As many of us remember from our early design days, we started with tactile portfolios—those carefully mounted images we’d bring to showcases. Fast forward to 2026, and our digital platform has taken center stage. But before we dive into SEO and content, let’s chat about structuring your site—because even the best set needs a solid blueprint.
Start with a Clear Site Structure
Think of it this way: while we might love giving our pages dramatic names, search engines are like that friend who just wants to know where the snacks are. If you call it “Projects” instead of “Productions,” or “About” instead of something fancy, they’ll find everything faster. In other words, keep it simple and you’ll have a happy search engine. They’re essentially looking at your site like an American business directory, so the more universal the terms, the better.
Why SEO and Content Matter
Now that we’ve got the structure down, let’s talk content. SEO—search engine optimization—helps your site become discoverable. Add about 300 words of thoughtful content to each project page to tell the story behind your work. Include a strong About Me section and a downloadable resume to round out your digital platform. It’s all about making your site as clear and informative as possible—with a little personality, of course.
Using a “News” Approach for Blogging
You don’t have to be a full-time blogger. Think of a “news” section as a place for quick updates. Announce new projects, share behind-the-scenes photos, and link to reviews. It’s all about tying your social media presence back to your main platform so everything is connected.
Image Optimization: Alt Text and Context Matter
Optimizing images isn’t just about resizing them to keep your site fast—though that’s important. It’s also about adding alt text so search engines and all users can understand your images. Don’t rely on auto-generated descriptions—use AI tools like ChatGPT to craft alt text that’s tailored to your production. This adds real context and boosts your SEO.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for AI-Driven Search
As AI tools become more common, having an FAQ page is a smart move. It makes it easy for AI to find and share info about you. And if you want to dive deeper into using structured data like JSON-LD, here’s a great resource [link to an external guide].
Advanced Tips: Collaboration and Structured Data
Finally, consider a collaborations page and structured data to connect all your professional networks. Your website is the central platform linking everything together, representing who you are as a designer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Alt text helps with accessibility and SEO. It provides context for search engines and ensures that everyone, including those using screen readers, can understand the content of your images.
You don’t need to update it constantly—just enough to keep your site fresh. Posting updates when you start a new project, when a show opens, or when you receive a review is a great way to keep things current.
An FAQ section makes it easy for visitors and AI tools to find quick answers about you and your work. It’s another way to enhance your visibility and user-friendliness.
If you want to dive deeper into using JSON-LD, here’s a great resource [link to external guide].
