How to Create a Portfolio

I started my personal blog for several reasons, but mostly as a “portfolio” for prospective clients. Its focus is my life and how it can throw you curve balls (my first post was about being laid-off). But I felt it would be a good platform to showcase different types of writing since my interests range from movies (movie reviews) to interior decorating (personal how-tos on transforming living spaces) to creative writing (prose fragments and poetry). However, in the last year I’ve felt a need to create a portfolio featuring projects that specifically reflect what I have to offer as a freelance writer.

Put the Spotlight on You

You need prime real estate to sell yourself. A portfolio tab, portfolio website or one-page portfolio website shines the spotlight on you. It gives you more room to showcase your skills. It’s not a blog - It also allows you to demonstrate the range of your abilities without “distractions.” Don’t forget to include your CV or an “About” tab. Include any appropriate link (LinkedIn profile, business Facebook page, etc.). A portfolio should:

• express your personality

• be selective – less quantity, more quality

• make a good impression

Showcasing Your Work

Get creative. There are no rules. Showcase your work in a way that makes prospective employers want to interview you. Or even better yet, want to offer you a position for which you have not yet applied. Putting your portfolio online means anyone has access to it 24/7. It also means you can change certain elements that become outdated and you can add recent projects that reveal a newly acquired skill set. While you definitely what that “wow” factor, keep the layout simple and the content straightforward.

More Present than Past

It took me a while to figure out what to include. Here’s what worked for me:

• feature current samples and limit the time frame to two years – include older projects only if they really make you shine

• select projects that correspond to the services you offer

• include as much variety as possible while still focusing on your specialty (if you have one)

• wherever applicable, include links, references and testimonials

#freelancewriter #copywriting #portfolio