How to Build a Stunning Portfolio Website That Actually Converts (Complete Squarespace Guide)
Wondering what to include on your photography portfolio website or where to build your website if you need a portfolio? You're in the right place.
Let's be real, your portfolio website isn't just a pretty showcase of your work.
It's your 24/7 salesperson, working to convert visitors into paying clients while you sleep. And if you're like most creative entrepreneurs we know, you're probably overthinking every single detail and stuck in decision paralysis purgatory.
Here's the thing: our team has helped build 150+ custom portfolio websites on Squarespace, and our 8 portfolio website templates have been used by 2,550+ business owners to launch their dream sites.
The main lesson we’ve learned from our experience with portfolios? You don't need to reinvent the wheel. You just need a solid strategy and the right platform.
That platform? Squarespace. It's reliable, gorgeous, and designed with creative professionals like you in mind.
Step-By-Step Guide: Building Your Squarespace Portfolio Website
Ready to turn your creative work into a client-attracting machine? Let's dive in.
1. Start Your Squarespace Portfolio Site
Great news: you have options to get your portfolio launched and live.
Option 1: Go Direct with Squarespace
Head straight to Squarespace and start your free trial. You'll get 14 days to play around with their templates and see what clicks. It's a solid starting point, especially if you enjoy the DIY approach and have time to figure out the design details.
Option 2: Fast-Track with Our Templates
Here's where we get a little biased (but in the best way). Our templates are specifically designed for female entrepreneurs who want a portfolio that converts.
Think Rowan for the minimalist who wants maximum impact, Opulence for the high-end photographer, Trove Agency for the creative agency, Hunter for the bold interior designer, or Parker for the sophisticated service provider.
The difference? These aren't just pretty templates; they're conversion-focused designs built on real client psychology and tested by thousands of successful entrepreneurs.
2. Three Ways to Showcase Your Work On Your Portfolio Website
Here's where most people get stuck. They know they need to show their work, but they're not sure how to make it compelling. Let’s walk through three proven approaches that actually work.
Create a Portfolio Page Collection In Squarespace
Think of this as your work's VIP section. Squarespace's portfolio collections are like having a dedicated gallery space for each project – clean, organized, and impressive.
Focus on making each project feel substantial and valuable, not just another pretty picture.
How to Add a Portfolio Collection in Squarespace
In your Squarespace dashboard, click "Pages"
Hit the "+" button and select "Collection"
Choose "Portfolio" from the collection types
Name your collection (something like "My Work" or "Portfolio")
Click "Save"
How to Edit the Design of Your New Portfolio Page
Once you've created your collection, it's time to make it shine:
Click on your new portfolio page in the Pages menu
Select "Edit" to enter the page editor
Choose your layout style (grid, slideshow, or stacked)
Adjust your image sizes and spacing
Add your project descriptions and details
Pro tip: Keep your descriptions client-focused. Instead of "I used natural lighting," try "Captured the authentic joy of their special day with soft, natural lighting."
How to add a new Portfolio project to your Portfolio
Adding new work is simple:
Go to your portfolio collection
Click the "+" button
Upload your images
Add your project title and description
Include relevant tags for easy filtering
Hit "Save"
Portfolio Page Design Examples/Inspo
Want to see this in action? Here’s exactly how our templates handle portfolio collections:
Parker: Clean grid layout with hover effects that reveal project details
Trove Agency: Bold, full-width images with compelling case study format
Hunter: Dynamic masonry layout that keeps visitors scrolling
Opulence: Luxurious spacing with elegant typography that screams premium
Rowan: Minimalist approach that lets the work speak for itself
You can see the live version of these portfolios if you click on the template link and navigate to the portfolio page of the demo site.
Use your existing blog for your portfolio, and separate your portfolio with categories
Already have a blog? Perfect. You can absolutely repurpose this space for portfolio showcasing. The trick is in the categories and presentation.
Set up categories like "Recent Work," "Client Features," or "Project Spotlights." Then write blog posts that dive deep into your process, challenges, and results for each project.
Our templates handle this beautifully:
Parker uses elegant category filters that feel sophisticated
Trove Agency showcases blog-portfolio hybrids with stunning featured images
Hunter creates visual storytelling through blog-style project reveals
Opulence elevates blog portfolio posts with luxury spacing and typography
Showcase Your Portfolio With Gallery Sections Throughout Your Site
Don't limit your portfolio to one page. Sprinkle your best work throughout your entire site using Squarespace's gallery sections.
Add a "Recent Work" gallery to your homepage, showcase testimonials alongside project images, or create a "Featured in" section that builds credibility.
Here's how our templates nail this approach:
Parker: Strategic gallery placements that guide visitors through the sales journey
Trove Agency: Bold gallery sections that make statements on every page
Hunter: Creative gallery layouts that feel fresh and engaging
Opulence: Refined gallery presentations that whisper luxury
3. Include Services, About and Contact Pages on Your Portfolio Website
Your portfolio gets them interested, but these three pages close the deal.
Services Page: Be crystal clear about what you offer and how it benefits them. Skip the industry jargon and focus on transformations.
About Page: This isn't your resume; it's your connection point. Share your story in a way that makes clients think, she gets me.
Contact Page: Make it ridiculously easy for dream clients to reach you. Include your preferred contact method, response times, and maybe even a scheduling link.
Squarespace Portfolio Website Templates
We could keep going about design theory and best practices, but sometimes you just need to see it in action. That's exactly why we created our collection of 8 portfolio-focused Squarespace templates.
Each one is designed with a different creative entrepreneur in mind:
Rowan: For the minimalist who believes less is more
Parker: For the sophisticated professional who values elegance
Trove Agency: For the creative agency owner who needs to showcase range
Hunter: For the bold interior designer who isn't afraid to make a statement
Opulence: For the photographer who serves high-end clients
These aren't just templates – they're complete business systems designed to attract your ideal clients and convert visitors into bookings.
Ready to stop overthinking and start converting?
Launch your portfolio website with a ready-to-use Squarespace website template that's designed for female entrepreneurs like you! Skip months of design decisions and start attracting dream clients this week. Browse our portfolio templates in our shop here.
