opportunities, a well-crafted social media marketing portfolio opens doors to SMM opportunities.
Choosing the right platform to host your social media marketing portfolio can feel overwhelming, but I'm here to simplify it for you. Based on my experience, I've narrowed it down to three great options (and an honorable mention). Remember, I'm not affiliated with any of these platforms – this is purely based on my personal experience and research.
Best for Stunning, Professional Designs
Squarespace is a great website builder that’s super easy to use. They have a range of beautiful, customizable templates. While it doesn’t have a free plan, Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial, which is perfect for trying out its features. It's user-friendly and doesn't require any coding skills.
The downside? It's a bit pricier than some other options and slightly less flexible in terms of design customization.
Great for Beginners with a Free Plan
Wix is another excellent choice, especially if you're just starting out. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it super easy to build a professional-looking portfolio without any technical know-how. Wix offers a free plan, which is a huge plus, but keep in mind that it comes with Wix branding.
For more advanced features and a custom domain, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Ideal for Full Customization and Control
WordPress is a bit different from Squarespace and Wix. It's a powerful platform offering incredible flexibility and control over your site. This is the best choice if you're tech-savvy and want complete customization or have specific needs for your portfolio. WordPress itself is free, but you'll need to pay for hosting and possibly a theme. It has a steeper learning curve, but the trade-off is a highly personalized and functional website.
Super Simple and Visually Appealing
Now, here’s something a bit different. Canva isn't a traditional website builder, but if you're already a fan of its design tools, it's worth considering. Canva is incredibly user-friendly and perfect for creating visually appealing portfolio pages. However, it's not as robust as the other options for building a full website. It's a great choice if you want something simple, beautiful, and easy to put together.
Remember, the best platform for you depends on your specific needs, skills, and budget. Consider what you want your portfolio to accomplish, and choose the builder that aligns with your goals.
Crafting a compelling social media marketing portfolio involves showcasing a variety of elements that collectively demonstrate your skills, achievements, and unique value proposition. Here's a breakdown of what to include:
This section is the most important part of your portfolio. Potential clients want to see the work you’ve done for other clients.
Highlight a selection of your best work with various clients. This can include content created, campaigns managed, and any notable achievements with each client.
Clearly outline the services you offer. This could be in the form of packages or tailored services depending on client needs. Be specific about what each package includes and how it benefits potential clients.
Case Studies: Offer detailed case studies from previous campaigns. Include the objectives, strategies used, and the outcomes. Highlight any unique challenges you overcame.
Analytics: Share concrete analytics to back up your successes. Metrics can include engagement rates, growth in followers, or conversions, providing tangible proof of your impact.
Testimonials: Include testimonials from past clients or employers. These should speak to your expertise, work ethic, and the results you delivered. I recommend using TrustUGC to easily collect testimonials and put them on your website.
Introduce yourself with a compelling bio. Include your background, what drives you in social media marketing, and any unique skills or perspectives you bring to the table. This is your chance to make a personal connection with potential clients.
Your portfolio is your digital business card, your first impression, and a key tool in winning new clients. Here's to building a portfolio that not only showcases your talent but also opens doors to new opportunities in your career.