Welcome to our guide on how to create a content writer portfolio, taking inspiration from Sushrut Mishra. If you’re not familiar with Sushrut (me), no worries—I’ll fill you in.
I am a full-time content writer. In the last 3 years, I have worked with more than thirty clients and earned approximately $40K with writing alone. But it wasn’t always like this. When starting out, I had low paying toxic clients. But once I worked on my portfolio, things changed.
Now, you might be wondering, “How do I create a high-converting content writer portfolio?” Well, that’s exactly what I’m here to help you with. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step, keeping things straightforward and easy to follow.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned writer looking to polish your portfolio or a newcomer eager to establish yourself. The only requirement is you need to be a writer. Let’s get started!
What Prospects Want To See In Your Content Writer Portfolio
When it comes to your portfolio, it’s not just a showcase of what you’ve done so far. Rather, treat it like a statement of what you can be! Your potential content writing clients aren’t just looking for pretty words—they want substance, results, and social proof that you’re the real deal.
Disclaimer: Writing is one of the most demanded and crowded skill. Everyone claims to be a content writer today. And that is exactly why you need to appear as the real deal.
Now, your portfolio as a content writer must have these three aspects:
- Writing samples
- Results
- Testimonials
First off, let’s talk writing samples. Your portfolio should be chock-full of your best work, articles, blog posts, copies, anything. But here’s the kicker: they need to be crystal clear and easy to digest. No matter how well you write, if you can’t present it well, you’re done.
Now, onto results. Did your writing lead to a spike in website traffic? Or maybe it sparked a surge in social media engagement? Or product sales? Whatever it is, shout it from the rooftops (or at least your portfolio). Clients want to see that your words lead to action.
But here’s the secret sauce: testimonials. It’s not enough to toot your own horn; let others do it for you. When someone else vouches for your skills, it adds serious credibility. When your past clients vouch for your work, it gets easier to get new clients.
Don’t ever sleep on the testimonials. Because when it comes to impressing clients, nothing speaks louder than the words of those who’ve been wowed by your work.
Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Content Writer Portfolio
Now that you know what your portfolio needs, let’s look at the steps needed to create one. Here’s your roadmap to creating a content writer portfolio that attracts high-paying clients:
1. Choose a Platform
Not many people focus on this part, but your choice of platform for hosting your portfolio is very critical. It sets the tone and determines how your audience will experience your work. There are several options available.
For example – Canva, WordPress, Carrd, Squarespace, Google doc. It could by anything. If you’re tech-savvy and want full control over your portfolio’s design and functionality, code it. You have tons of options when it comes to choosing a platform.
For those who prefer a more user-friendly approach, popular website builders like WordPress and Wix offer drag-and-drop interfaces and a wide range of templates. These platforms are beginner-friendly and require minimal technical knowledge.
Another option worth considering is carrd.co, a simple yet powerful platform for building one-page websites. I host my personal portfolio and company website on Carrd itself. Carrd offers a clean and minimalist design, perfect for showcasing your writing without distractions. It’s also affordable, with plans starting at just a few dollars per month.
But don’t take my word for it. Try what you want, choose what you want. When choosing a platform, consider factors such as cost, ease of use, customization options, and technical support.
This is how my Carrd portfolio website looks like: sushrut.carrd.co
2. Define Your Target Audience
Before you start creating your writing portfolio, define your target audience. Who are you writing for? What industries or niches are you targeting? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your portfolio to their specific needs and interests.
You can’t just put up four different writing pieces for four different industries. You won’t get a client who wants to hire a generalist; people want specialists. And your portfolio needs to look like one of a specialist. Niche-down!
Start by researching your target market. What are their pain points, challenges, and goals? What type of content are they looking for?
Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, tailor your portfolio’s content, tone, and design to appeal to them. For example, if you’re targeting tech startups, highlight your experience writing about emerging technologies and industry trends.
For example – I have experience as a Salesforce developer and I wanted to get into technical writing. So, I narrowed down my service and writing area to the Salesforce market.
Similarly, choose yours.
3. Your About Me Section
Your About Me section is your opportunity to introduce yourself to potential clients and showcase your personality. Your ideal prospects want to get to know the person behind the writing.
Start by sharing a brief overview of who you are and what you do. Highlight your passion for writing and your commitment to delivering high-quality content. Then, dive into your background and experience.
Try to answer this – What makes you uniquely qualified to tackle the projects your audience needs help with?
But don’t stop there. Go beyond the professional and give visitors a glimpse into your personal interests and hobbies. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a coffee addict, or a cat lover, sharing a bit of your personality can help you connect with potential clients on a deeper level.
