Whether you are a freelance writer or just someone who loves writing pieces of content, a writing portfolio website gives you the opportunity to showcase your writing skills.
See, by sharing your best work through a writing portfolio, you can attract clients or help them decide to hire you.
So, how do we go about creating an online writing portfolio?
A well-presented portfolio can help you attract potential clients and grow as a professional.
Now, creating an online writing portfolio is no cakewalk, especially if you're new to it. Not to worry, by the time you've finished reading this guide, you will become an expert in creating online writing portfolio websites.
Online Writing Portfolio Explained
An online writing portfolio is a website that contains a selection of a writer's best work. It's a medium through which a writer can highlight their skills, style, and knowledge.
An online writing portfolio mainly contains writing samples on different topics and genres. Most freelance writers take complete advantage of a portfolio website to communicate their body of work to potential clients or publications.
Why Create a Writing Portfolio Website?
Showcase your great writing
With the help of a portfolio, you'll be able to portray all your best work under one umbrella. This makes it easy for clients or publications to view your articles without any hassle.
Increase your online presence
Through a writing portfolio, you can really highlight your creativity to future clients or publications. Basically, an online portfolio allows you to reach a wider audience, and you can do this by optimizing your writer portfolio for search engines through SEO.
You can also utilize your portfolio by including your contact info, social media links, and much more. Neat marketing tool right?
Improve your clientele
As a freelance writer, your aim is to grow a healthy network of clients and one such way you can get that checked off is by creating a writer portfolio.
By having a portfolio it opens up an avenue to communicate with clients and publications, thereby, making it easy for potential hiring.
Plus, having an online presence and providing easy access to samples of your work will again increase your chances of landing writing gigs.
Solidify your reputation and credibility
Cement your reputation and establish your credibility by including evidence of your skill and experience through your writing samples.
Also, add a section where you want to include testimonials, previous publications, and recognitions you've received to let others know you're trusted, leaving a lasting impression.
How to Make a Writing Portfolio: Step by Step Guide
In terms of structure, there are no particular rules you need to keep in mind. Let your creativity flow.
However, if you're new to website building, you need to be aware of some of these crucial steps and elements.
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind to improve your portfolio layout:
- Choose a user-friendly website builder
- Select your niche and target audience
- Start structuring and writing your website copy
- Choose a theme or template
- Include your best writing samples
- Testimonials are a no-brainer
- Structure your home page
- Author bio
- Contact Us page is a must have
1. Choose a user-friendly website builder
Website builders are crucial when it comes to creating online portfolio websites. See, it is common among writers to feel overwhelmed when web design comes to mind.
With platforms like Pixpa, WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix, you don't have to worry, as these are no-code builders that allow you to create your portfolio without having any technical knowledge about web development.
When it comes to choosing a website builder, you really need to do research and understand the purpose as to why you're willing to make your portfolio.
Different platforms focus on a niche. For example, Pixpa is a website builder for creatives such as writers and photographers. All you need to do is choose from 150+ eye-catching templates and use the drag-and-drop, along with features, to build online portfolio websites in minutes.
Here are some common pointers to look into when choosing a website builder:
- Affordable pricing
- Web hosting
- Easy to navigate
- Social media functionality
- Blogging tools
- Website Analytics
If you're in the early stages, we recommend that you create your writing portfolio as simple and minimalistic as possible. Set yourself a deadline and work on it just the way you've envisioned.
Need help with research? Take a look at some of the top website builders of 2024
2. Select your niche and target audience
Before moving on to writing your website copy, it is important to narrow down your ideal target audience.
The fact is that publications or clients are looking for writers who specialize in a particular niche. So we would first recommend sticking to one particular area of expertise, as it helps to retain your credibility.
Especially for freelance writers in this section, you need to clearly specify the type of content you specialize in. For example, it can be sales writing or blog writing.
Additionally, you should be clear about the type of industry you cater to. It can be, for instance, e-commerce, IT, marketing, and so on.
Once you've gained a better picture of who your target audience is now, it's time to go deeper. Create a target persona, list out their pain points, and understand what are some of the reasons why they're looking to hire freelance writers.
Put yourself in the same shoes as your clients. This will provide you with a better picture of what the clients want to see in your writer portfolio.
3. Start structuring and writing your website copy
Now that you're clear on who to target, you can begin structuring and writing your website copy.
In this step, you need to think about what pages you want to include and structure them accordingly.
