Is Submitting to Awwwards Worth It for Portfolio Exposure and SOTD Recognition?
Hello, fellow designers! 👋
I’m a Filipino website designer with over 14 years of experience in various agencies, and I’m currently diving into the freelance realm. My focus has shifted towards enhancing my SEO skills and reaching out to potential clients. Although I previously took on freelance projects through Facebook groups, I paused my efforts around 2017 to regroup and strategize.
Now, I’m contemplating submitting my portfolio to Awwwards, but I find myself hesitating due to the $65 fee, which feels quite considerable for my current situation in the Philippines. Given the need to be judicious with my spending, I’m seeking your insights on whether this investment could prove beneficial.
Here’s what I hope to achieve by submitting my work:
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Increased Visibility for My Portfolio: I want to showcase my designs to a targeted audience that appreciates the intersection of minimalist and interactive web design, all while ensuring strong conversion rates.
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Connections with Potential Clients: I aim to attract clients who value quality and are interested in premium web experiences.
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Recognition Through SOTD Wins: Gaining the Site of the Day (SOTD) accolade would not only enhance my credibility but also help me stand out in a competitive market.
Have any of you submitted your work to Awwwards? If so, was the investment worth it? I would be grateful for any insights or experiences you could share!
Thank you in advance for your help! 🙏
2 responses to “Is submitting to Awwwards worth it for site traffic and portfolio visibility?”
Hi there! 👋
It’s great to see your enthusiasm for elevating your freelance career and seeking out avenues to showcase your portfolio. Submitting to Awwwards can indeed be a strategic decision, and I’d love to provide you with some insights to help you weigh your options.
Value of Visibility and Target Audience Reach
Targeted Exposure: Awwwards is known for celebrating high-quality web design, which means that your portfolio will be seen by an audience that genuinely appreciates and seeks out premium web design skills. This could lead to inquiries from potential clients who resonate with your minimalist and interactive style.
Global Recognition: Winning or even just being featured can enhance your credibility significantly. In the design community, Awwwards is highly regarded, and even a nomination can be a talking point in conversations with prospective clients.
Networking Opportunities: Awwwards often attracts industry professionals, including potential collaborators and clients. Engaging with the community through comments, discussions, and social media after your submission can prove beneficial.
Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
The $65 fee can feel significant, but consider the following practical points:
Budget-Friendly Submissions: To alleviate the financial burden, think about bundling several submissions together or choosing your best work for this platform. Focus on quality over quantity. You may also look for past works that may not have garnered enough visibility or accolades to submit.
Expected Traffic: After submitting, if your work receives a positive reception, you could see an influx of traffic to your site. This could lead to potential leads and new projects. The key is to have a well-optimized website to convert this traffic into contacts or inquiries.
Managing Expectations for SOTD
While winning the Site of the Day (SOTD) is an impressive accolade, it’s important to remain realistic about expectations:
Judging Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the judging criteria on Awwwards. The design, usability, and creativity are evaluated, among other factors. If your work aligns well with these criteria, your chances for recognition increase.
Promotion Outside Awwwards: Maximize your submission by promoting it across your social media channels, email newsletter, and networking circles. Encourage your followers to visit and vote for your work, which can significantly increase your visibility and support on the platform.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re still uncertain about the investment, here are a couple of alternatives:
Use Free Platforms: Submitting your work to platforms like Behance or Dribbble can be a cost-effective way to gain visibility without the submission fees. They also have their own communities that value design work.
Engage in Design Contests: Look for local or global design competitions that might offer free submissions or lower fees. Winning these can also provide a portfolio boost and networking opportunities.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, submitting to Awwwards could be a worthwhile investment if approached with strategic intent. Evaluate your current portfolio and potential, consider promotion strategies, and stay engaged with your audience. Whether you proceed with Awwwards or explore alternatives, the key lies in leveraging every opportunity to showcase your unique design capabilities.
Best of luck with your decision, and feel free to share your experiences or insights once you submit your work!
Cheers! 🙌
Hello! Your post raises some important considerations about submitting portfolios to platforms like Awwwards. As someone who has also navigated the freelance landscape, I can appreciate the need for strategic investments, especially when budgets are tight.
Firstly, submitting to Awwwards can indeed boost your visibility within the design community. Winning an award or even receiving recognition can serve as a significant confidence booster and a conversation starter when reaching out to clients. Many designers find that showcasing such accolades can elevate their perceived value in the eyes of potential clients, especially those seeking high-quality, innovative web design.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the effectiveness of this investment often depends on how you leverage the exposure afterward. Awwwards can serve as a fantastic stepping stone, but it’s your responsibility to follow up with proactive outreach and marketing efforts to convert that visibility into actual projects. Consider showcasing your submission across your website, social media platforms, and even within your network to maximize the impact.
Moreover, engaging with the Awwwards community can provide valuable networking opportunities. Fellow designers and potential clients frequent the site, so actively participating in discussions and showcasing your unique design philosophy could lead to fruitful connections.
If the $65 feels daunting, you might want to explore other similar platforms or even build a personal project to showcase your skills without the fee, allowing you to gather a body of work that speaks to your aesthetic and capabilities.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your broader goals and financial reality. If you do decide to submit, ensure you have