Sure, you could go out and get a fancy website with all sorts of zip-zaps and ding-dongs that supposedly would wow your potential clients. But then again, you don't have to. What if you just used your personal blog? I know blogs may seem a little unprofessional at times, but this isn't to say you can't make it professional. MakeUseOf is a blog, right?

Today, we've got a few ways to help you rethink the possibility of using your personal blog as your portfolio. Granted, even with a blog, you could get an equal amount of zip-zaps and ding-dongs, but personally, I believe a blog is easier to set up than a full site. With that said, I'm sure many of you would agree.

Keep Your Work Updated

One of the reasons I like the blog format is because it is presented in a chronological order. Potential clients can scour through your work on an online portfolio blog and see it in parts rather than as a whole, and effectively, it gives them some kind of sequence to pick through.

Furthermore, this could be suitable depending on what season it is. Holiday-themed projects will be in the most current slots, yet other non-seasonal projects can be mixed in with others. Furthermore, you can keep a blog page listing your top projects to be used as a "best of" portfolio.

Post BTS Photos

Although I'm not good about doing this (but I'm working on it), it's nice to take behind-the-scenes photos. This gives a little more insight as to what you do and how you do it. Granted, this might not be great for something like digital graphic design, but it would be perfect for physical design, photo sessions, and videography.

I believe it adds just a little more content to your site, and since people like details, this should be enough.

Make It Personal

One of the great things about blogs is the ability to tell a story. Unlike other portfolio sites, with a blog, you have the ability to list everything that went into a project. So go ahead and write about how the computer went haywire while editing the photo. Talk about how the batteries were dying on your camera and you were halfway through the photo session.

This adds another level of personality to your work that potential clients wouldn't get otherwise, and when not posting your work, you can write about your other adventures, allowing them to get to know you.

Explain "The Making Of"

Sometimes, people thoroughly enjoy being explained to how a project was made (even if they may not fully understand all the steps taken). After spending some time keeping the blog personal, you can switch over to details of how you made your work.

I would recommend providing tech specs of the tools used, applications used, and even the turnaround. If you feel like it's appropriate, you could even provide details of the initial meeting with your client in which discussion of the project took place.

Use Comments As Your Testimonials

Comments, oh, comments. Although this could potentially backfire, allowing comments on your blog posts could be one of the best decisions you have ever made. Simply put, this can allow your client a window to write what they think about their final project, and beyond that, it could give an opportunity for others to write awesome things about you.

But then again....you may have a past crazy client who would do the same thing. Granted, you could moderate your comments, but what if your grandmother swings by and says "Great job, honey! SO PROUD!" 

If you delete that, do you just lack a heart?

Conclusion

Many of you may already be using your blog as your portfolio, and if so, I would love some links. However, if you aren't, you should go ahead and give it a shot!

What tips do you have for using your blog as a portfolio? What kind of work do you do?

Image Credits: vahiju