How to Make Content Writer Portfolio to Win Clients Over?

Author: Team WH

Published On: 23-10-23

Last Updated on: 27-10-23

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Content writing is one of the most thriving domains and serves ample opportunities to start a career as a content writer. However, employers and clients often ask for a content writing portfolio to hire freelance writers.

Plus, most freelance content job posts receive hundreds of applications. How would you stand out if a prospect sought a few writers to fill that post? A compelling content writer portfolio can do the work for you. But how to make a content writer portfolio to drive results?

Let’s explore and learn how to build portfolio for content writing to help grab attention and create a solid impression.

Tips on How to Make Content Writer Portfolio

A writing portfolio displays your best work to the potential client and provides insight into your personality. It shows your writing skills and directs the clients to verify the work you worked on before.

You can possess a portfolio on your blog or specific writing portfolio sites like Contently.

But, if your writing portfolio is incoherent or uninviting, it might make the prospect click away and never return. Here are a few tips on how to create a writing portfolio online for positive results.

Select a Reliable Portfolio Platform

There are diverse online portfolio platforms where you can create a profile and showcase your best work. Platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, and WordPress allow you to show your writing skills.

Choose a platform, collect the content, and store it on cloud storage platforms like Google Drive. Now, you can easily share your content on these free platforms. But, if you want your portfolio to have a more professional-looking page, you can use dedicated portfolio management platforms.

They offer diverse templates and features to create your content writer profile. Check the below list of portfolio sites to build your portfolio:

• Clippings.me
• Freelance with Contently
• About.me

These platforms also offer paid versions with extra features and free trial options.

Here’s another notable mention:

Muck Rack for Journalists – A completely free platform for journalists. There’s a paid version available for PR professionals looking to boost their media relations efforts.

You can select the platform that fits your profile and preference the best.

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 published content on past clients’ websites, and if possible, attach some social proof like their feedback or maybe how your content increased their readership.

Potential clients often seek confirmation and corroborative proof that you can create well-written content as expected. It also helps build trust and create awareness about your content quality. Depending upon your chosen platform, you can combine the live links with other well-written samples as a part of your portfolio.

Include a Well-Crafted Professional Bio

A professional bio is a short paragraph that informs your potential employer of what you do and puts a face to the portfolio. It also hints to the client about your personality. 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. However, keep it short and precise enough to inform the client yet not overwhelm.

Add Social Proof and Testimonials

Adding testimonials is another way to add more substance to your online writing portfolio and boost your 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 any influential client, try connecting with a well-established industry expert and offer a free content piece in exchange for a testimonial. You can ask them to highlight how your content helped overcome the pain points they experienced with other freelance writers.

For example, most clients face overstepped deadlines and receive poorly researched articles. So, after delivering your best services, you can ask them to mention how to adhere to the deadlines and thoroughly research your work.

Contact Information and Call to Action

The last step on our how to make a content writer portfolio list is to add your contact information and a call to action to the writing portfolio page and author bio. Ensure your contact details are easily accessible with all the essential information, like your email address, contact number, 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!”

A powerful CTA can compel clients to act and engage in further work prospects. Moreover, CTAs make it easy for potential 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. So, before making it live, you must review it. You can also ask your peers or friends to review it. It’s easy to overlook some flaws, but having a second opinion can help perfect your portfolio and improve your chances of getting hired.

Plus, the last thing you want is to publish a portfolio with spelling or grammar mistakes. So, get your portfolio reviewed and use the above tips on making a content writer portfolio to create a lasting impression on clients.

Take the leap and build a killer writer portfolio today!

People Also Ask

What are the five 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.
• Well-segmented and relevant writing work samples supporting the claimed skills and highlighting your expertise.
• Add a reflective commentary that provides insight into your creative process and problem-solving abilities.
• Include social proof and testimonials to add credibility and build trust.
• Insert a clear and precise call to action to make yourself easily accessible. Also, add links to your Twitter (now, X) and LinkedIn profiles.

How do I make a portfolio with no experience?

You don’t need vast experience to create a successful content writing portfolio. If you don’t have any published work to showcase, play to your other strengths or write a few samples. Here’s how to build 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 guest posts for other websites and deliver your best work to include them in your portfolio.
• Start a Personal Blog: Select your niche and publish blogs regularly to display your best work to potential clients.
• Leverage LinkedIn Articles and Medium: New writers can use these platforms to post their writing pieces and include them in their portfolios.

How many pieces of writing should be in a portfolio?

You can use your judgment here to decide what’s the best number. However, the recommendation is to mention about 10 to 20 writing pieces. But ensure not adding too many writing samples. When the client checks your portfolio:

• It must not overwhelm them to skim through your work.
• It should be quickly scannable, highlighting your writing skills and expertise.