As a freelance writer, you know how important it is to showcase your work to potential clients. But how can you make your writing portfolio stand out online and attract more projects? In this article, you'll learn some tips and best practices to create and promote your writing portfolio online, and how to leverage it to get more clients.
The first step to showcase your writing portfolio online is to choose the right platform for your needs and goals. There are many options available, from free websites and blogs to paid services and platforms. You should consider factors such as ease of use, design, customization, features, and cost. Some popular platforms for writers include Contently, WordPress, Medium, and Journo Portfolio. You can also create your own website using tools like Squarespace, Wix, or Weebly.
Portfolio is the most important step to get started and to land clients. Your clients can only check your expertise and writing style by looking at your portfolio. Make sure it looks professional. And yes making a portfolio website is a best way to go. In addition to above mentioned free websites, I have found "site123" a great website to make your portfolio. You can customize theme according to your choice. Make it appealing. Add your best samples and testimonials. Voila you're ready to land your dream clients!
Many writers underestimate the importance of having a picture-perfect profile image. Set aside a sensible budget for a professional photographer, but if you can’t afford that, you can use your phone camera. The deal is to make sure the image - is naturally pleasing to the eyes - is more of your head down to your shoulders - does not have a busy background
I think creating an engaging portfolio is pivotal for success. You should also write a unique, forward-thinking bio as well as including your best work. It's a cut-throat industry, and many people can feel disenchanted by the whole process of getting your work out there. There are many places you can showcase your writing. These include WordPress and Medium. I wrote articles for years before finding paid work, so it's all about determination and believing in your abilities. Creating your own blog is highly important too, and think of it as your creative space.
A portfolio not only displays an individual's experience and samples, but also builds up a trustworthy environment between the client and the freelancer. Building a complete portfolio on the most appropriate medium is necessary to attain maximum clientele.
?ine wichtige Entscheidung, bevor man sich für eine Plattform entscheidet: - Was will ich alles damit machen? - Kann ich das selber machen / bedienen? - Wo erhalte ich helfe und Unterstützung Jede Plattform ist ein langfristiges Investment
The next step is to select your best writing samples that demonstrate your skills, experience, and niche. You should aim for quality over quantity, and choose samples that are relevant to your target audience and industry. You should also update your portfolio regularly with your latest and most impressive work. You can organize your samples by category, topic, format, or client, and include a brief introduction or summary for each one.
Most writers are generally good in several topics, but if you have a niche go for it. Better to have 100 true paying followers that 1000 'somehow I like you' followers. AI will kill the average.
It’s helpful to categorize your sample articles. This way clients can see what’s your field of expertise. Isn’t it nice to work with clients who needs your help on a niche your familiar with? Although most writers are generalists when it comes to topics, it’s still good to have a specialization. Add a brief description about each project.
Your writing portfolio is not just a collection of samples, but also a marketing tool that showcases your value proposition to potential clients. You should include a clear and compelling headline, bio, and contact information that highlight your unique selling points, credentials, and personality. You should also showcase your testimonials, awards, publications, or other achievements that prove your credibility and authority. You want to make it easy for clients to see why they should hire you and how you can help them.
Showcasing your writing portfolio online is a powerful strategy to attract more clients and bolster your freelance writing career. In today's digital age, potential clients often turn to the internet to evaluate a writer's skills and style before hiring them. By creating a well-organized online portfolio, you can provide a comprehensive view of your capabilities, highlighting your best work, and demonstrating your expertise. Regularly updating your portfolio with fresh, high-quality content not only showcases your versatility but also boosts your online visibility.
In essence, your online writing portfolio should serve as a persuasive tool that communicates your unique qualities and the value you bring to clients. It's an opportunity to showcase your expertise, credibility, and client-focused approach, ultimately making a compelling case for why clients should hire you for their writing needs. Including the following would prove to be beneficial, from my experience: - Clear branding - USP Outline - Testimonials + Achievements = Credibility - Problem-solving skills & abilities - Tailored Approach - Fostering Trust - Simplicity & Clarity - Clear CTA!
