For independent graphic designers, a professional quality website is crucial to maintaining a successful practice. The appearance of this website, on the other hand, can also be an equally important determining factor to either attracting or detracting interest from potential clients. If you are in the process of designing your graphic design website or if you are interested in giving your website a new look, then here are several pointers to keep in mind.

 

  1. Know your target audience: If you want to be employed by large corporations, then make sure that your font, layout, and color scheme all are extremely professional in every aspect; keeping a minimalist approach will usually look best when targeting such an audience, as they are often seeking designers who can guarantee a “clean” looking job. On the other hand, if you are interested in working with a younger, more “hip” clientele base, then make sure that your website follows all of the current trends in graphic design; you may even wish to have a blog section available for this audience. All in all, remember that whoever you cater to through your website will most likely compose your largest group of clients.
  2. Show your credentials: This can come in the form of links to previously completed design projects or a list of former companies for whom you have done work. If you graduated with a degree in graphic design, then be sure to include this as well. Additionally, list all types of graphic design projects that you have done and all that you are willing to do.
  3. Get personal: Clients seek design companies that are willing to make them feel like they are working with “friends.” Accomplish this feeling by including a brief biographical section, perhaps including information on when you first started designing or how you became interested in design. You may also wish to include your place of residence (as in, a general location—no specifics obviously) so as to establish a point of connection between yourself and potential local clients. If you choose to include a small portrait of yourself, make sure that it appears entirely professional—stay far away from any myspace-esque photos and avoid any with easily misinterpreted facial expressions.
  4. Watch your fonts: Perhaps one of the biggest “turn-offs” for many people as they search out a graphic designer is a poor use of fonts. Your font choice will say a lot about how professional you really are as a designer; be sure to only utilize a limited selection of fonts in your website, all of which should be easily readable without looking too childish.