Actually, I've got a pretty decent portfolio. But I want to set it up, so that you can click each of the topics, and see a few excerpts of each. Is there any way to do this without taking apart my entire blog? You can see what I mean when you look at the portfolio section at Annimi.com. Any suggestions on how to make this a little more efficient?
Are the pieces in print? Or are they all online? In either case, take a screen shot, or scan the articles, cut them up as you like and put them in a nice PDF. You could set up one for each link. And if you think about it, set up links to the actual sites in the PDF so they can see it live if they wanted. That's just one way I guess. I don't have my portfolio organized into catagories like that. It's a good idea though. I really should update mine though. Never enough time... or rather, Mr. Procrastination frequents my house too much.
I set mine up two ways. By Client List and visually. Webwork has a page, too, as does TV and radio. I would think that if you did a page like client list and put links to blog pages or pdfs under each subject. I think the outline approach is probably easiest for a blog. Something like: Examples of articles for the young mother market: article article 2 Examples of copywriting for landing pages: landing page 1 landing page 2 Anyway, that's just a thought and how to organize it depends on your samples and what you want to. I basically set up the Client List page and asked for feedback from the DP crowd and two of my clients. So that's why that page is organized like it is. My target audience liked it which is pretty much what I was going for.
I do like the idea of linking to pdf's. But I have so many niches I've written in at this point, that it would mean a lot of scrolling for people that were looking for were looking for a particular niche sample if I were to put the samples on the same page. I want to make things as easy as possible for possible clients. Basically, so that they can just click on a niche category, and see a few examples of what's in there. If I did things by pages like, a page specifically per niche, I'd have a -ton- of pages. But that's still something to consider.
You have, what, over 600 articles? Whew. That's a whole mess of work to start at this point in time. But if you think that you have to, well, then, roll up your sleeves and get 'er crakin.' You have 23 categroies there. If it were me, I would put in a nice picture, along with a short sales pitch, and a price for each one. Then at the end of each category have something like: "Send me an e-mail for 3 sample pieces from the highest rated articles that have helped others just like you. I'll get back with you within 24 hours." Make your link live! Meaning they click on it and it takes them to the form. Better still, have the form right there in front of them for each category. Hit them at the heat of the moment, each and every time. Instead of that link on top of your homepage going to a separate page, you should consider putting those categories on your homepage. You certainly have the room for it off to the side, in that light yellow area. Put them right in front of your readers' faces! 600 articles. Wow.
Offering both visual and contextual information is a great approach to your clients' needs. Have you ever try to access someone's portfolio embedded in flash and neverending intro videos? While people may find enjoyable a portfolio with such characteristics, in the practice most online clients want information as soon as right now, unless they are expressly going after your graphics or multimedia skills.
One of the things I like about how you have your categories listed with the number but don't show the article, is the fact that no one can steal your content.