The best way to engage potential clients and increase your chances of making a sale is to show them what you can do. A freelancer without a portfolio is like an e-commerce store without any products, so if you’re serious about making it in this industry, you’ll want to start building one as soon as possible. As the saying goes: “If you build it, they will come”.
A freelancer portfolio website certainly isn’t difficult to make if you don’t mind doing some work yourself, but there are also plenty of themes that make things easier by providing predefined layouts and other useful features.
WordPress is the most popular platform for building a portfolio website – whether completely from scratch or using ready-made themes – because it offers both free and paid solutions that allow users with no programming experience to customize their sites however they please.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Choosing the right WordPress theme is crucial for a freelancer portfolio. |
| A well-designed portfolio website can attract potential clients and showcase your skills. |
| When selecting a theme, consider factors such as responsiveness, customization options, and ease of use. |
| There are many resources available, such as blog articles and theme collections, to help you find the perfect theme for your portfolio. |
| Regularly updating and maintaining your portfolio website is important for keeping it fresh and relevant. |
1. Stack
With a responsive layout, Stack clearly displays your work on any device. Choose between more than 20 portfolio and blog layouts, and personalize it with multiple header styles. This theme is Retina-ready, so your images will look great on high pixel-density monitors and devices. And the parallax effect gives users the illusion of depth as they scroll through your site.
Stack also offers custom widgets to help you display contact info, social media icons, and other content in sidebars. If you want to get even more hands-on with design modifications, the advanced admin panel gives you complete control over fonts, color schemes, and more. Use shortcodes to create buttons and image sliders without writing code from scratch or hiring a developer.
As a freelance web designer, it’s important to constantly improve your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. Our article on 22 expert tips to improve your web design freelancing career provides valuable insights and practical advice from seasoned professionals to help you take your career to the next level.
2. Simplekey
SimpleKey offers a variety of different layouts, including a left sidebar and no sidebar. You can also choose from a full screen or regular header. The theme also has social media integration options, as well as a contact form and Google Maps built-in.
As its name suggests, this theme is very easy to use so it’s perfect for beginners who don’t want to spend hours setting it up. The downside is that it doesn’t have many customization options, so if you have advanced needs or want more control over your site, you might be better off looking elsewhere. However, if you just want something that works out of the box with minimal hassle, SimpleKey is perfect for you!
3. Uncode
Uncode is a pixel-perfect creative multi-purpose WordPress Theme based on Visual Composer designed with terrific attention to detail and performance.
The theme can be used to create any kind of portfolio like graphic design, UX/UI design, photography, freelancer, or even agency websites. It’s been optimized to facilitate your time and money. It’s well documented which will help you to get your site running easy and fast; you can import the demo content and amend it with page builder, this theme is 100% responsive design and retina ready.
Uncode has been tested across all major browsers including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, Edge, and Internet Explorer 11.
Starting a career as a freelance web designer can be daunting, but following a set of rules can help ensure success. Our article on 19 rules for starting freelance web design outlines key principles to keep in mind when building your business, from setting clear boundaries to diversifying your portfolio.
4. H-Code
H-Code is a multi-purpose WordPress theme with over 100 pre-built demos. It’s one of the most popular multi-purpose themes on Themeforest, but it also has a large number of customization options and comes with a drag and drop page builder. H-Code should be considered if you’re looking for a theme that you can use to build more than just your portfolio.
The good:
- There are a lot of demos for the H-Code theme (over 100 in fact)
- The developers update their themes regularly
5. Salient
Salient is a highly customizable, multipurpose WordPress theme, built for freelancers. The theme comes with an impressive design that is sure to impress your visitors. Salient comes with an impressive layout builder that allows you to customize your layout however you want. This means you can easily create a custom portfolio page for your website.
Salient has been designed to be easy to use and efficient in terms of performance. It features fully responsive designs that are suitable for all devices, including tablets and smartphones.
One of the most important considerations when starting a freelance web design business is determining your worth and setting appropriate rates. Our article on the ultimate guide to freelance web designer salaries provides a comprehensive overview of how to price your services, negotiate with clients, and ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your work.
6. X | The Theme
This theme is for you if:
- You’re a freelancer or professional looking for a portfolio theme
- You’re looking for unparalleled customization potential
- Your number one priority is an excellent performance
X is a versatile, feature-rich WordPress theme with diverse portfolio options. Although it has several premium features that come with the package, the customer support itself could be better. However, X’s impressive list of features makes it worth considering. X comes with $60 value premium plugins like Slider Revolution, Visual Composer, and LayerSlider included in your purchase.
The theme also allows you to create unlimited portfolios and gives you multiple header styles to choose from. It’s extremely customizable. In fact, the possibilities are so numerous that they can be overwhelming at times, especially if you’re not familiar with managing your own website already.
Some of its best features are a one-click demo install option, customizable mega menus, reusable content layouts for shortcodes/elements/widgets (this means you can just copy+paste across pages), parallax effects for both images and videos on background rows and columns (this allows your site to have an eye-catching 3D effect), and an option to create navigation sidebars from existing widgets on top of the default header menu functionality.
7. Total
A powerful, responsive, and multi-purpose theme
Total is a powerful theme with a huge amount of features. It boasts over 400 pre-built layouts, which is great if you don’t want to start from scratch when building your website. The drag and drop page builder that comes with Total doesn’t require any coding knowledge and makes it incredibly easy to design the layout of your site.
