The 10 BIGGEST Freelancer Portfolio Questions, Answered

If you're a freelance writer, aspiring or current, there's one phrase you've certainly heard time and time again: "You need a writing portfolio!" Much to your dismay, this is the truth. If you want to succeed, you need to be able to show prospective clients that you're capable. The best way to do this, of course, is by compiling your writing samples in a way that's aesthetically compelling.

But, even though everyone suggests that you create a freelance writer portfolio, they never actually delve into the specifics. That's what we'll be doing today: Answering fifteen of the biggest questions novices have when creating their freelance writing portfolio.

By the end, you'll no longer have any excuse to put this important task on the back burner! Writing skills can take you far, but to truly stand out in this insane market (38% of the US workforce is doing some freelance work), you have to genuinely impress.

1. How can I make a freelance writer portfolio without past experience?

This is a huge one for newcomers. It's sort of the same as applying to an entry-level job that calls for past experience. How do you navigate that kind of paradox? Luckily, it's a lot easier than you think to gather writing samples without any experience. It just might not be as lucrative as you're hoping.

Bust Open Google Docs

When in doubt, write for yourself! Pick a desired niche, a type of writing that you'd like to write for long-term/professionally, and start creating your own samples. These pieces can then be uploaded anywhere you'd like; you can even have a separate blog page within your portfolio website.

Having a passion project like a personal blog or newsletter could be exactly what you need to get your foot in the door. Don't worry too much about perfection here, just make sure you're gathering a body of work samples that are applicable to the sort of freelance writing career you're hoping for.

Offer Free Services

I know, I know. It's completely fair to be averse to doing unpaid work. But, if you have no bylines under your belt, the only way to build credibility and showcase your expertise is by having something out there to link to.

Perhaps, as a kind of compromise, you can offer these companies a package that includes a free first piece and paid content from then on. Or, you can just leave the door open and show to them just how great of a writer you are.

The truth is, we all start somewhere. Don't expect to earn thousands without proving yourself a worthwhile investment.

2. Where do I create my freelance writing portfolio website?

Once you have content to include in your portfolio, it's time to start building it. But there's a sea of writing portfolio builders out there. How can you decide which one is for you?

For starters, think about these criteria:

• Ease of Use: If you're not a web design pro, prioritize an easy-to-navigate platform with drag-and-drop features or pre-made layouts specifically for writers. This way, you can create a polished portfolio without any coding knowledge.

• Professionalism and Aesthetic: Consider the image you want to project. Whether you aim for a modern, sleek look or something more minimalist, pick a builder that aligns with your style. Customizable layouts can help you create a unique, branded feel.

• Cost: Some platforms offer free or low-cost options for those just starting out, allowing you to create a clean, simple portfolio without monthly expenses. Investing in a custom domain and paid plan can add professionalism to your brand as your career grows.

• SEO and Visibility: Make sure your chosen platform supports SEO so clients can easily find your portfolio online. Features like keyword optimization and meta descriptions help boost your visibility in search engines.

• Portfolio-Specific Features: Platforms like Journo Portfolio are designed with writers in mind, allowing you to showcase and organize samples easily. You can even include a blog or recent projects to highlight ongoing work.

3. What niche should my writing portfolio focus on?

This is entirely up to you. And, candidly, it depends on where you are in your journey. Many freelance writers have a specific niche, as that's typically the most lucrative option. Still, there's also nothing wrong with being a generalist, especially when you're just starting and don't have much experience.

Knowing what you like and what you're good at is important here. Usually, the best niche for you is something that touches on both of those things.

Aren't There Different Types of Niches?

Good catch! It's true; there are actually two types of niches: Client niche (who you're targeting) and format niche (what kind of writing you're doing).

Your client niche is what you might first think of when considering niche. This is, effectively, the target audience for your online writing portfolio. Ask yourself who you want to work with, and what you want to write about.

On the other hand, your format niche will be the type of writing you specialize in. For instance, you could be a freelance blog writer or a freelance LinkedIn ghostwriter. It all depends on what you're more skilled at, and what you could see yourself doing long-term.

You could go into a hyper-niche, which is where the best writing samples usually appear. This means combining both client and format into one specific group. Here's one: Freelance newsletter writer for fitness coaches.

Won't Niching Down Lower My Pool of Potential Clients?

Fair question, but in truth, this is a good thing. You're only one person, right? So, would you rather have a ton of clients who only pay you a little bit, or a few handpicked clients that hire you at a premium to do specialized work? That's the question you must ask yourself when deciding whether or not to niche down. (I think I know what your answer is, too.)

4. How many writing samples should be in a portfolio to impress potential clients?

Unlike most of the finer things in life, more is more when it comes to creating a good portfolio. While some suggest narrowing your pieces down to only your best work, there's actually a lot of merit in including your full body of experience. The key here, you see, lies in formatting.

Make sure that when you include pieces, they aren't randomly strewn about. Instead, separate your content by type. This way, when your ideal client is navigating your website, they don't feel confused. The truth is, many people have very short attention spans. If things look out of place or unaesthetic, they might just move on to the next person.