But oh, keep it concise and to the point. Aim for a balance between professionalism and personality. And be sure to write each word with your unique personality touch to it.
This is how my about me section looks like:
4. Select Your Best Writing Samples
Your writing samples are the heart and soul of your portfolio—they’re what potential clients will use to evaluate your skills and expertise. But with so many pieces to choose from, how do you decide which ones to include?
This is how I did it:
I excel in technical blog writing and social media copywriting. So, for the blog writing part, I’ve included 4 links that land to the best blogs I’ve ever written.
Similarly, for the copywriting part, I’ve included my X and LinkedIn profiles where one can go through my posts and understand what I write, how I write.
Now, for you:
Start by selecting a range of samples that showcase your versatility as a writer. Include examples from different industries, formats, and styles to demonstrate your ability to adapt to various client needs.
For example, if you specialize in technology writing, include samples covering topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development.
Next, prioritize quality over quantity. Choose samples that are not only well-written but also demonstrate tangible results. Did your blog post drive thousands of organic visitors to a client’s website? Did your email campaign result in a significant increase in sales? Highlighting these successes will showcase the real-world impact of your writing.
If you’re just starting out and don’t have clients yet, create your own writing samples to showcase your skills. This is how I started too!
Consider writing blog posts on topics that interest you or contributing articles to platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. These samples may not be client-specific, but they’ll still give potential clients a sense of your writing style and abilities.
I chose Dev.to to write and published a set of blogs on Salesforce. You can read them here. By the way, you can use sites like Hashnode, Dev.to, and Medium for hosting your portfolio too.
5. Include Social Proof and Testimonials
When it comes to building trust and credibility, social proof is your secret weapon. Testimonials from satisfied clients can help validate your skills and reassure potential clients that they’re making the right choice in hiring you.
Reach out to your past clients and ask for feedback, if you haven’t already. Request specific examples of how your writing helped them achieve their goals, whether it was increasing website traffic, generating leads, or boosting sales.
Include these testimonials prominently in your portfolio, ideally alongside the relevant writing samples. But what if you’re just starting out and don’t have any client testimonials yet?
Don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to incorporate social proof into your portfolio. Ask people for endorsements and recommendations. But not just anyone!
In addition to client testimonials, consider including social proof elements like case studies, client logos, or statistics highlighting your achievements. The goal is to provide potential clients with tangible evidence of your expertise and track record of success.
This is how I portray testimonials on my website:
6. Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Now, let’s talk about the grand finale—the call-to-action (CTA) that tells your visitors what to do next. There is no point of any portfolio, website, or copy which has no CTA. The whole point of CTAs is to make your visitors do something.
But making a good CTA isn’t hard. It’s just about telling people what you want them to do in a way that makes sense.
Do you want them to contact you? Subscribe to your newsletter? Follow you on social media?
Whatever it is, just say it plainly.
Think about your audience. What would they want to do next? Maybe they want to learn more about you, or maybe they want to see more of your work. Whatever it is, make sure your CTA speaks to them and tells them what to do.
And don’t forget to make it easy to find. Use big letters, bright colors, and buttons that stand out. You want your CTA to be like a big sign that says, “Hey, look at me! Click here!”
So, when it comes to your CTA, keep it simple, keep it clear, and make it impossible to miss. Because when you do, you’ll have your visitors lining up to take the next step with you.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! You’ve just learned the basics of creating a content writer portfolio. And trust me, basics are the secrets. A lot of us complicate everything. The biggest lesson I can give you right now is – “It is simple.” And this lesson applies to every possible thing you can think of.
But remember, this isn’t the end-all-be-all. Your portfolio is a work in progress, so keep tweaking it as you grow. Add new samples, update testimonials, and stay on top of your game. Because your competition is doing it already.
And don’t forget, being a top writer is about more than just words. It’s about making connections, delivering value, and always pushing yourself.
FAQs
Q: How do I create a content writer portfolio?
A: Choose a platform, gather your best writing samples, include an about me section, add testimonials or social proof, and include a strong call-to-action.
Q: What should a writer have in their portfolio?
A: A writer should have a variety of high-quality writing samples, an about me section highlighting their expertise, testimonials or social proof, and a clear call-to-action.
Q: How to create a content writing portfolio with no experience?
A: Create samples on topics of interest, contribute to platforms like Medium or LinkedIn, showcase any relevant writing projects or coursework, and include personal projects or writing exercises.
Q: Do freelance writers need a portfolio?
A: Yes, a portfolio helps freelance writers showcase their skills, expertise, and previous work to potential clients, increasing their chances of landing gigs.
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