This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Tony He
In the embedded hardware industry, building innovative products is only part of the story. Engineers, makers, and companies must also think about how to showcase their work to the world. A strong online presence is no longer a luxury—it is essential for credibility, networking, and growth.
Whether you are developing single-board computers (SBCs), custom TFT display solutions, or complete control systems, presenting your projects online helps you attract partners, reassure customers, and connect with a larger community. This guide explores how embedded hardware professionals can use modern platforms to build a professional online presence that supports both engineering and business goals.
Why Online Presence Matters for Hardware Engineers
For software developers, publishing code on GitHub or writing tutorials on dev.to is second nature. Hardware engineers, on the other hand, often focus so much on design, testing, and manufacturing that they neglect communication. This can lead to missed opportunities.
Here are some reasons why online presence matters:
- Credibility: A polished portfolio helps prove that you are serious and reliable. Potential customers and investors expect to see more than datasheets.
- Visibility: Even the best SBC design won’t get traction if nobody knows about it. Sharing online allows search engines and communities to discover your work.
- Networking: Platforms designed for creatives and entrepreneurs open doors to new collaborations.
- Customer Confidence: When prospects see your projects explained in a clear and professional way, they gain confidence in your technical capability.
In short, showcasing your work online transforms invisible engineering into visible value.
Behance – A Visual Portfolio for Hardware Projects
Traditionally, Behance has been known as a platform for graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers. However, it is also an underrated tool for hardware engineers. With its focus on visual presentation, Behance makes it possible to display PCB layouts, product renderings, industrial design concepts, and UI mockups in a way that impresses both technical and non-technical audiences.
Check out an example Behance profile
For embedded engineers, Behance provides several unique benefits:
- Showcasing Prototypes: You can upload high-resolution images of prototypes, board layouts, or finished devices, presented in a clean portfolio style.
- Explaining Design Choices: Each project allows you to add descriptions and context—why you chose a specific SoC, why you used MIPI over LVDS, or how your display module meets industrial requirements.
- Reaching a Broader Audience: Customers and partners who may not fully understand datasheets will appreciate visual storytelling.
For example, a Rockchip-based SBC project could be shown not just as a bare PCB photo, but as part of a design story: CAD drawings, 3D models, UI screenshots, and final product photos, all in one Behance portfolio.
This makes Behance especially useful when engaging with product managers, marketing teams, or end-users who value design alongside technical performance.
Product Hunt – Launching and Getting Feedback
While Behance is about long-term portfolio building, Product Hunt focuses on visibility during launches. It is the place where startups and innovators showcase new products, ranging from apps and SaaS tools to IoT devices and hardware solutions.
Explore a Product Hunt profile example
For embedded hardware teams, Product Hunt provides an opportunity to:
- Announce New Boards or Displays: If you release a new SBC or industrial display module, Product Hunt allows you to attract early adopters.
- Gather Feedback Quickly: Instead of waiting months for customer feedback, you can gauge initial interest in days.
- Build Momentum: A successful launch on Product Hunt can bring media coverage, partnerships, and leads.
Unlike Behance, which focuses on visuals and design, Product Hunt emphasizes community interaction. People can upvote, comment, and ask questions. This interaction is valuable because it highlights what resonates most with your audience.
For example, if you publish an Android SBC optimized for smart home control panels, early adopters may ask whether it supports specific wireless standards or whether it integrates with popular frameworks like Home Assistant. These insights help refine both your product and your marketing strategy.
Bio.link – Centralizing Your Online Presence
As you expand your online presence, you will quickly accumulate multiple pages: GitHub repositories, datasheets, product demos, blog articles, portfolio sites, and launch pages. Bio.link solves this problem by serving as a central hub for all your resources.
The key benefits of Bio.link include:
- One Click Access: Instead of sending multiple links to customers or collaborators, you can share just one Bio.link page.
- Easy Updates: Unlike a traditional website, Bio.link allows quick changes without coding.
- Professional Digital Business Card: It’s perfect for engineers, startups, and small companies who want a lightweight hub.
For embedded hardware, Bio.link is extremely useful during customer conversations. Imagine a situation where a potential client asks for more details after a trade show. Instead of sending five different links, you can send them one Bio.link page that includes:
- A GitHub repository for open-source firmware
- A Behance page for design showcase
- A Product Hunt launch link
- A link to your official website
This reduces friction and makes it easier for prospects to explore your work.
How These Platforms Work Together
Each of these platforms serves a different purpose, but they complement each other when used strategically:
- Behance highlights your design and visual storytelling.
- Product Hunt drives attention during launches.
- Bio.link consolidates everything into a single professional hub.
The key is to integrate them into a cohesive workflow:
- Start by uploading detailed project visuals on Behance.
- When launching a new product, link to Behance from your Product Hunt post for additional depth.
- Finally, add both to your Bio.link page so that anyone who finds you through one channel can easily explore the others.
This creates a strong digital ecosystem around your hardware projects.
Practical Tips for Success
To maximize results, here are some practical tips:
- High-Quality Visuals: Invest time in good photography or 3D renders of your hardware. Presentation matters.
- Storytelling: Don’t just post pictures—explain why the design choices matter.
- Engage with the Community: Reply to comments on Product Hunt, interact on Behance, and update your Bio.link regularly.
- Consistency: Make sure your branding, tone, and project names are consistent across platforms.
- SEO Considerations: Use descriptive titles and tags so that your projects can also rank in search engines.
Final Thoughts
The embedded hardware industry is becoming more competitive every year. Engineers who combine technical excellence with professional online presentation stand out in the market. Platforms like Behance, Product Hunt, and Bio.link give you the tools to showcase your work, attract customers, and build credibility.
By treating your online presence as seriously as your engineering design, you create more opportunities for growth and collaboration. After all, great technology deserves great visibility.
Which of these platforms do you already use to share your embedded projects? If not, try setting up your first portfolio today—it could be the beginning of your next major partnership.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Tony He