From our studio in Bristol, we’ve worked with creative agencies worldwide, and there’s one challenge we see time and time again: they’re fantastic at creating websites and design work for their own clients, but their own portfolio sites? Well, it’s not so straightforward. Let’s talk about why this happens (and how to actually get it done).
Portfolio Website Challenges
1. Client Work Always Comes First
Let’s be honest – when you’re juggling multiple client projects and deadlines, your own website always sinks to the bottom of the pile. My own website re-design was at the end of the to-do list for years. We see this with agencies of all sizes, from boutique studios to large creative teams. Client work pays the bills, so naturally, it takes priority. Before you know it, your portfolio site is showing work from three years ago, and those amazing projects you’re proud of? They’re nowhere to be seen.
Your client projects have clear deadlines and expectations. But as the client and the agent, there’s no external pressure, and it’s too easy to work without a deadline. Plus, when you’re busy creating websites for others, working on your own site can feel like, well a busman’s holiday.
How to overcome this: Set real deadlines for your own site. Block out specific time in your schedule – even if it’s just a few hours a week – and treat it like a client project. In our experience working with agencies, those who schedule dedicated time for their own website are the ones who actually get it done.
2. Perfection Vs. Good Enough
As creative professionals, you know exactly what great work looks like. The problem? When it’s your own site, nothing ever feels quite good enough.
Your portfolio site needs to showcase your absolute best work. After all, potential clients will judge your capabilities based on what they see. But this pressure can lead to endless tweaking and second-guessing every decision you make. It looked better in your head, it’s not quite there, I’ll leave it and come back to it.
How to overcome this? Start with a minimal viable version of your site. Get the basics up first – your best work, your services, and your contact information. You can always add more features and polish later. Remember, a good site that exists is better than a perfect site that doesn’t.
3. Content Creation Takes Forever
This is the one that catches most agencies off guard. You need case studies, project descriptions, team bios, service explanations… and that’s before we even get to the visuals.
Why is this hard? It take so much longer than most people expect. Creating good content takes time and mental energy. Plus, you need to make sure everything you put out there positions your agency correctly in your market and speaks to your ideal clients.
How to overcome this? Partly it’s about accepting or realising that it will take a large amount of time, and allowing for that time. It’s also well worth approaching it by break it down into small, manageable and scheduled tasks. Start with your three best projects and write those case studies first. Take photos of your team in one session. Write one service description at a time. Small, manageable chunks are the way forward.
Making It Happen
From bitter experience, here’s Styles Studio’s approach to actually getting your portfolio site done:
- Set aside regular time blocks for working on it
- Start with a simple version you can build on
- Focus on your best work rather than trying to show everything
- Get your team involved – more hands make lighter work
- Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good
The Bottom Line
Your portfolio site is your most important marketing tool. Yes, it’s challenging to prioritise it when you’re busy helping clients, but it’s essential for growing your agency and attracting the right kind of work.
Need help getting your portfolio site off the ground? As a designer who’s helped many agencies turn their portfolio sites from a source of stress into a source of pride, I understand these challenges inside and out. Let’s talk about how we can make your portfolio site happen.
