Why a professional UX agency needs a portfolio, and how to do it
However long you’ve had your UX design agency, having a portfolio is one of the most significant factors for bringing in successful deals to the agency. As they say, only ticket holders win the lottery, and a portfolio is precisely that, a beautiful golden ticket. You don’t need the most fantastic portfolio, but you do need one effective enough at showcasing what your agency can do and how passionate they are about UX design. Simplicity will always be best to let your team’s work shine and speak for itself.
In this article, we will give many guidelines as to why and how your portfolio could be done to make it successful, but remember that each agency will be unique. As such, these tips and tricks will need to be molded into your company for better results. However, the main ideas discussed here are a must-have to get noticed and reach your potential clients.
Why you should have a portfolio
Credibility
A portfolio is more than a list of all the things you have done. A portfolio goes beyond that checklist of work and proves your credibility as a UX design firm. It shows how time and again you’ve established to your clients that what you do is top-quality work. After a potential client sees your portfolio, they’ll know if they are ready to have a face-to-face meeting with a representative to discuss your agency in more detail.
Commitment
Besides showing credibility, your portfolio will showcase your commitment to the craft and how you can commit time, money, and energy to deliver outstanding work. Along this line, think of having both a physical and an online portfolio to show that you want to approach your clients in whichever way is most convenient for them.
Better competition
Getting new clients is a competition, and a wild one, where skill, talent, and a little bit of luck are into play. There are many UX agencies out there, and you have to prove that yours will be the best one for your customer. Think about your competitive edge when creating your portfolio; what differentiates you from others in the market?
The high competition that there is in this field is one more reason for having a portfolio. Just imagine how many companies are tossing away those agencies without a portfolio because it’s an easy first criterion to have, especially when you have to check over 100 agencies. However, do remember that having a lousy portfolio will just as quickly be a way to disregard your agency, so not just have a portfolio, have a good one.
How to structure your portfolio
Simplicity is your best friend
Remember that although you are in the creative industry, hiring managers don’t care about the creativity of your portfolio. They care about the originality of your UX work. So, focus on achieving a simple design for your portfolio to not distract from your showcasing work. Let the content, not the container, be the one in the spotlight.
Additionally, having a simple design for your portfolio will let your potential clients see the whole thing and not get lost or confused by its design. This will increase their chances of finding something they’ll love from your work.
Show your design process
Having a before and after image in UX design is interesting, but most clients care about the result. Try to show what you have done in as much detail as possible, explain the excellent design solution you have delivered each time.
Coherent messaging
Your portfolio is an extension of your brand and branding; this means consistency throughout is paramount. Use the same messaging and way of conveying your message everywhere: your online portfolio, your physical one, your blog, and other social media platforms.
Social media
Merely having an online portfolio is not enough, especially not in this world where social media seems to be the go-to place for people and businesses to interact. Having an active and engaging social media platform, in LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram, is a must for any UX agency nowadays. Please prove that you are involved with the UX community and that you know where it is heading.
Images are king
UX professionals are visual thinkers. Because of this, using images in your portfolio is an absolute must. Give enough space in your portfolio for pictures and illustrations because visual elements and contents are what you do best at the end of the day. However, keep in mind that although your UX agency is a visual thinker, your client will also like to understand what is being presented with some descriptive text.
Show your agency’s successes
Your agency’s portfolio aims to show what you are capable of. To do this, you should describe your successes and accomplishments. Show how you have delivered the solutions your clients were looking for. Not just tell, but show. Prove that thanks to your UX design improvements, your client could increase sales. Show how your user research showed so many pitfalls that, thanks to your design, were solved.
How to present your agency’s work
Mention your agency’s work in any situation
Make sure to showcase your agency’s work and portfolio wherever you are and with any potential client you encounter. Whether you are on the phone with a customer or face-to-face, make sure that you explain your agency’s work in a concise, consistent, and result-oriented manner. You never know when you might come across your next future client. So keep in your portfolio, and in your mind, some bite-sized accomplishments to talk about when meeting new people.
Know how to explain your work
Having significant work to show is just the first step in the client onboarding process. More than that, your possible future client wants to see how you communicate with them, your team works under pressure, and your agency’s strategy and process to deliver. Being able to show and share this takes thoughtful preparation.
Have a plan
It doesn’t matter how good your plan A is; Sod’s law states that you’ll probably need the rest of the alphabet letters to accomplish what you want. Things can always go wrong. So, be prepared. Not just trust internet connectivity, not just trust your Google Drive, your laptop, or your USB. Trust that only having many troubleshooting strategies is the key. Make sure to have backups and be ready to look professional when fixing any problems that might arise. And lastly, always rehearse your presentations, ensuring that your information can be accessed and downloaded on the necessary devices, and make sure those are charged.
Non-disclosure agreements
NDAs are a way for companies to protect their intellectual properties and maintain their competitive edge. All NDAs ensure that neither you nor your client will disclose private and secret work information before the project goes public. Make sure your team knows how to work with NDA and that you know what you must do and avoid.
Now you understand what your agency must do to ensure your portfolio will be complete and ready to showcase the best of your agency and get you new clients. You now know why you need a portfolio, how to structure and present it properly. Now, all it takes is to do your part and offer a kickass portfolio to your potential clients. Good luck and Godspeed!
