How to build a freelance portfolio that wins clients

#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1659#!trpen#Dejar un comentario#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen# / Freelance / #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1671#!trpen#Por #!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen# FreeTrain

Building a freelance portfolio is one of the first things you need to do when trying to find new freelance clients.

Before a potential new client hires you, clients need more assurance than your promise that you will deliver value for them.

Showing any previous client work or freelance projects you have completed is a no brainer. But how you structure your freelance portfolio depends on your profession and your preferences.

Although the term “portfolio” isn’t the same for all freelance professions, here we’ll call the body of your work as your portfolio.

Your freelance portfolio website

A key part of your freelance portfolio is your website. Since a website is the main way a possible client can have contact with you, you need a website to show what work you’re doing and whether you’ve shown enough value to prompt them into contacting you.

There are many things that you’ll want to include in your website portfolio:

Case Studies

Presenting work as a case study can be as simple as showing a picture of the project (if there is one) and writing about what you did on that project.

A case study usually highlights your approach to the project, why the client selected you for the project, what you actually did and the way it benefited the client.

When presenting your work as samples or links, you’ll wish to opt for 2-3 key comes and expand them into case studies.

This will be helpful for clients who haven’t worked with any previous freelancers in your area and may not be sure what to expect. In describing the project and outcomes, you have got an opportunity to impress clients.

Show your skills and your ability to explain your service in a way that they can see the value you provide.

Showing examples of your work

This may mean extracts of written work, illustrations, designs, pictures or code snippets.

One of the most popular style of portfolios is simply a series of visual samples shown as a slideshow presentation.

If you select a slideshow format make sure you show your best work upfront – a client might be in a hurry and in a very hurry and choose you solely on your first 1 or 2 projects that you show them..

For freelance designers, developers and journalists who haven’t got time to develop full case studies, a series of links to previous work completed will do as a portfolio

Client lists

Showing a list of clients you’ve previously worked for is a great showing new clients that you’ve completed projects for similar companies before.

For example, if you are a freelance journalist, you can list if you have written for The New York Times and Vice Magazine. Only list relevant articles, otherwise you may have trouble persuading a client that you have enough experience for the job.

What projects to show in your freelance portfolio

The work you show in your portfolio is the work you want to become known for. Your portfolio paints you as a specific kind of freelancer who will a specific kind of project. This has some interesting implications once you create your freelance portfolio.

Selectively showcase your work

If you’re getting to be a designer for large corporate clients, then showing startup work isn’t going to help you. Decide what work you wish to win and build your portfolio relevant to it market. This might mean leaving out some your best work, something that you may think is counter intuitive.

Stay focussed, but give some variety

Showing a diverse range of projects can show clients that you are versatile. But an excessive amount of example projects or case studies can leave a client unsure of what it is exactly that you do.

You’re better off painting a nice portrait of how you can benefit the client in a more specific way, rather than come across as a freelancer who takes on any project that comes along.

Tailor the work you showcase to match the client

If you’re pitching for a specific kind of project or sector, make sure your portfolio presents you as an individual who can handle that kind of work.

If you’re presenting your freelance portfolio online you’ll get the same result by categorising your work. Clients who are trying to find a specific kind of freelancer in a certain industry can go straight to that category and ignore the work that is irrelevant.

What if you have no previous freelance projects or experience?

There may be many reasons why you have very little work or experience to point out.

Your previous boss might not have let you create case studies or you may not not have done the kind of work you earn to try and do now, or you don’t have abundant freelance expertise to highlight.

As you would guess, there’s only one answer. Do some work to bulk up your portfolio.

As a start, you could draft a fictitious brief that plays to your strengths and execute it, volunteer for a charity that needs your freelance skills, or do free work for friends or family.

This approach may not be exciting or good for your wallet, but in a few weeks and after a few initial projects m be in a much better position to build your freelance portfolio with work you can be proud of.

#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1687#!trpen#27 comentarios en “Japan on a Budget for 2 Weeks”#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#