One of the best ways to get more clients by showcasing your writing portfolio online is to optimize it for search engine optimization (SEO). This means using keywords, titles, tags, and descriptions that match the queries and needs of your ideal clients. You should also use a clear and consistent URL structure, link to your portfolio from your social media profiles and other platforms, and submit your portfolio to directories and search engines. By doing this, you can increase your visibility and traffic online.
It also means to share some additional writings that address you prospects’ problems. For example, if you are proposing a client should blog more and you don’t even blog yourself that doesn’t look that great.
Your first step to getting more clients is to make your LinkedIn profile fully optimized, which means you've adjusted all the sections to make it appear in the first search engine results. Since It takes a lot time and efforts, hire an expert to do that job for you. I can guide you on this thing: #linkedinwithjoellemansour #linkedinoptimization #linkedinprofilewriting
I would start from a complete optimized LinkedIn profile, which is well indicized by itself and with no efforts. Then try to chart the uncharted. You will pop up in researches much better than working on topics covered by thousands, with no neffort.
Another way to get more clients by showcasing your writing portfolio online is to promote it on social media platforms where your target clients hang out. You can use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest to share your portfolio, samples, tips, insights, and stories related to your niche and industry. You can also engage with other writers, influencers, and potential clients by commenting, liking, sharing, and joining groups and communities. By doing this, you can build your network and reputation online.
Social media is only important IF that's where you clients live. Posting to IG because everyone does is dumb. First, do some customer research: Where do my clients spend their time? Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter, Substack, Medium, email newsletters, conferences, meetups...? From there, decide whether social media is the right place for you to reach the people you're trying to. Otherwise, you're pumping time and energy into something that just gets lost in the void.
The final step to get more clients by showcasing your writing portfolio online is to follow up with prospects and clients who show interest in your work. You should have a clear and easy way for them to contact you, such as an email address, a contact form, or a call to action button. You should also respond to their inquiries, questions, and feedback promptly and professionally. You should also keep in touch with your existing clients and ask for referrals, testimonials, or repeat business. By doing this, you can convert your leads into loyal customers.
Do not ignore any single like or reshare of your posts. Follow up with them. Engage. Ask for feedbacks. Learn more about them and their profiles. Reach out with elegance and to create connections. Sales/subscriptions will follow...
You have to write. Just. Write. It's a muscle that will atrophy if not used consistently. It doesn't matter what you write about. Everything doesn't need to get published. Write about stuff that's far beyond your day job. Cross-train your brain.
Clearly explain how you define yourself as a "freelance writer". Make it clear if you focus on journalism rather than content writing, and specialise in a specific topic if it's possible. If you're a freelance journalist that specialises in science beats, make it clear. If you're a freelance writer specialising in authoring children's books, make it clear. If you're a content writer with a flair for Top 10 lists, make it clear. Define yourself...and the work will come to you.
As someone who loves to write about lifestyle and editorial, it’s important to branch your writing in new directions. For me, I found myself writing about inflation within the nation or locally. Although these topics may not be your No. 1 topic of interest, it is definitely worth exploring different stories.
Client testimonials are a great way to display two things- your experience and the quality of your work. At the same time, feedback from clients is equally important. Make it a practice to seek feedback after every project. This is very helpful in the long run. As a freelancer it is important to set such good practices in place as we grow.
When I started my writing career, I created my portfolio on Canva. Yes. Canva. But years after this, I got my LinkedIn reviewed by a personal branding expert, and she told me this portfolio might signal to customers that I'm just starting--which is wrong because I started three years ago. So, I created a proper website. Here's what I'll suggest you to include in your portfolio: -> Add your introduction, but remember it's not you but the results you drive that matter to clients. -> Show your work. -> Add your previous clients. -> Display the results your content has driven for your past customers. (This is the GOLD) For example, You can include if your articles rank on page 1 or if they increased the conversion rate.