marketing with pinterestIf you’re a designer then you probably understand the importance of turning your own website into a design haven, giving your viewers a chance to see what you are all about. Creating a portfolio page where you can continuously upload examples of your own work is a must if you’re in the design business. A place where you can post your pictures, illustrations, PowerPoint presentations, artistry and links to other works allows you to sell yourself to a potential client before they even call. 
See our “tips on building a stellar online portfolio”

To make it more interesting, consider adding a comment section underneath each of your creative works. This can be a title, date, dedication, or some history. Allowing people to take part in or share your content has never been more important. Most are already using sites like Facebook and Pinterest, but are you taking full advantage of social sharing site to gain visibility to your own portfolio?

Why Not? Social media rules the world and can benefit designers beyond their wildest dreams. Here are my top 5 social sites for showcasing your portfolio.

Facebook

Simply start a fan page for your business. Upload your pictures, diagrams, artwork or any other design you want to showcase to everyone. Facebook is a great lead generator. Viewers can ‘like’ your design, share your designs with their real-life and social networks, contact you and promote your work across the Web.

Regularly update your Facebook fan page with new pieces of creative work to keep your viewers’ interest.

Pinterest

Pinterest is a new social media site that is taking the world by storm. Users post their work, photographs and/or web content to the site. Viewers who find your work and designs interesting can freely share your posting to any number of people. Pinterest is free to join.

Social Media Profile Pages

You cannot go wrong by joining as many social media sites as possible. Favorites include Google Plus, Squidoo, Reddit and YouMob. Once you join these sites, develop a compelling profile page that provides viewers with a more personalized viewpoint of you, your skills and your diversities.

Upload some of your favorite displays of your creative work to this page. Make it easy for your viewers to share information with their social networks.

LinkedIn

Business networking groups are great places to showcase your creative works. Online, consider joining LinkedIn. Develop a strong profile page and upload some of your favorite creative works. Develop positive relationships with both local and international audiences. Join like-minded groups to increase your exposure.

Search for local designers, and designing businesses. LinkedIn is a fantastic way to form connections that lead to offline relationships. Many people prefer doing business with local people, so you may find this avenue a goldmine. Make certain to introduce yourself to the group, explain what you do and how you can benefit others. Provide valuable contact information.

YouTube

Have you thought about showcasing your design work on YouTube? Multistreaming video provides an excellent medium for not only sharing your designs, but providing insight behind it. While you highlight your design, you can inform your readers verbally of how the concept came about, what inspired you, and how you believe your design will help both your business and the user.

When preparing your YouTube video, make certain to include a link to your site along with contact information. You want to make it as easy as possible for your viewers to contact you. Videos are fantastic lead generation tools. Include your business name, physical address, fax number, phone number, email address and any other information you find necessary to increase exposure.

Showcasing your work in as many areas as possible is crucial for any designers success.

If you are interested in building your online portfolio you may also want to check out our
“Top 10 Portfolio Building Sites on the Web”

 

About the Author: Hugh Yearsley contributed this guest post for WhoIsHostingThis.com –gain more information on hosting reviews, read it here. Hugh is a freelance writer and website designer.