Build a portfolio site
The work does the talking. Everything else exists so someone can hire you after they have seen it.
What this business needs on a site
Showing more work costs you. People judge from the first three pieces.
So cut the gallery down before anything else. Prices and enquiry come next.
If people appear in the photos, get consent before publishing — weddings especially.
The gallery
Your best work, in order, loading fast. Fewer and better beats everything you have ever made.
Packages and prices
Even a range removes the awkward first email. Say what is included and what is not.
Who you are
A short page in your own voice. Clients hire the person as much as the work.
An enquiry form
Date, type of work, budget range. Three fields decide whether you can take the job.
What to type
Say what kind of work it is and name the blocks.
Naming the field changes the layout, not just the words: wedding work wants large photos, a design portfolio wants case studies.
What to fix in the result
Step 1. Cut the gallery down
Twelve strong pieces beat forty. Ask for a smaller grid and upload only what you would want to be hired for.
Step 2. Compress the photos
Big files make a slow first impression on mobile data. Resize before uploading.
Step 3. Packages in your words
Replace the sample tiers with what you actually sell, including how long delivery takes.
Check before you publish
Consent for the people in the photos
Client work shows people. Get permission before it goes public — weddings especially.
Business details if you invoice
If you take deposits or issue invoices, the footer lines apply to you too.
Credit and licence
Say who owns what: your images, what a client may use, whether you allow reposting.
Send yourself an enquiry
Test the form and check the reply address is one you actually read.
Three templates for this trade
Read next
Stuck somewhere this guide does not cover? Start with the questions people ask most and write to us if the answer is not there.