This post is sponsored by Squarespace.
Two weeks ago, we shared some portfolio sites that real women use to promote themselves and their work. It was great. So great that we thought we'd do it again—except this time we invited Career Contessa readers to show us their own sites.
Ask and ye shall receive, apparently. We received dozens of submissions from different readers in countless industries. It was tough, but we've picked four favorites. Use their sites, along with the ones we originally featured, as inspiration for showing off your own work. There's something for everyone, we promise.
Don't have a Squarespace site yet? Sign up for your 14-day free trial today, and when you're ready to subscribe, be sure to use code CONTESSA10 for 10% off your first purchase. We also put together an all-inclusive e-guide for building the best portfolio site possible, which you can get right here:
And now back to the winners of our Squarespace site contest. We've also outlined exactly what it was that caught our eye about each of them. OK, drum roll please...
The Creative: Kristine lo, photographer
Why It Works
As a photographer, Kristine knows how essential it is to show off her work. And boy, does she. She's gone with a pared down template that makes everything feel carefully curated. There’s not much text to distract from Kristine’s work, which we think is a great approach for her line of work—the homepage shows, not tells what makes her photography special. The result? A minimalist aesthetic that’s also a feast for the eyes.
For those interested in who she’s worked with, there’s a Portfolio section and a detailed About page for them. But the site emphasizes what Kristine can do as much as what she’s already done. Consider the link to her “diary,” which is where she posts photos from her personal travels as well as past shoots. Working with clients can often dilute your work since they often have requests and changes that don't agree with the original vision. But a blog or journal is entirely your own. It’s a great way to say, “Yeah, I did this, but I can also do this.”
The hybrid: megan lucas, analyst, translator, and writer
Why It Works
Megan’s site is the simplest one on our list, and that’s precisely why we picked it. Not every career requires a site with multiple sections and project pages, but every career does benefit from a savvy web presence. As to-the-point as it is, Megan’s site still covers all the essentials. There’s a personal pitch, which does a nice job of explaining her experience beyond working as an analyst—great move if she’s after a career transition. There’s a link to download her resume and a more fleshed out About Me page if someone wants to dig deeper or see examples of her writing. And then there's that great high-res headshot which instantly makes her more personable. Sold.
The specialist: mckenna gray, academic and activist
Why It Works
We like that McKenna’s site simplifies a somewhat complex professional trajectory (current student taking a hiatus, public speaker on various topics, arts advocate, etc.) onto one page. Everything’s short and sweet from the landing page itself to the concise paragraphs under each section. Also appreciated: the clear "I’m looking for work” call-out. It makes it easy for a potential employer to know they're available. It’s even easier to find contact information at the bottom of the page. And, as a final bonus, McKenna has a testimonial from a conference attendee to round everything out. We love a good professional reference. Again, show don’t tell.
The Consultant: Tania-Maree Clarke
We think every site can benefit from a professional headshot, and Tania-Maree has that and more—literally, there are multiple professional photos on here. The whole site feels streamlined and polished, and it’s absolutely effective. You get a pretty clear idea of who she is just by scrolling her homepage, but there are also additional Services and Portfolio sections if you want to deep dive.
And, since she's a marketing professional, we appreciate that she’s trying out a pop-up email opt-in on her homepage and offering a free SEO checklist download to visitors. For a potential employer or client seeking someone savvy about digital marketing, it’s immediate evidence she’s up on the latest trends.
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