5. Should my freelance writer portfolio include my rates?

This is a bit of a controversial one. Many writers are split fifty-fifty on whether or not to include their rates in their portfolio website. It might seem like a simple addition, but it can actually have a massive impact on your business results. Let's dig into why people make a case for both.

Disclosing Rates Upfront

Some professionals prefer to disclose their rates upfront, believing it sets clear expectations and helps filter out clients prioritizing cost over quality, ultimately saving time and energy. By sharing rates in advance, discovery calls become more efficient, avoiding uncomfortable negotiations and allowing both parties to focus on understanding the project's goals and objectives.

While some prospects may still attempt to negotiate, these adjustments typically involve refining the project scope rather than reducing the established rate and keeping the pricing structure stable and transparent.

Not Including Rates in Your Writing Portfolio

On the other hand, many freelancers choose to wait before disclosing rates, as this flexibility allows them to adjust pricing based on their workload or client fit. When business is slower, they might consider slightly lower rates to secure new opportunities, while during busier periods, rates may increase to reflect their limited availability.

Holding off on rate disclosure can also accommodate difficult clients who require more time and revisions. Due to the additional work involved, these projects can demand higher fees. While individual pricing approaches vary, some may offer à la carte revisions or other specific pricing disclosures to keep clients informed and expectations clear.

6. How often should I update my freelance writing portfolio to stay relevant?

The best way to ensure that your portfolio stays current is by making adjustments and updates a part of your business routine. Perhaps add a day, once a quarter, dedicated to making tweaks to your website until you feel confident.

While many articles/sample pieces will be timeless, having relevant writing samples is a good way to show prospects that you're up-to-date in the game, still accepting inquiries, and not in a dry spell. (Even if you are in a dry spell, you can always beef up your portfolio with guest posts and personal blog updates).

7. Should my writing portfolio include details about my personal life?

There are many benefits to adding an "about" section to your writing portfolio or simply including some details about your journey and passion on its home page. You see, as odd as it seems, you aren't just using this website to showcase work. You're also using it to showcase your personal brand and explain why that brand is something that can help potential clients elevate their own.

Besides, there's nothing like a compelling story to make strangers attached to you and your prose. You don't need to spill every sordid little detail, but it can be majorly helpful to add some information regarding what makes you different than every other content writer (or copywriter) in your niche.

8. How can I gather social proof for my freelance writing portfolio?

Social proof is incredibly important. You can advocate for yourself all day, but the truth is that many people won't care until someone else advocates for you.

First, consider contacting past clients or editors you've worked with. A quick message asking if they'd be open to providing a short testimonial can often do the trick. If you're new and don't have past clients, that's okay! You can still gather social proof by offering a few sample projects at a discounted rate or even doing a limited amount of work pro bono. Many clients are more than happy to provide feedback in exchange for some initial free or discounted work.

Another option is to showcase metrics if they're available. Did one of your blog posts generate significant traffic, or did an email campaign you worked on have a particularly high conversion rate? Adding these kinds of "proof points" can offer the same reassurance as testimonials.

9. How can I boost the SEO of my writing portfolio?

Boosting the SEO of your writing portfolio can make a huge difference in attracting new clients and increasing visibility. Here are a few quick tips to get started:

• Backlinking: One of the easiest ways to build authority for your portfolio is to link back to it from other sites. Share guest posts, write for blogs in your niche, and include a link to your portfolio in your bio. Every time another reputable site links to your portfolio, it signals to search engines that your site is trustworthy, improving its ranking.

• Add Your Portfolio to Your Email Signature: Don't overlook your email signature as a powerful tool for promoting your portfolio. Every email you send can direct potential clients or collaborators to your work by adding a link to your signature. It's a simple, passive way to increase traffic and grow your network.

• Leverage Built-In SEO Features: Certain portfolio platforms, like Journo Portfolio, have built-in SEO features that help your portfolio rank well in search engines. With optional advanced settings, you can customize your portfolio's appearance in search results by adding relevant keywords and meta descriptions.

• Optimize with Keywords: Use relevant keywords naturally throughout your portfolio to improve your chances of ranking for terms potential clients are searching for. Include keywords like "freelance writer," "content writer," or terms specific to your niche in your bio, titles, and project descriptions.

10. What is the best way to share my freelance writer portfolio with my target audience?

Once you go through the process of creating a writing portfolio that you're genuinely pleased with, it's time to distribute that hard work to those you wish to see it. The best way to do this, as many writers know, is by pitching.

Start by identifying your ideal clients or publications and tailor your pitches to show how your expertise fits their needs. Include a direct link to your portfolio in your pitch email, making it easy for them to access your best work right away.

Beyond pitching, consider sharing your portfolio on social platforms where your target audience hangs out---like LinkedIn if you're targeting business clients or Twitter if you're after media or tech gigs. And don't forget the power of networking events, industry groups, or online forums where you can introduce yourself and link to your portfolio naturally!

Build Your Freelance Writer Portfolio Today With Journo Portfolio

With all of the tough questions out of the way, you're left with no excuse: It's time to craft your portfolio! And, if you need to see some portfolio examples to get you started, we have plenty for you to browse.

Journo Portfolio prides itself on balancing ease of use and potential for customization, making it one of the best portfolio builders online. It's in the name, after all! Check out our complete list of features, and get started with your free account today.