Portfolio Building Tips for Web Designers Without Experience

Ashidha Nk

Mon, 28 Jul 2025

Are you a beginner web designer with no real clients yet? Don’t worry — you can still build a powerful portfolio that gets attention. In this blog, we’ll show you simple tips to create a web design portfolio, even if you have zero experience.

This is especially helpful if you’re a student or graduate of CODO Academy, where portfolio building is part of your training.

Keywords:

web design portfolio tips, how to build a portfolio without clients, web designer beginner portfolio, freelance portfolio ideas, CODO Academy portfolio project

Why Is a Portfolio So Important?

Your portfolio is your digital showcase. It helps clients or companies:

• See your design style

• Understand your skills

• Trust your work (even if you’re new)

• Decide to hire you

Even with no real clients, you can create sample projects that show what you’re capable of.

1. Build Dummy Projects That Look Real

If you don’t have paid clients, create your own sample websites. Pick fake businesses like:

• A bakery website

• A portfolio site for a photographer

• A local gym landing page

• An online store for a fashion brand

Use WordPress, Elementor, and template kits to build these sites. At CODO Academy, you’ll build 5+ themed dummy websites as part of your training .

2. Use Template Kits to Speed Up Your Design

Platforms like Envato Elements and ThemeForest offer beautiful templates. Choose one, customize it, and make it your own.

Tip from CODO Academy: You’ll get access to ready-made template kits and learn how to edit them to suit your style.

3. Host Your Portfolio Online (Don’t Just Use PDFs)

Your portfolio should be live on the internet, not just in a file. Buy a domain (like yourname.com) and use hosting from platforms like:

• Hostinger

• Bluehost

• Namecheap

At CODO Academy, each student receives 1-year premium hosting and a free domain, so you can launch your portfolio immediately .

4. Include These in Your Portfolio

Make sure your portfolio site includes:

• About Me section

• Skills (HTML, CSS, WordPress, SEO, Canva, etc.)

• Live project links or screenshots

• Testimonials (can be from mentors or teachers)

• Contact form or WhatsApp button

5. Write a Case Study for Each Project

Explain what the project is, what tools you used, and how you built it. This shows clients that you can solve problems — not just design pretty things.

Example:

Bakery Website: Built using WordPress + Elementor. Includes a menu, order button, and contact form. Mobile responsive and SEO-optimized.

6. Add Personal Projects and Assignments

If you’ve taken part in any assignments, challenges, or classroom tasks (like the weekly tasks at CODO Academy), include them in your portfolio.

7. Get Feedback and Improve

Ask your CODO mentors or peers to review your portfolio. Update your work regularly as you gain new skills and complete client projects.

8. Showcase Additional Skills

Add sections like:

• Canva Designs

• Google Ads or Meta Ads Campaigns

• SEO optimization techniques

• Blog writing or UI design work

CODO Academy teaches all these extras, so you can add more value to your portfolio than just design.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need experience to build a professional portfolio — you need creativity, consistency, and the right guidance.

That’s why CODO Academy offers a 15-Day Web Design Program where you:

• Build 5+ dummy projects

• Create a live online portfolio

• Learn WordPress, Shopify, and WIX

• Use Canva Premium, SEO tools, and Ads

• Receive lifetime mentorship

Ready to Build Your First Portfolio?

Join the next batch at www.codoacademy.com

WhatsApp us at +91 8086 995 559

Use CODO50 for a 50% discount – Seats are limited!