Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
ties and vehicles are what drive launch and promotion. So to begin, we will talk
about marketing and communications and how they fit into your strategies for
getting your Web portfolio seen by the right people.
Marketing
Marketing your Web portfolio and the Internet requires you to make contacts
and relationships with others who promote people who do what you do. For
example, www.aquent.com is a creative staffing firm specializing in finding
freelance and permanent work for hire situations for designers, copywriters,
marketing specialists, and others who provide creative services. At Aquent
site, potential employers can type keywords related to their needs such as Web
design or illustration and a database will provide a list of potential candidates
and their Web portfolios. When the freelancers who work for Aquent create
their Web portfolio, they make sure to organize each category of work
explicitly so that clients can have quick, direct access to samples. This form of
marketing is highly effective for specialized fields such as creative services. If
you have other specializations that are technical or business centered you can
seek out other Web services that market your Web portfolio of work to
potential clients. GURU.com provides Web-based, portfolio marketing ser-
vices similar to Aquent.com. However, GURU.com has a wider range of
specialization areas. There are a few issues with the Web portfolio capabilities
of the sites. Typically, they only allow the person posting the Web portfolio to
use their templates and shell. This can be a bit limiting and does not lend to the
idea that creating a Web portfolio helped to build valuable and reusable
technology skills. So I recommend using these marketing sites in addition to
other activities in which your entire Web portfolio is showcased.
To showcase the entire Web portfolio you need to have server space and a host
as we discussed in Chapter IX. When you do have your server space and your
unique URL you can begin to think about communicating the Web address to
others. Your new Web portfolio address should be highly visible on all of your
professional communications. These items include your cover letter, your
résumé or CV, your business card, your letterhead, the brochures, and your
promotional items. When you drive people to your Web site, you should be
prepared for feedback and be ready to discuss business if the site compels them
to contact you.