Barbara
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#abril 19, 2013 a las 7:47 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
I enjoyed reading about your 2 week trip. I am going very soon
and the information was very useful, THANK YOU!
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#abril 23, 2013 a las 9:26 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Glad you enjoyed - and have a great trip to Japan!
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Stephen
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#septiembre 13, 2013 a las 12:37 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Thank you for this! I planned my two week itinerary around this.
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#febrero 25, 2014 a las 3:46 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Thanks, Stephen! How was your trip? Where did you go in your two weeks?
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
MM
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#octubre 20, 2013 a las 3:28 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Thanks for such a great and informative write-up…especially the “Rest of Japan” notes. I have been trying to narrow down and pick and choose places for my first trip to Japan. I have been interested in Japan for a while and am a solo traveler, so this helps me with my planning for a trip in 2015.
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Koodzi
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#octubre 24, 2013 a las 5:53 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
That’s a great write up! I only did Kyoto for a week when I went to Japan - mostly temples, Arashiyama, and lots & lots of food. Can’t wait to go back. It was amazing. Next time I go, I’m taking your itinerary with me.
This is what happened on my crazy trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I6Ku0tY9SM
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Linda
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#febrero 25, 2014 a las 2:27 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Hey this was great! I’m currently wading through information on the web (OK,I won’t complain - it’s my favorite hobby), in order to plan a two-week visit to Japan. You included a lot of useful information plus a very realistic itinerary. Thanks!
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#febrero 25, 2014 a las 3:45 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Thanks, Linda! Definitely better to pack less in, but take in more of the places you do visit.
  Let me know if you write about your trip 🙂
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  1. Linda Levine
    #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#septiembre 2, 2014 a las 8:24 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
    Hello Ben. Just to let you know that I came back from Japan yesterday, and I followed a lot of your advice! In fact, I even had a photocopy of your information with me (and dumped another one which was way too intensive). I pretty much followed the same itinerary, but because I had sixteen days I added a little more time in Kyoto and went to Kanazawa. After reflection, I took the JR pass for 14 days and used it until the last day, although I could almost have done as you did. I took your advice and went to a hotel in Ueno - and I really liked that neighborhood! Returning to Tokyo on my last three days (two nights) I stayed in a business hotel which was right in the fish market, so I had no excuse not to go see it - and I could go back to sleep for a bit at 6:00 am when they let us out.
    I really loved Japan! In every way….it was just such a pleasure to walk around and discover. I’m a big fan of Buddhist (and Shinto) temple architecture - it just fascinates me - and I really got my fill of this. Sorry for my friends who have to see the photos! I had hesitated about going all the way to Hiroshima but I think it’s well worth it, and Miyajima was just beautiful.
    I’m a Miyazaki (great animation) fan and on my last day, went to a museum called the Tokyo-Edo Open-Air Architectural Museum; they had a special exhibition of background paintings from the films. However, I discovered that this museum was really interesting in it’s own right - they actually moved houses and shops to this sight that you can’t see anywhere else in rebuilt Tokyo.
    As far as keeping to a budget, because I live in France and was changing euros, I think it was rather favorable against the yen. I don’t know if that’s the same for other currencies. Japan overall was cheaper than France and I even did some clothes shopping to save money! I think a lot of money went into temple and museum visits, but that can be curbed on a tighter budget. And like you said, there is lots of inexpensive food available.
    By choice, I travel solo at least once a year - and I do sometimes think of contributing to the sites specializing in solo travel (there’s even one for women who travel solo). However, I don’t know if there’s anything particular to say about solo travel in Japan. Perhaps people were more willing to help me? A few times, being a little lost, I just put on a lost face with my map in my hand, and people actually conducted me to the right bus stop or in the right direction. Don’t think the Japanese get the same treatment in Paris!
    So thank you again for the information which I followed from the beginning and throughout my trip!
    #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Jerel
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#marzo 27, 2014 a las 12:14 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Did you stay in tokyo and take day trips out of tokyo?
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#julio 31, 2014 a las 8:41 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Hey Jerel,
  Yes, we stayed in Tokyo. Was a great experience.
  We did a day trip to Nara - well worth it to see the deer and the giant Buddha!
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
bunnyza
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#abril 16, 2014 a las 1:01 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
This is very interesting and I enjoyed reading your experiences and where you went. May I ask, what was your budget like for the 2 week trip?
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Nurul Jannah
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#julio 2, 2014 a las 9:47 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Thank you so much, really hopeful guides. I was planning for weeks to think of a route for my 2 week trip in japan but am thinking to do osaka - kyoto - tokyo. just worried how it would be like spending christmas in japan. heard they don’t really celebrate it
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
John
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#agosto 8, 2015 a las 7:58 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
So how much did it cost you?
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#enero 9, 2017 a las 4:36 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Hi John, this was a few years ago now, but I think it cost in the region of $1,500 per person per week - and that was on a budget. Thanks!
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
KT
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#agosto 27, 2015 a las 6:23 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Thanks for the awesome post! Just curious, what’s the approximate budget you spent with this two-week itinerary? A range is much appreciated!
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#enero 9, 2017 a las 4:35 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Hi KT, this was a few years ago now, but I think it cost in the region of $1,500 per person per week - and that was on a budget. Thanks!
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Kelsey
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#octubre 1, 2015 a las 12:32 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Hi - I loved this post. Like the other replies, I’d really like to know WHAT the budget actually was that you did all this with? Can you provide the amount in USD $$?
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#enero 9, 2017 a las 4:35 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Hi Kelsey, this was a few years ago now, but I think it cost in the region of $1,500 per person per week - and that was on a budget. Thanks!
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Cva V
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#octubre 6, 2015 a las 4:04 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Hi Ben, I would like to second the others on a range for what this trip costed you. Its hard to guage an accurate picture.
Thank you
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#enero 9, 2017 a las 4:35 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Hello, this was a few years ago now, but I think it cost in the region of $1,500 per person per week - and that was on a budget. Thanks!
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
LittleFoot
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#agosto 31, 2016 a las 10:25 am#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Triangle sushi thingy… Onigiri?
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#enero 9, 2017 a las 4:35 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Yes, that’s it 😉
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Igneel Uzumaki
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#enero 9, 2017 a las 4:27 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Hi I loved to details, but I’m just wondering how much would you need for the two weeks ?
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#enero 9, 2017 a las 4:34 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  Hello, this was a few years ago now, but I think it cost in the region of $1,500 per person per week - and that was on a budget. Thanks!
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Balaji
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#marzo 17, 2017 a las 1:19 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
Hi Ben,
Is Mount Fiji included in the plan?
#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
1. FreeTrain
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1688#!trpen#marzo 17, 2017 a las 1:35 pm#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#
  No, we didn’t make it to Mount Fuji but got a good view of it from the bullet train out of Tokyo!
  #!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1656#!trpen#Responder#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#

Your freelance portfolio website

What projects to show in your freelance portfolio

What if you have no previous freelance projects or experience?

#!trpst#trp-gettext data-trpgettextoriginal=1687#!trpen#27 comentarios en “Japan on a Budget for 2 Weeks”#!trpst#/trp-gettext#!trpen#

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