How to Make a Content Writer Portfolio to Win Clients Over?
The-WHub
A writing portfolio is the most significant attribute of any freelance writer. It’s like having a sales representative on autopilot closing deals 24/7. You can never miss out if you have a writing portfolio.
Fortunately, creating a portfolio is easy. What’s not so easy is creating one that “wows” your prospects. But don’t worry—we’ll sort that out in a moment.
In 2025, you need a directory that showcases your brand’s best work to potential clients. Are you still unsure as to what is expected of a professional writing portfolio? Read on as we give you a step-by-step breakdown of how to craft a winning portfolio.
5 Tips to Make a Winning Content Writer Portfolio
A writing portfolio aims to display your best work and personality to the potential client. It shows your writing skills and directs the clients to verify the work you worked on before.
You can have a portfolio on your personal blog or specific writing portfolio sites like Contently.
But if your writing portfolio is uninviting, it might make the prospect leave. Here are a few tips on how to create a writing portfolio online that will yield positive results.
1. Select a Reliable Portfolio Platform
There are several online portfolio platforms where you can showcase your best work. Platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, and WordPress allow you to show your writing skills.
Choose a platform to collect the content and store it in cloud storage, like Google Drive. Now, you can easily share your content on these free platforms. But, if you want a professional-looking portfolio, you can use dedicated management platforms.
They offer diverse templates and features to create your content writer profile. Below is a comprehensive list of portfolio sites:
- Freelance with Contently
These platforms also offer paid versions with extra features and free trial options. You can select the platform that fits your profile and preference the best.
2. Provide Content Writing Samples
Before building your writing portfolio, gather all relevant content in one place. It includes any piece you wrote before, like blog posts, articles, case studies, emails, or social media content.
Start by reviewing your previous work and find the best content relevant to your profile or the selected niche (if any). Add links to the content on past clients’ websites. If possible, include social proof like their feedback or how your content increased their readership.
In addition, you can create one or two additional sections dedicated to the different types of writing. Examples of content types in these separate sections include social media content, blog posts, case studies etc. These sections offer the client insight into your proficiency in creating these content types.
3. Include a Well-Crafted Professional Bio
A professional bio tells your potential employer what you do and puts a face to the portfolio. It also hints at your personality to the client. Employers seek opportunities to know if they can work with someone seamlessly or not.
As a result, an author bio is one of the vital components of a content writer’s portfolio. So, it should include all the necessary details, like your name, experience and professional journey. However, keep it short and precise enough to inform the client yet not overwhelm.
4. Add Social Proof and Testimonials
Testimonials are another way to add substance to your portfolio and boost credibility. Seek testimonials from influential brands or people to make your profile stand out. But how to create a writing portfolio online if you don’t have such testimonials?
If you haven’t worked with influential clients, connect with a well-established industry expert. Offer a free piece of content in trade for a testimonial. You can ask them to highlight how your content helped them overcome the pain points they had with other freelance writers.
For example, most clients face overstepped deadlines and receive poorly researched articles. So, after providing your best services, ask them to drop a positive review of your services.
The reviews may also include growth brought to the client’s business. A client testimonial may say, “Your article helped us increase monthly visitors by 30%.” Reviews and testimonials add to your credibility.
5. Contact Information and Call to Action
The last step is to add your contact information and a CTA (call to action) to the writing portfolio. Make sure your contact details are easy to find. They should include all the critical info, like your email, phone, and social media links.
Further, a call to action is another crucial element. It is a short statement to prompt profile visitors to take the next step. For instance, it can include a line – “Need captivating content? Connect with me today!” Or “Convinced by my work? Let’s Connect”
A powerful CTA can compel clients to act and engage in further work prospects. Also, CTAs make it easy for employers to contact you if they seek your writing services.
Getting Started with Your Creative Writing Portfolio
A content writing portfolio is a window to your work. It’s not about how much you talk about your writing ability; do you have a portfolio that tells the same story?
Imagine how you will feel if a strong writing portfolio backs you up as a freelance content writer. No more blending into the crowd — you’ll be a confident freelance writer with proof of your writing skills.
Maintaining a writing portfolio signals to the world that freelancing isn’t just a hobby for you. It shows that you are a professional who is serious about it.
So, what’s the wait for? Take the leap with WrittenlyHub and build a killer writer portfolio today!
People Also Ask
1. How often should I update my writing portfolio?
Updating your portfolio frequently maintains your currency and relevance. Aim to update it at least every few months, or whenever you complete a significant new project. This ensures that clients see your latest and best work, and helps you stay competitive.
2. Should I include unpublished or personal writing samples in my portfolio?
Yes, you can include unpublished or personal writing samples that showcase your skills. Ensure that you polish them and make them relevant to the type of work you want to attract. Giving context for these samples can also help clients understand their purpose and quality.
3. What are the crucial elements of a portfolio?
Here are the five crucial elements your writing portfolio should include:
- A captivating introduction that presents your background, goals, and the portfolio’s purpose.
- You need well-segmented and relevant writing work samples. The samples should support the skills you claim. They should highlight your expertise.
- Add a reflective commentary that gives insight into your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
- Include social proof and testimonials to add credibility and build trust.
4. How do I make a portfolio with no experience?
You don’t need experience to create a successful content writing portfolio. Here’s how to build a portfolio for content writing without experience.
- Create Sample Pieces: Write a few high-quality articles showcasing your writing skills within your chosen niche.
- Pitch for Guest Posts: Offer to write quality guest posts for other websites and include them in your portfolio.
- Personal Blogs: Select your niche and publish blogs regularly to display your best work.
- Write on LinkedIn and Medium: New writers can write on these platforms and include them in their portfolios.
5. How many pieces of writing should be in a portfolio?
You can use your judgment here to decide what the best number is. However, the recommendation is to mention about 10 to 20 writing pieces. But ensure that you do not add too many writing samples. When the client checks your portfolio:
- It must not overwhelm them to skim through your work.
- It should highlight your writing skills and expertise.
