Working as a freelance writer can be a flexible and lucrative career once you’re up and running. However, everyone must start somewhere, and most writers start with little-to-no experience, even if they have a solid education.
Writing is a skill in high demand these days due to the current thirst for fresh content online. As a result, there are many opportunities for those wishing to earn money writing from home – even if they haven’t had a role as a journalist or an English degree under their belt.
One way that writers get started is to create and submit a freelance writing portfolio. Both professionals and absolute beginners can employ this approach to find employment as a writer, using their portfolio to highlight their skills and suitability and provide examples of their work.
Here, we look at some key steps to creating a writing portfolio to help you make a professional impression on employers and kickstart your career.
Pick a portfolio platform
Today, an online platform is the top choice to present a writing portfolio. User-friendly websites are available at affordable prices that come with existing themes you can adjust to meet your needs via a visual editor. Popular site building choices include WordPress, Wix and Squarespace. However, one of the simplest solutions is the portfolio builder provided by Canva.
Once you’ve selected a portfolio platform, you can upload your work and details and make it live by securing web hosting from reliable providers serving Australia like SiteGround, Hostinger and Bluehost.
Your writing portfolio can be a one-pager or have multiple pages, but make sure it is easy to navigate and not too time consuming for busy editors to read.
How to layout a writing portfolio
When it comes to laying out your portfolio, structure is key. Just like you organise your articles to make them easy to read and follow a coherent order, the same rules apply to your writing portfolio.
Start with a heading stating your writing specialty; for instance, you may have mastered web copy that captivates consumers, or be a successful blogger with a knack for B2B (business-to-business) communications.
Next, explain the type of clients you serve and give examples of the value you provide. If available, provide evidence of your success through accolades like testimonials from satisfied clients or companies that you have worked for.
Now you can include links to your work. You may direct employers to the sites your pieces were published on if you already write professionally. However, if you are just starting out, you can host your writing on your online portfolio.
After links to your samples, explain your proven process. Detail how you can follow briefs, research unfamiliar topics, work under your own supervision, solve problems, write to suit a specific readership, deliver high-quality articles that deliver value and can meet deadlines.
If you feel that an employer may have further questions regarding your skills and services, consider adding a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. Here, you have a chance to further highlight your abilities and experience.
Provide clear details of how to contact you including social media accounts, if applicable. For further information, you can add a link to an “About” page and tell potential employers a bit about your background to make a positive impression.
How many pieces should be in a writing portfolio?
When it comes to adding pieces to your portfolio, less is sometimes more. The best practice is to ensure that the potential employer sees your best work. Remember that an editor won’t have time to read through high volumes of articles, so consider that if you include 40 samples, they are unlikely to encounter your top three pieces.
It’s typically recommended to include between five to 10 articles that you are especially proud of that are tailored to the type of content the employer publishes. If you are already working professionally, include pieces that were applauded by clients or received praise from an editing team you collaborated with.
How to write portfolio examples
If you have not worked professionally, consider the type of writing work you wish to undertake. Target specific employers you want to work with and find out what type of content they are looking for.
If you are seeking a general freelance writing role, you can include samples of different content types like web copy, blogs, features, non-news and news pieces and product descriptions to show your versatility.
At Words of Worth Australia, we offer freelance writers a chance to work professionally and build up content for their portfolio. If you would like to expand your current library of writing samples, apply to work with us today.