If you’ve already begun to dip your toes into job hunting in the digital marketing sphere, you’ve probably noticed that the vast majority of job postings request a portfolio submission along with your CV and cover letter.
And while the exact details of your portfolio will vary based on your role (if you haven’t yet checked out our article on the different roles in marketing, you should!), in this article, we’ll cover the basics of portfolios for digital marketers, helping you understand why they’re a crucial part of your job application and what you can do to help yours stand out from the crowd.
Portfolios in digital marketing serve the following purposes:
Showing real-life examples of your work: resumes and CVs are good ways to list out your accomplishments and what you’ve done, but portfolios provide real-life examples of exactly what you’ve done so that potential employers can get an idea of what you bring to the table.
Displaying the clients and industries you’ve worked with: for many employers, the industries in which you’ve worked are very important and portfolios are a quick and efficient way to see examples of your work within specific industries. It’s also a great way to show your versatility across different markets, if you have varied experiences.
Showcasing your growth is important: while you might be tempted to consistently showcase your best work (and you should definitely include that!), portfolios are also great ways to display your growth over time.
Creating a Digital Marketing Portfolio
Before you start completely from scratch, researching different portfolio styles can help you figure out which works best for you. Among others, two common portfolio styles are PDF documents and websites and you’ll need to review your specific skills and content to decide which is best for you. Websites are easier to continuously update and link to content, but PDF documents may allow you to get more creative with your design, especially if you’re not familiar with creating and designing a website.
Regardless of which medium you choose, your digital marketing portfolio should contain the following sections–and we’ll also tell you why.
An introduction to you
Communication style is everything in marketing and in addition to showing that you’re a skilled professional, you’ll need to create an effective and attention-grabbing introduction to you as a person, explaining who you are, your experience, your education, and where your interests lie. Ultimately, although your professional abilities will get you to an interview, you’ll have to prove yourself a good culture fit as well.
In this section, in addition to what we outlined above, you can include other details about yourself to make yourself stand out, such as fun facts, a photo, or where you see yourself in the next few years.
Success stories
Although displaying your work is an important part of the portfolio, they can serve as even more effective examples if you explain the impact your work had. From increasing lead conversion to followers, showing exactly what your work did to help the client or company is a fantastic way to prove to potential employers that in addition to great work, your work has a positive impact on growth as well.
Easy contact details
If a potential employer is perusing your website, they’re probably interested in your services, so why make it super complicated for them to get in touch with you? Whether you have a website or a downloadable portfolio, make sure your contact details are clearly displayed on practically every page, ensuring that in just one click they can email or message you.
Diverse work examples
Today, many digital marketers are expected to wear different hats and work on different kinds of content, even if they specialize in one specific area. And while it’s completely acceptable to focus on your main focus area, showing diverse examples of the work you’ve done helps prove your versatility to potential employers and make you a more attractive candidate.
Testimonials from past clients/employers
In addition to data that backs up your claims about your abilities and the work itself, showcasing testimonials from happy clients/employers about your accomplishments is another great way to give potential employers even more faith in your abilities.
Building a digital marketing portfolio that captures your unique skills, experiences, and impact can be your ticket to standing out in a competitive job market. By including a range of diverse work examples, real client success stories, and clear contact information, you’ll not only demonstrate your versatility and expertise but also show potential employers that you’re ready to add value to their team.
Your portfolio is more than a showcase of past work; it’s a bridge to future opportunities, allowing hiring managers to envision you as a vital part of their company.
If you’re looking to refine these skills or need help getting started, Ironhack’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp is the perfect place to build a strong foundation. Our bootcamp is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to create a portfolio that makes hiring managers envision you as a vital part of their company.
About the Author: Juliette Carreiro is a skilled content creator with over five years of experience in SEO, content ideation, and digital marketing strategy. She has spent more than two years at Ironhack, where she developed in-depth articles on topics ranging from career growth in tech to the future impact of AI. With expertise across tech, hospitality, and education industries, Juliette has helped brands like Ironhack engage their audiences with impactful storytelling and data-driven insights.
