How do you build a freelance writing portfolio
When freelancers ask me how to get started (or how to stand out), the first thing I tell them is to create an outstanding portfolio of their work.
Clients don’t necessarily care (or ever ask) how long you’ve been freelance writing. They just want to know that you can write well.
The best way to demonstrate this is to gather your writing samples and compile them into an online portfolio. You can see my online portfolio here if you want an example.
You can create a quick landing page or use a portfolio platform like Authory. Let’s talk about what to include in a portfolio, how to create a website, what to include in a website, and how Authory works.
First things first: What if you are just starting as a freelancer and haven’t written anything?
A portfolio is a must. It allows potential clients to see the quality of your work and determine if your writing style is up to par. If you don’t have a portfolio yet, here are some ways you can build a portfolio:
1. Write for free (once and ONLY once)
I don’t typically advise anyone to write for free. The ONE exception is if writing something for free benefits you more than it benefits them. :)
You can offer to write for free (or at a reduced rate) for a friend, family member, or small business you want to help. If you’re new to the industry, it’s a great way to help someone out and develop your portfolio.
2. Do spec work to build your freelance portfolio
If you don't have any published examples to showcase, create a writing sample within your targeted niche.
This can demonstrate your writing skills, style, and tone. It’s great to call out that this is spec work, too. It shows what you can do before an editor polishes it.
Here are some places you can publish spec work:
Start your own blog or website: Creating your own blog or website allows you to write and showcase your creative work to the world. This can be a great way to build your portfolio and attract potential clients.
Join a writing community: Join online writing communities, such as Medium, where you can showcase your work and get feedback from others. This can help you improve your writing skills and get a sense of what types of pieces are likely to be well-received by potential clients.
Remember, you can always let potential clients know that your portfolio is a work in progress and that you will be happy to provide more samples if they ask.
What should freelance writers put on their website?
Your website should showcase your best work and highlight your writing skills and expertise.
If you want to build an entire website (I recommend this), rather than just a portfolio, you’ll need to include additional pages. Here are some other key elements that you should include:
Writing samples: We’ve already covered why you need writing samples as you build your freelance writing portfolio.
About page: A brief bio that introduces you and highlights your experience. It should be professional and convey your personality, voice, and style.
Testimonials: Include quotes or testimonials from past clients or editors that vouch for the quality of your work and the working experience. You can use Senja (an affiliate and a product I use) to capture testimonials. Senja allows you to capture testimonials and it also has a built-in design that allows you to get beautiful testimonials with a click of a button. Here are some of mine:
Niche expertise: If you have a particular area of expertise or niche, it's a good idea to include a section that highlights it. This will make it easy for potential clients to see your areas of expertise.
Contact information: Include a contact form so potential clients can easily get in touch with you. I recommend adding a form instead of putting your contact information on your site. It will protect you from spam.
Personal Branding: Your website should reflect your personal brand. For that reason, it is important to be consistent in the way you present yourself, your writing style, and the type of work you do.
Remember that a website is a representation of your writing and personal brand, so it should be well-organized and easy to navigate, and include your best work and the work that demonstrates your expertise.
Keep in mind that a website is a living document, and you should update it regularly with new pieces of work and new testimonials.
How do you build an online writing portfolio?
If you don’t want to build an entire website—no problem. You can always use a portfolio platform. I know SEVERAL successful freelancers who only have an Authory (this has my referral code) profile, and they are always booked.
How does Authory work?
Authory works by allowing journalists and freelance writers to import their articles from different publications and websites, and keep them together in one central location. The platform is built to help the authors to curate, backup and monetize their articles.
Here is a general breakdown of the process:
Sign up: The first step is to create an Authory account. During the signup process, the user will need to provide their personal and contact information.
Import your articles: Once you have an account, you can start importing your articles. Authory allows you to connect your Google News and Medium accounts, and will automatically import your articles. You can also import articles by providing a link to the article or uploading a PDF.
Customize your archive: The platform lets you organize and tag your articles, making it easy for readers to find what they are looking for. You can also add featured images and other metadata.
Monetize your articles: Authory allows you to monetize your articles by setting up a paywall. This way, you can allow readers to access some of your articles for free while charging for others.
Share and Promote: Authory provides a customizable URL for your archive that you can share with readers, editors, and potential clients. You can also share your articles via social media and embed them in your own website
Keep it updated: Authory encourages you to keep your portfolio up to date so you can showcase your most recent work.
How can I use my portfolio to promote my services and increase visibility?
Creating an online writing portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and attract potential clients. However, having a portfolio is just the first step.
To truly make the most of it and promote your writing services, you need to take a proactive approach. Here are a few ways you can use your portfolio to increase visibility and attract new clients.
First, use social media to your advantage (especially LinkedIn and Twitter). Share your portfolio on different platforms, and don't be afraid to ask your friends and followers to share it as well. This can help you increase your visibility and attract potential clients who may not have found you otherwise.
Another easy way to promote your portfolio is by adding a link to it in your email signature. This is what mine looks like:
A dedicated landing page for your services can help potential clients understand what you offer and how you can help them. Consider creating a landing page on your portfolio that specifically promotes your services, with a clear call to action, such as a "Hire Me" button, to make it easy for potential clients to contact you.
Networking and building relationships are the best ways to promote your services and get your name out there. Attend conferences and meet-ups, and join groups to increase your visibility and credibility.
Finally, make sure your website is optimized for search engines. This will make it easier for potential clients to find you when searching for a writer with your skills and expertise.
Creating a portfolio takes time and effort, but the results will be worth it.
For new freelance writers, don't be discouraged if landing your first client takes time. It's a process that takes time, patience, and a bit of luck.
