PR Memo Workshop

MEMORANDUM

Date: February 6, 2025

To: Eric Benderoff

From: Lily Stroup

Subject: PR 325 Online Portfolio Platform Proposal

An online portfolio platform is essential for students’ success in this course. Developing a portfolio allows students to showcase their PR coursework to potential employers. While I already have an online portfolio with Wix, I researched two more platforms: Canva and Squarespace. 

1. Canva

Canva offers a free portfolio builder on its website. The tool features stock images, drag-and-drop editing and AI-generated content. Users can create a free website domain or link their portfolio as a slideshow. 

Pros

• Easy to use, no coding required

• Library of pre-made templates 

• Customizable color schemes, layouts, and graphics

Cons

• Lack of dynamic features (e.g., blogs, SEO and multi-page functions)

• Slower web performance

• Free versions include Canva branding in the footer

2. Squarespace

A well-known portfolio and website-building site. Membership is $16 a month, but Squarespace does offer a 14-day free trial for new clients.

Pros

• Customizable and responsive templates for different devices

• Built-in SEO and analytics tools

• CSS coding can be added to advance site features

Cons

• Templates are restrictive unless coding is involved

• Proprietary platform; websites on Squarespace cannot be transferred to another platform

• Costlier than many alternatives with the same features

3. Wix

Wix is an easily customizable website with options for multi-channel sites. Wix has implemented AI features, including website design and chatbots, for the efficiency of design and programming.

Pros

• Able to customize every aspect of the website

• Free plan available with Wix branding and Wix domains

• Gallery page options for visual workpieces

Cons

• Once you choose a design template, you can’t switch it without starting over

• Premium features are costly, including adding a searchable domain

• Slower load times, susceptible to technical issues

Even after researching other options, I would stick with Wix for these reasons.