How to create a freelance writer portfolio when you're starting from scratch

I have my connection, Dr. Marwa Saleh to thank for this post.

As many of you can see from my profile, I am a Health Content Writer.

What does this mean?

It means I create marketing content for healthcare-based businesses and medical brands.

I've written everything from blog posts, to newsletters, educational brochures and social media content for my clients.

But how did I get here? How did I start from scratch and get the clients I currently have?

It doesn't matter what niche you want to go into as a freelance writer - it could be health/medical writing, personal finance or eCommerce-you will need to provide potential clients with samples of your work.

In fancy parlance, you need to have a portfolio.

People who want to pay you to write want to see that you can do what you say you can do.

But this is like the whole "they want experience but how I do get experience if nobody will give me the chance?" situation.

Thankfully, when it comes to freelance writing, you can build a portfolio even if nobody has ever paid you to write.

So how do you build a portfolio when you're starting from scratch?

While this is not an exhaustive list, these are my suggestions.

1. Start a blog. When I started reaching out to potential clients in 2017, I had had a blog for about two years. I wrote about everything I was learning in my journey to being a side entrepreneur. My blog still helps me land clients to this day. So don't be afraid to start your own blog. (Quick plug: You can start a WordPress-hosted website with Siteground for less than $4/month. Here is my affiliate link. I get a commission if you click through and start your website with Siteground.)
2. Offer to guest post on other websites. This was another way I built up a portfolio. Back in 2013/2014, guest posting on other people's blogs-especially those that were well-established-was a wonderful way of getting your name out there as a writer and blogger. While it is not as effective as it once was (in my opinion), it is still a powerful way to show your writing prowess. In fact, this would probably be my best suggestion for you to build a portfolio if you're just starting out.
3. Use what you already have. If you have a PhD or Masters degree, chances are you wrote a dissertation or thesis. Did you write a column for your high school newspaper? Yes, it may not be the best example of your work but you could polish it up and use it as proof of your writing. Dig deep and find work you've already created and use that in the meantime.
4. Leverage free blogging platforms. If you really don't want to start your own blog, leverage free blogging platforms like LinkedIn and Medium. Facebook even has a note-writing feature where you can write full-length pieces. On a platform like LinkedIn, you can build a whole community around your content VERY quickly, given the insane organic reach we have on LinkedIn currently. Share your thoughts on news and topics you're interested in.

And with the last tip, apart from you being able to use these samples in your pitches, you can be discovered organically-which always brings the best business leads in my opinion.