How to Build the Perfect Freelance Writing Portfolio
- 1). Review your past work to find the best samples of your writing. Consider including magazine-style articles, website content, blog posts, advertising copy, brochures, reports and other types of writing in your portfolio. If you do not have a great deal of writing experience, develop several mock samples that showcase your talents.
- 2). Format each sample in a similar manner to make the portfolio visually appealing to potential clients. Use professional fonts and graphics to enhance your samples without creating distractions.
- 3). Package printed samples in an attractive binder or leather folio. If you use a binder, protect your samples with clear sheet protectors. Organize your samples by project type or topic to make it easier to find specific samples during meetings with prospective clients. Alternatively, tailor your portfolio to your client's needs. If you schedule a meeting with a prospective client who wants to hire a sales letter writer, remove other types of samples and add samples of your best sales letters.
- 4). Create an online portfolio to supplement your printed work. Convert your samples to PDF format or create HTML pages to give potential clients direct access to your work.
- 5). Update your portfolio regularly to ensure that potential clients always see your best work. If you have 20 years of writing experience, avoid using samples you wrote early in your career. Displaying your most recent work helps you establish professional credibility with potential clients.
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