I am looking to get a website going where I can showcase my portfolio. Something simple and user friendly that won't require hiring a site designer. This is just a place to put job pictures on, nothing more. One that offers an email address would be nice. I know there are a number of website hosting services and was hoping to get a recommendation for one you like and have experience with that would be suitable for my purposes. Thanks for the help.
Suggestions for website to showcase work portfolio
CarpenterRN
21 - 28 of 28 Posts
I've suggested Houzz on this forum several times - it's worked great for me over the years and I think it would great for you as it is very photo-intensive. Just sign up for a free account - that's all I've had for nearly a decade. They will hound you to sign up for a Pro account (which you pay for), but I've never found the need. My (free) Houzz page: https://www.houzz.com/pro/johnbh11/__public
Go daddy is the easiest site builder, square space is a little better, and wix and WordPress are a little more detailed and not necessarily for the guy who doesn't do it for a living but possible.
I chose square space and got the version with a business email. What I learned is that you can look at other websites you like and right click and inspect to see which they used.
I spent a day and only got through some tutorials and an ok under construction page, but its starting to make sense and definitely feels doable.
I would also heavily invest some time watching website design videos on SEO, color ideas, how to create an effective call to action button, etc.... ESPECIALLY if you are naturally design impaired. I track down guys at the lawn forum I post in, and their websites can be absolute garbage alot of the time.
I chose square space and got the version with a business email. What I learned is that you can look at other websites you like and right click and inspect to see which they used.
I spent a day and only got through some tutorials and an ok under construction page, but its starting to make sense and definitely feels doable.
I would also heavily invest some time watching website design videos on SEO, color ideas, how to create an effective call to action button, etc.... ESPECIALLY if you are naturally design impaired. I track down guys at the lawn forum I post in, and their websites can be absolute garbage alot of the time.
Yes, instagram
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3 Posts
I'm the owner of a remodeling company and a marketing company so I see both sides of the website and marketing coin. Here are my thoughts.
1. If you just want to host pictures, put them on your Google My Business listing and send people there. It's exactly what you said you wanted: A place to put pictures and make it so people can contact you. It's free and will bring you customers if you get reviews. I have a friend who did this and gets a few calls a month. It cost him nothing but an hour or two of time.
2. Spend time building your own website on WIX or Squarespace or some other platform only if you want to spend a ton of time learning how to do this stuff. It's a skill like everything else and you will suck in the beginning.
3. If you want a website that will actually bring you customers, educate yourself about how this stuff works with a few hours on Youtube and then hire a professional to get you the results you want. It's not about the website... It's about the results. Who gives a crap about a website? Nobody. We want the customers that we think the website will get us.
4. Watch out for the hordes of people out there trying to get money out of your pocket by overpromising and underdeliverying. Some of them are fly by night web designers and others are massive corporations that promise you the world and kill your bank account. The lead generation world in home services is a nasty place and it's easy to get taken advantage of. Arm yourself with knowledge and tread lightly.
1. If you just want to host pictures, put them on your Google My Business listing and send people there. It's exactly what you said you wanted: A place to put pictures and make it so people can contact you. It's free and will bring you customers if you get reviews. I have a friend who did this and gets a few calls a month. It cost him nothing but an hour or two of time.
2. Spend time building your own website on WIX or Squarespace or some other platform only if you want to spend a ton of time learning how to do this stuff. It's a skill like everything else and you will suck in the beginning.
3. If you want a website that will actually bring you customers, educate yourself about how this stuff works with a few hours on Youtube and then hire a professional to get you the results you want. It's not about the website... It's about the results. Who gives a crap about a website? Nobody. We want the customers that we think the website will get us.
4. Watch out for the hordes of people out there trying to get money out of your pocket by overpromising and underdeliverying. Some of them are fly by night web designers and others are massive corporations that promise you the world and kill your bank account. The lead generation world in home services is a nasty place and it's easy to get taken advantage of. Arm yourself with knowledge and tread lightly.
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1,463 Posts
I appreciate the input @KileConstruct. Option 1 or 2 is what I'm looking for and don't mind spending time learning to build a simple website. I'm not looking to bring in customers outside of my referral base, but would rather grow that base which will simply take time by continuing to produce quality work with great service. I have found that I get more work and less time wasted with referrals.
Dude I would also recommend getting Canva if you really wanna jazz pics up. I follow a general contractor in my town and she uses the templates to put her stuff on and it looks killer. I just made mine, but have only used it for an announcement, although I'll put before and afters and stuff I want to showcase in the main square
![Image]()
Joined
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6 Posts
Here are my recommendations:
Best place to register a domain name - NameCheap
Best place to set up email - Gmail / Google Suite
Best places to host your website
Squarespace
Squarespace is known for its visually appealing templates and user-friendly interface. It's a great option for construction companies looking to showcase their projects through high-quality images. Squarespace offers customizable templates, easy photo uploading, and the ability to create a professional-looking website without the need for extensive technical skills.
Wix
Wix is a versatile website builder that allows construction companies to create a visually stunning website with ease. Wix provides a drag-and-drop editor, making it simple to arrange and display project photos. It offers a variety of templates tailored to construction and architecture, and the platform supports image galleries, helping you effectively showcase your work.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a popular and highly customizable platform that suits a variety of industries, including construction. With numerous themes available, construction companies can find a design that fits their brand. WordPress allows for easy photo uploads and has plugins that can enhance the functionality of your website. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to other builders, it provides more flexibility in terms of design and features.
Houzz, as @JBH mentioned is also an excellent place to showcase projects.
Best place to register a domain name - NameCheap
Best place to set up email - Gmail / Google Suite
Best places to host your website
Squarespace
Squarespace is known for its visually appealing templates and user-friendly interface. It's a great option for construction companies looking to showcase their projects through high-quality images. Squarespace offers customizable templates, easy photo uploading, and the ability to create a professional-looking website without the need for extensive technical skills.
Wix
Wix is a versatile website builder that allows construction companies to create a visually stunning website with ease. Wix provides a drag-and-drop editor, making it simple to arrange and display project photos. It offers a variety of templates tailored to construction and architecture, and the platform supports image galleries, helping you effectively showcase your work.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a popular and highly customizable platform that suits a variety of industries, including construction. With numerous themes available, construction companies can find a design that fits their brand. WordPress allows for easy photo uploads and has plugins that can enhance the functionality of your website. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to other builders, it provides more flexibility in terms of design and features.
Houzz, as @JBH mentioned is also an excellent place to showcase projects.
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