The Building Blocks for an Online Freelance Writing Portfolio
-
David
-
December 26th, 2012
If you're a freelance writer, you're probably very aware of the fact that you need a place to share your work if you want to gain new clients. How do you do this? Usually, we build online freelance writing portfolios with samples of our work.
But, that's easier said than done. What do you add? How? Where? I'll describe the basics below!
"I'm a freelance writer. Hire me."
Well, really you need 6! That very first element should be a website. You do not need to self-host; a free WordPress.com or Blogger blog will be perfectly fine. Just be sure it's easy-to-read and contains all the required information below!
1. About
Repeat after me: "I am my own biggest special feature." You are. You certainl, absolutely are! Unless your clients are coming to you for work that's nothing special whatsoever, they're there for you.
If you're a creative, punchy, sort of bossy writer, sell that. If you're a friendly, kindhearted, warm soul, sell that. The more easily and intensely your potential clients connect with you on a personal level, the sooner they'll be sold.
Related Reading: "Are You Making These 7 Mistakes with Your About Page?" from CopyBlogger
2. Services
It doesn't matter how great you are unless you know what you're selling. Are you a copywriter? Blogger? Editorial writer? Tell your clients what you write (it's okay to write a few different main types of projects) so that they can hire you! Plus, Google's spiders will eat these words for breakfast, which will help you get traffic anyway.
Useful plugin: Show price comparisons for different packages of work with the Pricing Table Plugin
3. Samples/Portfolio
Once you know what you do, provide relevant links and samples of those works on a Samples or Portfolio page. Be sure to provide at least one example of each writing style you offer. This can be difficult, so I also like linking to writing profiles (like on HubPages), guest posts written elsewhere (if relevant), or really, as many useful, selling points as I can. Have at least one, but avoid more than 5 of each variety unless you do a very specific type of work.
Writer's Wish List: Use the Google Doc Embedder Pluginon WordPress to embed copies of your writing samples right on the page!
4. Contact
How do you want your future clients to contact you? Through a comment on a web page? Terrible idea! Have a simple, concise contact page with information on where to reach you (email, phone, Skype name, etc), a contact form (I love integrating with Wufoo to capture that information for mailing lists), and links to social media sites.
Make it as easy as possible for clients to find you!
5. Blog
This can be a contentious point for some freelancers building online portfolios. Do you really need a blog?
The quick answer: no. With all of the information above, you should have enough there to show potential clients who you are and what you can do.
But, to increase the size of your website's reach, to prove authority on the matter, and to connect with clients in need, I highly recommend blogging! One post a week is all you need to be on the path towards online freelance writing portfolio success.
Cool idea: Install the WP Testimonials Plugin so that rotating qutoes sell you while the reader watches!