Backend Developer Portfolio – Inspiration and Best Practices
Creating a backend developer portfolio is pretty challenging because your work cannot be visually represented. As compared to the work of front-end developers or web designers who can easily showcase designs and layouts, you can’t put codes in your portfolio, right? So, how do you make a striking and impressive portfolio as a backend developer?
As a freelancer, your portfolio is your secret weapon to landing clients and projects. Every client, especially those seeking out freelancers with a specific skill, will ask or look for a portfolio. From a client’s point of view, freelancers are easier to screen through portfolios. Portfolios are very visual, as compared to a resume or CV, which are purely texts. This makes it easier for clients to determine if they like your product or not. And this is why creating portfolios becomes a challenge for backend developers. But don’t worry, we’ll give you tips on how you can make an impressive backend developer portfolio.
Backend Developer Portfolio Tips
In a not-so-visual job like a backend developer, the main thing you have to showcase in your portfolio is your skill. Focus on your skills. Highlight your specializations and expertise. The main thing you want potential clients to know is that you are capable of doing the job. So, how are you going to do that without making your portfolio look like a regular resume? Here are our tips:
1. Make It Digital
Gone are the days when you printed out portfolios and personally handed them to clients. In this day and age, creating a digital portfolio is a practical and smart move. After all, as a freelancer, you will have to deal with and transact with potential and current clients remotely most of the time. Plus, potential clients would love that they can easily and immediately access your portfolio.
Making a digital portfolio is not difficult. There are many software that are designed to help you create excellent portfolios, like Adobe Express and Canva. It is also highly recommended to build your website so you can make an interactive portfolio. As a techie like you, this is most advisable. Impress your potential clients with an interactive portfolio. Try to create a portfolio that is more than just scrolling pages. Make it a totally cool experience for your potential client.
2. Use a Visually Appealing Template
Because your output or product cannot really be visually represented, make up for it by using a visually appealing template. If you have a logo, better to use the same color palette to brand your portfolio. Be careful when adding elements like images or background design to your template; you don’t want to distract your potential clients from reading your main content.
The trick here is this: after creating a few of your portfolio pages, step away from your computer and take a short break. Go back after a few minutes and look at the pages. If your eyes were not directed to the main content but instead looked at the background elements, then you might have to edit your template. Your background design should only complement and help highlight your main content.
3. Start with YOU
Remember that your credentials are ultimately important in your line of work. Potential clients will, first and foremost, want to know your qualifications, skills, experiences, and achievements (if any). It’s sort of like an “About Me” page where you highlight your qualifications. Make sure to start with that.
It is also good to add your photo. Putting a face to the name, in a way, creates trust.
The following slides or pages will then discuss what you can offer and showcase your sample works. Add the backend frameworks, languages, and patterns you are knowledgeable of. You can also add the set of technologies and tools you use. Just make sure to discuss these briefly.
4. Other Contents
Adding testimonials from previous clients is also proven helpful. This conveys that you are reliable and really deliver exceptional work. You can even add company logos and screenshots of web pages of your previous clients. Just make sure to get consent first from them.
Maximize the technology of having a digital portfolio. Why not add a demo reel? This is where you can show snippets of your coding skills (sort of like a behind the scene sneak peek), and your sample works.
Perks of a Backend Developer Portfolio
The freelancing world is a high-speed track. Every freelancer is striving to stand out. Everyone wants to be the first to land that big client. You cannot just rely on your job site profile or social media page to sell you and your business. Your portfolio will present you and your business in a more comprehensive and professional way.
Having a portfolio makes selling your business easier. You can post the link on your job site profiles and social media page or send the link through email or messaging apps. This way, you can showcase your qualifications and sample works instantly.
Conclusion
As a freelancer, you have to put extra effort into selling your business. Unlike being employed, where tasks and projects are handed out to you, you really have to work your way to get a gig this time. Creating your portfolio is easy, but it is tricky to make it stand out, especially with a job like a backed developer. Knowing how to creatively showcase your skills is the key to a good portfolio. Now that we have given you creative tips, let it inspire you to create your own amazing backend developer portfolio.
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