The customer support that comes with Total is fantastic, so you can easily get help if you experience any issues. This is backed up by an extensive video library and documentation guide. If you need something done quickly, the one-click demo import feature makes it easy to get your portfolio up in no time at all.
Starting a freelance web design business requires careful planning and consideration of a range of factors. Our article on top 17 things to consider when starting a web design freelance business offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the challenges of starting your own business, from identifying your niche to creating a business plan.
8. Avada
Avada is a highly versatile WordPress theme developed by ThemeFusion. This responsive, multi-purpose theme remains one of the most popular WordPress themes on the market. Avada has a well-designed admin panel, comes with dozens of attractive pre-built websites, and includes a built-in page builder.
The Avada website offers three pricing plans: Single, Studio, and Elite. The single plan costs $60 and includes six months of support for one website. The Studio plan costs $120 and includes one year of support for 10 websites. The Elite Plan costs $195 and includes premium support for an unlimited amount of websites.
9. Enfold
Enfold is a fully responsive theme that comes with the drag-and-drop editor. This allows you to create your own website by simply dragging and dropping the desired elements into place.
You can showcase your portfolio, which will be optimized for mobile devices. It also comes with a contact form and a blog section as well as other useful features.
If you’re looking for a creative, flexible theme and want to start freelancing online this may be the best WordPress theme for freelance portfolios for you.
10. Kallyas
KALLYAS is a multi-purpose theme that provides you with the necessary toolbox for any freelance website you can imagine. It comes packed with more than one hundred demos and pre-built sites, including some dedicated to portfolios. Even better, the portfolio designs are varied and unique. For instance, KALLYAS comes with a creative portfolio design that features an artistic grid layout. This design is great for those who want to show off their creative side in a professional manner.
This theme also has an interactive portfolio option that allows your users to interact with your site elements via mouse-over animations and effects. You can also choose from simple masonry layouts as well as full-screen layouts, both of which work great for freelancers looking to make an impact online with their work. With KALLYAS’s drag and drop builder, creating a stunning freelance portfolio website is simple!
As a freelance web designer, finding inspiration and staying creative is essential to success. Our article on top 20 web design ideas that will inspire you provides a wealth of resources, from design blogs to online courses, to help you stay inspired and up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry.
Final Thought
Why do you need a portfolio website?
Online portfolios are the best way to market your services. A well-designed freelance portfolio is a great advertisement for your skills and abilities, as well as standing out from other freelancers. As more businesses turn to hiring freelancers to build their websites, choosing the right theme for your portfolio website will help get you noticed. This post has introduced some of the best WordPress themes for building freelance portfolios. We hope that it has provided you with enough information to help you choose a theme that suits your business needs.
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more information on the best WordPress themes for freelancers, check out these resources:
Hubspot’s roundup of top-rated themes that are perfect for showcasing your work and building your brand.
Colorlib’s list of free and premium WordPress themes designed specifically for freelancers, with options for a range of niches and industries.
aThemes’ collection of customizable and responsive themes that are perfect for showcasing your portfolio and building your business online.
FAQs
What are the best WordPress themes for freelancers?
There are many great WordPress themes designed specifically for freelancers, but some of the most highly rated options include Divi, Uncode, Astra, Hestia, and OceanWP.
How do I choose the right WordPress theme for my freelance business?
When choosing a WordPress theme for your freelance business, it’s important to consider factors like your niche, brand identity, and the specific features and functionality you need. Look for a theme that is customizable, responsive, and designed with your business goals in mind.
Can I use a free WordPress theme for my freelance business?
Yes, there are many great free WordPress themes available that are perfect for freelancers. Just be sure to choose a theme that is well-designed, responsive, and customizable, with the features and functionality you need to showcase your work and build your brand.
What should I look for in a premium WordPress theme?
When investing in a premium WordPress theme for your freelance business, look for features like customizability, responsiveness, and compatibility with popular plugins and page builders. Also consider factors like customer support, documentation, and the theme’s overall reputation in the WordPress community.
How do I install a WordPress theme?
To install a WordPress theme, log in to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Themes, and click the “Add New” button. From there, you can search for themes in the WordPress repository or upload a theme file from your computer. Once you’ve found the theme you want, click “Install” and then “Activate” to start using your new theme.
What Is A Portfolio Website?
A portfolio website is a website that showcases your best work and allows you to share your resume and CV online. If you’re looking for work as a freelancer or creative, it’s highly recommended that you have one.
What Should I Include In My Portfolio Website?
Your best work! It’s also important to update it regularly. You should also include links to your social media profiles and other places where potential clients can see more of your work, and learn more about you.
What Is The Best Way To Make A Portfolio Website?
WordPress makes it super easy to create gorgeous, professional-looking websites with little or no coding experience necessary. They also have some beautiful free themes specifically designed for portfolios, which we’ll go over shortly!
How Do I Make My Portfolio Stand Out?
Think about what makes your work unique! Then think about how to tell the story of who you are as an artist/freelancer/creative in an engaging way on your website.
How Do I Create A Digital Portfolio?
WordPress sites are the easiest way we’ve found so far; they require zero technical skills and allow you to build beautiful websites in minutes!
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.