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Why agencies struggle to build their dream portfolio website (and how to fix it)

October 18th 2024

By Emily

Every agency dreams of having a cutting-edge portfolio website that not only wows prospective clients but also showcases the very best of what they can do. It should be the ultimate display of creative genius—a digital calling card that captures attention, delivers results, and drives business.

But here’s the kicker: despite having all the talent, skills, and vision to create amazing work for clients, we often hit a wall when it comes to building our own portfolio site. The very thing that should be their pride and joy often ends up last on the to-do list, gathering dust while client projects take centre stage.

So why is it that agencies, bursting with creativity and expertise, struggle so much to pull off their own dream portfolio websites? And, more importantly, how can you fix it?

Why agencies get stuck

1. Client work takes priority

Let’s be honest—client work pays the bills. When deadlines are looming and client demands are constant, it’s all too easy to push your own website down the priority list. You know your portfolio is important, but with the day-to-day hustle of managing client projects, it’s hard to justify spending valuable resources on your own site. After all, clients come first, right?

The result? You end up with a website that’s a few years out of date, doesn’t fully reflect your current capabilities, and doesn’t showcase the amazing work you’ve done recently.

2. Perfectionism paralysis

Agencies are often their own worst critics. You’re used to creating exceptional work for your clients, so when it comes to your own site, the pressure is even higher. You want it to be flawless—a shining example of everything your agency can do.

But that drive for perfection can lead to paralysis. You endlessly tweak, revise, and second-guess every decision. The homepage layout isn’t quite right, the copy feels off, or you’re not sure if the visuals are strong enough. Before you know it, weeks or even months have passed, and you’re still no closer to launching your site.

3. Lack of time and resources

Building a great portfolio website takes time. It requires deep thinking about your brand, your services, your audience, and how you want to position yourself in the market. Then there’s the design and development side—crafting a seamless user experience, implementing cutting-edge features, and making sure it’s all optimised for performance.

The problem is, most agencies are already stretched thin. Your designers, developers, and copywriters are busy working on client projects, leaving little time to dedicate to your own site. And even if you do find the time, it’s easy to lose momentum when urgent client work comes flooding in.

How to fix it

So, how do you get out of the trap? Here’s how to finally build the portfolio website you’ve always dreamed of.

1. Treat yourself like a client

The first step is simple but crucial: treat your own agency as a client. Dedicate the same level of time, resources, and energy to your portfolio site as you would to any client project. Block out time in your team’s schedule, assign clear responsibilities, and set deadlines. When you give your own site the attention it deserves, it becomes a priority rather than an afterthought.

Think about it this way—your portfolio website is one of your most important clients. It’s a sales tool, a marketing asset, and a reflection of your brand. Give it the respect it deserves.

2. Focus on progress over perfection

Perfection is great, but progress is better. If you wait for your site to be absolutely flawless, you’ll never launch it. Instead, aim for incremental improvements. Get the core of your site live, and then iterate over time.

This approach not only takes the pressure off but also allows you to adapt and evolve your site based on feedback and changes in the market. Remember, even the most successful agencies constantly refine their portfolio websites—there’s always room for improvement.

3. Showcase the right work

When it comes to your portfolio, less is more. Instead of trying to showcase every single project you’ve ever worked on, focus on a curated selection of work that best represents your agency’s capabilities and values. Choose projects that align with the types of clients you want to attract and the services you want to promote.

Don’t just show the finished product—tell the story behind the work. Prospective clients want to know how you think, how you solve problems, and how you deliver results. Use your portfolio to demonstrate not just what you’ve done, but how you approach your craft.

4. Leverage external help

Sometimes, the best way to build your dream portfolio website is to bring in outside help. Yes, you’re an agency, but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything in-house. Bringing in fresh eyes—whether it’s a freelance designer, developer, or copywriter—can give your project the push it needs to move forward.

At KOTA, we’ve helped other agencies overcome this exact challenge. We understand the struggle of balancing client work with your own branding, and we can help you build a site that reflects the very best of what you do.

5. Keep it fresh

Once your portfolio site is live, the work isn’t over. A great portfolio is always evolving. Make it a priority to update your site regularly with new work, fresh content, and the latest examples of your creative genius. This not only keeps your portfolio relevant but also gives prospective clients a reason to keep coming back.

Building the dream, one step at a time

Creating a portfolio website that showcases your agency’s talent and vision is no small feat, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Your site is often the first impression prospective clients will have of your brand, and it should reflect the very best of what you do.

If your agency is struggling to build the portfolio website you’ve always dreamed of, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to go it alone either. At KOTA, we’ve helped agencies just like yours craft portfolio websites that captivate and convert. Whether you need a full website overhaul or just some guidance on the best approach, we’re here to help.

Ready to make your dream portfolio a reality? Get in touch with us today to see how we can take your agency’s website from concept to launch.

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