A portfolio should both showcase your best work and highlight key qualifications. While it can include a variety of items, the most important one is photos. So, it's important to select a visual format — consider the following:

Your website: Updating your site with recent projects keeps it looking fresh and can help potential customers find you when they’re searching the internet. A “blog” section can often be added relatively easily to an existing website, and you don’t have to write a novel when explaining a project — focus on photos and short descriptions that share key details.

Social media: An account on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn will allow you to share your work in a place where your potential customers can easily find you. The drawback is that developing an active presence on social media is an ongoing commitment — it’s one with big potential payoff, but it’s a commitment nonetheless. If you don’t have the time or resources to devote to social media, check out our next suggestion.

A PDF: Use PowerPoint software or a similar program to create a presentation that can be saved as a PDF document. This type of software makes it easy to create a professional looking piece — you don’t have to be a graphic designer! A PDF portfolio is a great item to include in follow-up emails after a customer visit, and it’s simple to update over time.

Bottom line: Choose a format that you can take on today. It’s kind of like saving money: Better to start today doing what you can than to wait until circumstances are just right. Create a portfolio that’s easy for you to create, maintain, and share right now.