Step-by-Step: Creating a Portfolio Website Without Writing a Single Line of Code

Step-by-Step: Creating a Portfolio Website Without Writing a Single Line of Code

BY [WAQAR ALI]

Three years ago, I stared at my resume and realized something: it didn’t say anything about me.

Sure, it had my degrees, my job titles, and a neat list of responsibilities, but it didn’t show what I was capable of. It didn’t show my creativity. It didn’t showcase the design projects I’d done for free just to build experience. It didn’t tell a story.

So I did what any stubborn, self-taught creative would do: I Googled, “How to build a portfolio website without knowing code.”

What followed changed my entire career trajectory.

If you’re in the same boat—whether you're a designer, writer, photographer, marketer, or anything in between—this guide is for you. I’m walking you through the exact steps I took to build a beautiful, functional portfolio website without touching a single line of code.

And trust me: if I can do it, so can you.

Step 1: Choose the Right Website Builder

You have plenty of no-code platforms out there, but these are the most beginner-friendly:

Wix – Super intuitive with drag-and-drop tools. Great templates.

Squarespace – Sleek, minimal, perfect for creatives and visual artists.

Webflow (for advanced beginners) – Still no-code, but with more customization.

Carrd – Simple, one-page portfolios that load fast and look clean.

I chose Wix for my first portfolio because it felt like working with digital Lego blocks.

Tip: Sign up for the free plan first. Upgrade later when you're ready to connect a custom domain.

Step 2: Select a Template that Matches Your Style

Avoid getting stuck in the "template trap." Pick one that fits your vibe—clean, bold, elegant, or artsy—and start customizing. You're not marrying it, just using it as a canvas.

Look for templates labeled “Portfolio,” “Creative,” or “Personal Brand.”

Remember: simplicity wins. Your work should shine, not get buried in design clutter.

Step 3: Write a Personal, Punchy Bio

People want to know who you are before they care what you’ve done.

Your About section should include:

Who you are professionally

What kind of work you do or want to do

What makes you different

A fun fact or two that humanizes you

Mine opened with:

"Hi, I’m Jess. I help brands tell stories that stick—through design, visuals, and a little magic called caffeine."

Step 4: Showcase Only Your Best Work

You don’t need a hundred projects. You need five great ones.

Each project should include:

A thumbnail or preview image

A short description of what you did

Tools used (like Canva, Figma, Lightroom, etc.)

A link to the live version or downloadable file, if applicable

If you're just starting and don’t have much work, create your own mock projects. Redesign a popular app. Rewrite a famous ad. Do a personal photo series.

Step 5: Add a Contact Section

Give people a way to reach out. Most platforms have a contact form built-in.

Include:

Your email

LinkedIn or Instagram (if it’s professional)

Optional: a downloadable resume (PDF)

Pro Tip: Don’t use personal email like [email protected]. Create a professional one like [email protected].

Step 6: Connect Your Domain

This makes your site feel legit.

Wix and Squarespace make it easy to connect a domain like yourname.com or yourname.design.

Yes, it’ll cost you $10–$20 per year. But it’s worth every penny for credibility.

Step 7: Hit Publish and Share It Loudly

Once it’s live, don’t just wait for traffic. Share it on:

LinkedIn (pin it to your profile)

Twitter/X

Your resume

Email signature

Communities like Reddit, Discord, or Slack groups

Be proud of it. You built this.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be a Developer to Look Like a Pro

When I published my first portfolio website, something incredible happened.

Within two weeks, I got freelance inquiries. A month later, I landed a remote gig with a creative agency. But more than that, I finally felt like I had a digital space that represented who I was—and what I could do.

So don’t let tech anxiety stop you from showing up online. You already have the talent.

Now it’s time to show the world.