Now that you've determined your graphic design business and what you have to offer, it's time to create a window into your business. That involves creation and refinement of your personal portfolio and creation of your website. This is how you invite and entice visitors into your business. And this is where you open the doors to your business and begin to reap the financial rewards of your hard work.

The qualities you want to consider for your online graphic design business include:

• Ease of navigation

• Interactive features and rich content

• Professional image

• High quality and site reliability

• Easy check-out, clear purchasing process, and clear contact information

• Affordable and reliable shipping options, if shipping required

• Excellent customer service – ease of access via email, phone, and/or snail mail accompanied by high levels of responsiveness

All of these elements will be incorporated into your website for your business and they are key to your success. Just like an offline store, the window into your business needs to be attractive, professional, well-lighted, and inviting. Don't underestimate the value of the storefront for an online business.

Dynamic, professional portfolio

Before you begin development of your actual website, make sure that you have the material to create a compelling portfolio that is consistent with the services you offer. Your portfolio is a key aspect of your website and it will be one of your primary sales tools with new customers. It is not a stagnant portfolio, but one that must be updated and enhanced regularly.

Potential clients will make a determination about whether or not to contract with you for services based on examples of your work in your portfolio. This helps them make the decision to hire you – or not!

Your portfolio should be comprised of samples of your very best work and should be flawless. And it should include a variety of designs and layouts in various areas to show your creative diversity and flexibility. Use your portfolio to market yourself and to showcase your designs.

Testimonials are a good component of your portfolio if you have them. Your portfolio is a direct reflection of you and your work. Make sure that it is visually appealing, easy to follow, flows smoothly, and convinces the visitor to choose you as the best designer for their needs.

Include relevant articles and valuable information in your portfolio. Even information that does not directly promote or sell your services is important. Industry information, trends, new technologies, and any other value-added information or statistics positions you as an expert in your field. If there is a way to include this in your portfolio and keep the flow smooth, then by all means, do it! You'll also see the importance of this strategy in the development of your website below.

Your portfolio is not something to be taken lightly or created hastily. This is an important aspect of your website and creates the window into your business. When people walk by your “store window,” make sure they see what they need to see to have them step inside for a closer look.

Creating your portfolio is only half of the work.

Maintaining, updating, and enhancing your profile is essential. This is a key to your success as a designer. Visitors to your site want to see fresh, new designs and they want to know that you are actively engaged in your business.

Give them what they want and they'll remember you when they need graphic design services.

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