There are various elements you may want to include specifically for freelance writing portfolios. We will discuss a few significant sections that need to be included in the coming points.
A strong writing portfolio is one in which your type of writing and the industry you cover match the website's overall style.
Now, if you write articles about art, you may want to tailor your portfolio website in such a way that it uses vibrant colours or if you write about sports news, you may want to implement a more minimalistic approach
Now, if you want to gain more in-depth insight, check out our blog to help you get started on how to build a portfolio for freelancers in 2024
4. Choose a theme or template
Most website builders have already included templates or themes which can either use or gain inspiration when designing your online writing portfolio.
Choose a theme that is clean, sleek, and, most importantly, mobile-friendly. The beauty of site builders such as Pixpa is that the structure is already present. You just have to move the elements according to your liking, which helps you save a lot of time.
Check out some of Pixpa's eye-catching and minimalistic template examples and get inspired!
5. Include your best writing samples
For those who are looking for writing jobs, you must include in your portfolio a sample of your best work. This makes it easy for potential clients to assess your high-quality writing and help make a decision to hire you.
You need to choose relevant writing samples, 3-4 pieces of your best work that cater to the niche and target audience. Refrain from including topics that are not part of your niche, as it may affect your credibility.
Additionally, when you add your writing samples, always lay out the goals you achieved for the client. It can be the traffic or conversions you were able to bring in as a result of your writing. This is a great way to highlight your writing experience and knowledge regarding your specific niche.
Always remember not to include a lot of writing samples. Many freelance writers tend to do this. Select a few pieces so that potential clients can review them and are not overwhelmed. The idea here is to provide a seamless experience for site visitors.
6. Testimonials are a no-brainer
No matter if you have a photography portfolio or, in this case, a writer portfolio, a testimonial section is a must.
Testimonials are a great way through which you can build your credibility, increase conversions, and also help clients relate or connect with you.
Now, should you just include a random testimonial? No, it is important to add testimonials that are from people part of the niche you're targeting.
One of the best ways you can gain testimonials is by offering free writing samples in exchange for testimonials from reputed clients or publications.
Please note that the content in the testimonials also matters!
It should not just include fancy words about how great your writing services are. When asking for testimonials, ask them to include how your work has had a positive impact on the client's business and what sets you apart from other freelancers the clients have previously worked with.
7. Structure your home page
Now that you've included most of the elements needed to help build a portfolio website, the next step is to structure your home page.
When designing your home page, you need to ensure that you are clearly communicating to your audience.
This is the first web page in your portfolio that a client or publication is going to visit, and hence, your messaging must be such that it is convincing and gripping in a way that they believe you're the right person for the job.
You can include the industries you've previously worked for and the kind of writing you've experience in. Basically a very short and concise author bio.
Also, on your home page, we would advise you to explain your process on how you go about completing your work, the methods you opt and the average timeline of completion. It provides a more professional outlook, which is what potential clients want when looking for writers in their niche.
8. Author bio
The author bio is an area where you can introduce yourself to potential clients and to those individuals who want to know more about you.
Under this section, you can personalize the messaging, but make sure the bio aligns with the tone and content in your overall body of work.
Furthermore, you can include your writing credentials, awards you've received, and popular publications you've previously worked with.
Our recommendation is to include a gripping author bio detailing the struggles that led you to choose writing as a profession.
Check out our article for ideas on how to create the perfect author bio.
Mathew Owen Jones's 'About section' is well crafted. The information showcases his passion, desire and motivation that led him to take writing. He has also included links to his previous work which helps improve user experience.
9. Contact Us page is a must have
Lastly, include a Contact Us section in your portfolio page and provide links to your e-mail address, social media handles, phone numbers, and other contact information.
Just make sure that your contact page is visible and easy to access. Try to include CTA's to your contact page in different sections of your website.
Most importantly, keep it simple. If you want to use a contact form, make sure that it works and does not end up in your spam mail.
Finding it difficult to create a Contact Us page? Check out our blog to learn how to create the perfect Contact Us page.
Veronica Stretska's 'Contact Page' is simplistic yet covers all bases. The contact form has everything a user would want to start the initial conversation with the writer. Including a photo was a neat touch, as it helps provide a personalized experience.
