Every writer needs a portfolio of work; a purposeful one. Whether you are seeking freelance opportunities or publishing ones, you need to show potential clients and publishers what writing you have done.
Basically, you need to establish credibility.
As a freelancer, I am often asked to show samples of my work that are relevant to the type of work they will be asking me to do. If I am lucky, they offer a paid test article opportunity where I can showcase my skills. But more often, they’ve done a bit of research on me, my body of work, and taken a look at my online presence.
Oftentimes when a new client approaches me it begins with a conversation like… “I see that you write for cbdMD? How long have you been writing for them?” The appearance of high-profile clients such as this, on my portfolio and LinkedIn, are now responsible for nearly 40% of my income (by bringing me new work).
Building Your Own Writing Portfolio
Let’s get this out of the way – you may need more than one portfolio. As a writer, you are likely looking for different types of work or publishing opportunities or writing in multiple genres, therefore, you need a targeted portfolio to address each of these objectives.
Here are three options for building a portfolio, which is essentially an online writing resume, of sorts. I have listed a few pros and cons for each method.
Provide Your Website as Your Portfolio
If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you’ve likely created a website for yourself, even if that means you have a blog stream on a content site like Medium, which will cost you 5 bucks a month (but the site holds good Google rankings), or a newbie site like Simily. Simily also charges a monthly fee but if your writing falls more on the “creative” side, you may be able to get in at “ground level” and stir up a solid fanbase. Many authors choose a host site such as WordPress or Wix and build a website that represents who they are as a writer.
Pros:
Design & layout are often customizable.
Build a fanbase while you create more potential portfolio pieces to feature on the main page of your site.
Often has an email or messaging feature (which may help potential clients who’ve viewed your work to contact you.
Can often separate by tags or writing categories.
Cons:
Requires maintenance and updating on a regular basis.
Can be expensive depending on the level you subscribe to – for example, with WordPress it costs more for the Business plan which offers additional features you may want.
May be hard to separate portfolio work from other stuff on your site that potential clients may have to sort through.
Many new clients will not want to see your site but certain types of articles (only) as samples of your work.
Use a Portfolio Site for a General Portfolio
Some sites, such as Contently, will host a selection of your pieces as a portfolio that looks a bit like a website. If you like this look it’s easy to get started. You simply create a profile and upload the URLs as you would for a Linktree account, only these display in a nice Profile page for you. I’ve had my Contently set up for at about a year, update it sporadically, and honestly, can’t remember if I have used it with a client. This is because I have been using my bio spaces for self-promotion to build audience.
Speaking of Linktree, you can also set one up as a portfolio of your best work rather than a list of social media and self-promo links. Often, this Linktree link gets the bio mention on my profiles, which may explain why my portfolio link is not used as much. Decide, here, which is more relevant to growing your writing career—building your audience or building your portfolio? The good news is that while you work on creating a stellar portfolio, an audience may build organically as your body of work builds reputation for you.
Pros:
Can create a generalized portfolio of work to display.
Professional looking.
One link to share on your bio.
Cons:
Many sites charge you for a subscription.
You may need to create a way for clients to contact you.
Requires regular updating & promotion.
Here’s a great list I found to share with you – writer portfolio sites.
Use Google Docs to Build Targeted Portfolios
Don’t underestimate something simple like using Google Docs. You can create purposeful bios + a selection of writing samples for each of the types of work you have done. These are great for potential clients who represent a style or genre of writing which you have previously done well. It’s easy to manage multiple of these documents to have a selection of sample writings on the ready when a client asks for them.
Pros:
Super easy to use.
When you update it – anyone who has the link can see the most recent version.
Can create multiple niche, technique, or style-targeted portfolios.
Free.
Cons:
Some might think this looks less professional (but I would disagree. MANY of my clients use and rely on Google Docs as a regular part of how they do business.)
Clients will be able to see your email.
Clients are able to see each other if more than one is viewing your document at a time.
Developing Your Portfolio
Once you choose a hosting format or site, it’s a matter of selecting what work represents you.
First – what type of potential client or employer are you looking to impress? Select your best works that these folks would want to see.
For example: you are looking to find blog work in the parenting and family genre of writing. Create a selection of your best works in this field and arrange them on your portfolio so it says to the potential client: See? I have done this type of work before and here are some quality samples of what I can do for you.
This is not a space for you to share your favorite pieces, your passion projects, or unrelated topics – but a concise selection of works that will impress the right clients or employers.
In addition – create a few different versions that showcase your skills.
For example, if you are a trained SEO writer, then feature a selection of SEO works in a variety of fields. Perhaps include a list of the genres you have written in and your experience with SEO in the bio.
A Professional Portfolio Isn’t an Option – It’s Necessary
Remember your purpose. What is your goal? If you want to find work, as with any career, you need to have a resume ready to go. But a portfolio is that additional step you’ll need as a writer to show people what you can do, what you have done, and demonstrate a clean and professional image.
Consider these tips your encouragement to get started today!
Thanks for reading,
Christina M. Ward
freelancer at Fiddleheads & Floss Writing Services