One of the most important things that every professional writer needs is a strong writing portfolio. Just like any other professional, a portfolio shows your experience, skills, and history. Some portfolios are going to be stronger than others, so here are my thoughts on how to create a writing portfolio that will showcase your best parts as a writer!

How to make a writing portfolio step-by-step

In case you’re still learning how to be a freelance writer, let’s take a few moments to answer the starting point: What is a writing portfolio? It’s a collection of your work that helps potential clients determine if you’re the right writer for them. Simple enough, right? Here’s how to make one!

• Get a sense of how you want to portray yourself: Every writer is different, and so will be each writer’s portfolio! While it is a great idea to look at writing portfolio examples to get a feel for what yours should look like, also take the time to think about how you want customers to see you. Are you a serious writer? Are you sassy or funny? Do you focus more on technical writing or content writing? Figure out what matters most to you in your professional profile!

• Put together a shortlist of options: If you are just starting out, you can create your portfolio with writing samples that you create specifically for that purpose. If you have worked with clients in the past, reach out and ask their permission to use the work you created for them in your portfolio. In either situation, create a shortlist of content that helps show your professionalism, breadth of writing, and technical skill as a writer. From there, you can narrow your list to a handful of writing choices. BONUS: If you offer multiple types of professional writing, showcase a few examples of each type!

• Keep it simple: There is always a sense that your portfolio should have all the bells and whistles and look elegant and modern. While it should look the part of a professional, sure, you will also be updating your portfolio regularly. So, keep it simple, tidy, and streamlined. In reality, most customers will only spend a few minutes looking at your portfolio, anyway, so don’t waste your effort on fancy features that will go unnoticed! The simpler it is, the cleaner and more professional it looks, and the less work it takes to keep it up to date!

Your writing portfolio will define you (in a good way)

You hear so much about the importance of professional writing portfolios because they will help give that potential client a good sense of who you are and what you can offer them. It also helps you prove that you are a professional writer with a serious interest in establishing yourself in the business!

What do you all think? Will these steps help you create a portfolio you can be proud of? What are your thoughts on using a writing portfolio website? Share below!