Here's a Stunning Writing Portfolio Examples Made on Pixpa
Take a look at some of the creative writing portfolio examples made with Pixpa:
KiAnna Nycole
KiAnna is a notable writer and filmmaker. KiAnna's portfolio is a perfect example of writer portfolios created using Pixpa. This portfolio is great because:
Areas of expertise are laid out clearly: The template used allows KiAnna to structure the portfolio into sections, i.e., film and art. A user will be able to clearly see KiAnna's work on the home page along with CTA's to view further.
Minimalistic design: The colors used blend well with the overall aesthetic. She has included her picture in the About section and the Homepage, which adds to the personality and trust.
Clear and simple structure: The homepage has everything a site visitor would want. With clear links to her social media accounts, work, interviews and more.
James F. Hickey
James F. Hickey is a writer and a creative consultant. James has used Pixpa's Porto template to create his writing portfolio. Here's why the portfolio is great:
Clear tagline: A user who visits the site will see what James does. The inclusion of a photo further adds a personal touch.
Structured layout: Apart from that concise tagline, James has included different sections, such as project highlights and work experience with CTA's for users to learn more. He has also included links to his Medium and LinkedIn accounts for users to understand more about his work.
Background: The dark background helps the text and images pop out, allowing site visitors to focus on the text.
Hamsa Balegaar
Hamsa Balegaar is a writer, content marketer, and copywriter. Pixpa's gorgeous Define template has been used to create this portfolio. What makes Hamsa's portfolio great? Let's dive in:
Strong headline: Instead of talking about herself, Hamsa clearly states her process and the type of content she is focused on and knowledgeable in writing. Additionally, below the headline, there are examples of her previous work styled in a grid format.
Well laid out About section: This section includes everything about her, including the process she follows, motivations, skills and expertise, and content formats.
Mathew Ownen Jones
Mathew Owen Jones is a short story writer and novelist. He has used the Pixpa's Titan template to showcase his writing portfolio. Here's why the portfolio is great:
Template: The portfolio truly stands out through its color and design. The dark colors blend well with the covers of his previous work, which is laid out in a grid format.
Links to contact details: The links to his social accounts are clearly laid out for those who want to know more about the writer and his journey. Apart from social media, he has further included links to Amazon and GoodReads for those interested in reading his work.
Why Pixpa Is the Preferred Choice for Your Online Writing Portfolio?
Pixpa is a no-code website builder designed for creatives such as writers to build stunning writing portfolios. Take a look at some of the features that make Pixpa a perfect choice for creating online writing portfolios:
Drag and drop interface: Pixpa's user-friendly interface allows you to design your website the way you want. Through drag-and-drop page builder, you can add and edit pre-built blocks, allowing for full customization.
Large library of templates: Pixpa has over 150+ customizable templates dedicated to creatives such as writers. Most importantly, Pixpa enables you to change templates even after your site is live. A unique feature that other website builders don't provide.
Integrated blog: Through Pixpa, you can add multiple blogs to your website, each with its own set of blog posts, tags, and layout. Plus, you can choose from a multitude of design layouts for your blog to match the visual style of your website.
Custom contact forms: For all you freelance writers out there, you can create custom contact forms that'll help in collecting vital information from your site visitors. A key element to have if you're looking to land writing gigs.
To learn more about some of the high-level features offered by Pixpa, check out our features page.
Ready to Create a Strong Writing Portfolio?
Now that you have gone through the step-by-step guide, it's time to put the plans into action by creating your online writing portfolio.
Having an online portfolio is essential if you want your work to be seen and land writing gigs from potential clients who are part of your niche.
Website builders such as Pixpa help you turn your vision into reality by creating stunning portfolios within minutes. However, once you set up your portfolio, remember to constantly update the content and ask for feedback from fellow writers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you showcase your work as a writer?
Writing portfolio websites are a great tool for showcasing your work, especially if you're a freelance writer. In this competitive market, a writing portfolio website helps you stand out from the crowd and provides potential clients or publications with key information to evaluate you.
What is the easiest site to build a portfolio?
Pixpa is a website builder solely for writers and other creatives to build online portfolios. Choose from a library of 150+ eye-catching templates and design your website according to your vision.
The interface is super user-friendly and includes high-level features, namely integrated blogs, SEO tools, drag-and-drop builder, and more, to help power your online presence.
How to build a writing portfolio with no experience?
If you're someone who is just starting out as a writer, here are a few tips to help create an online writing portfolio:
- Research and figure out the industry you want to get into and eventually write about.
- Gain valuable experience and testimonials by providing strong samples to reputable clients.
- Network to various publications and clients that are part of your niche.
- Showcase people your writing skills by including mock pieces.