Potential employer/clients: What you’re saying sounds great, but do you have any work samples you could show us?
You: …ummm (panic sets in)… can I just send you some links and files?
Potential employer/clients: ….sure?
This is a common scenario with creative types and developers.
You’re focused on finding the work, doing the work, billing the work and so on. So it, doesn’t leave you much time to properly archive and show your work in one place – ie: a proper portfolio.
But what about my LinkedIn Profile and Sparkling Resume?
Having a recently updated LinkedIn profile (and presence) is all well and good.
But – let’s say you’re someone that has work to show, like a photographer, illustrator, musician, web designer or copy writer. Potential clients and employers are only getting a small part of your story and capabilities from a LinkedIn Profile or resume.
Which, of course, doesn’t do your creativity and vision the proper justice!
You also don’t want to get into the habit of having to print off paper copies of your work to show an employer.
What you need, then, is a dedicated, digital portfolio website that lives forever on the web, is interactive – and can be easily updated and shared as you create new work.
Why make a portfolio website? Four reasons
Reason 1: Share your skills and experience
First off: your portfolio website is like a catalogue of all your hard-earned skills and abilities! For example, if you’re a sound engineer or music producer, it’d be great to show off some of the ear-candy you’ve helped create!
If you’re a web developer; give clients proof that you’ve got an eye for UI and can build them something dazzling.
Reason 2: Let your personality shine!
Yes, showcasing great work samples is important, but so is giving insight into your personality and creative process.
Your portfolio website can be a space where you give clients a sense of what inspires you and the passion you put into your work. Sometimes showing that you’re someone that’s fun and exciting to work with carried more weight than having all the design chops in the world.
Reason 3: It helps build your online presence – and credibility.
One of the first things a client will do is Google you. And if nothing comes up…then what. Your portfolio website establishes your online presence and shows people that, yes, you are indeed a wedding photographer from Nairobi, and you have, in fact, been paid to take photos at weddings!
In all seriousness – a good portfolio website can be huge for establishing customer trust and credibility. Let’s say someone is in the market for a wedding photographer; your website should make it easy for them to feel confident in hiring you – or, at the very least, contacting you for more info.
Reason 4: It’s a great tool for presentation and pitches.
Most of your potential clients and employers are visual creatures. If you’re presenting to them in person or online, your portfolio website allows you to walk people through all your best work rather than just describing it and handing them your resume.
How to Build Your .KE Portfolio Site
- Choose a professional .ke domain: Use your name, profession, or brand – e.g., doreenkhamala.ke or creativechemist.me.ke
- Pick a hosting platform: Consider providers from our licensed registrars with Kenyan support: https://kenic.or.ke/licensed-registrars/
- Design for your brand and audience: With our Registrars help, you can choose colors and fonts aligned with your professional sytle; ensure mobile responsiveness.
- Create content with purpose: Tell your story: who you are, what you do, key projects, case studies, testimonials.
- Add credibility elements like quotes, client feedback, project outcome highlights.
- Include clear contact options: Make it easy to reach you – email, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, or a contact form.
- Update regularly: Refresh your portfolio as you complete new projects or develop new skills.
A .KE portfolio website isn’t just an online business card – it’s an investment in your professional future. It builds trust, opens doors, and supports your growth – personally and within Kenya’s digital economy.
Keep in mind: a .KE domain shows potential clients and customers that you’re proudly Kenyan. Plus – .KE has far more domain name inventory than .com, so there’s a better chance you’ll be able to find the name you want.
And if you’re looking for an added layer of professionalism, you can use your new .KE domain name to create a custom email address like info@yourname.me.ke or info@yourame.ke, to use everywhere from resumes to business cards.
Need tips on getting your website built? Talk to KeNIC at customercare@kenic.or.ke today.