So – you finally decided to build your very own freelance writing portfolio website. This is the giant leap forward that will separate you from the rest of the pack. It will allow you to get more work, establish your online presence, and create a permanent channel that will connect you and your clientele.
Related: Why You Need an Online Portfolio; Yes, You!
But first, you need to learn how to build a standout portfolio website that will make a big impression on your prospects. The good news is you no longer need to learn web design or programming to do this. Here are five resources that will help set you up.
Resources to create your portfolio
MakeAWebsiteHub.com
Simply put, MakeAWebsiteHub.com will teach you everything you need to learn to build a great website. This is the perfect place to start if you have no prior knowledge or experience in site building.
Related: 5 Online Portfolio Platforms for Freelance Writers
MakeAWebsiteHub.com highlights three key steps for building websites: choosing a platform, registering a domain, and setting up your website. The guide will walk you through a long-form article that specifies exactly what you need to do for every step. Take note that these instructions are specifically for using a Content Management System, particularly WordPress which is regarded as the most flexible and easy-to-use platform.
How to Create a Killer Writing Portfolio for Freelancers
Learning how to build a website is just the first step for creating your online portfolio. The next step is to customize the layout and develop your content.
In this post from Quietly, you can learn all about the essential elements of a successful portfolio website. You can also find tips on compiling your previous work, writing your freelancing biography, and choosing a portfolio website (other than using WordPress). The recommended route, however, is to incorporate the strategies you learn from this resource with the site building steps outlined in MakeAWebsiteHub.com.
How to Use Blogging to Launch a Freelance Writing Career
Most freelancers never really prioritize building and maintaining a personal blog. Unfortunately, they could be missing out on one of the most powerful items you can include in your writing portfolio.
In a guest post by Bamidele Onibalusi (published on Think Traffic), you can learn all about the intricate details of professional blogging – from monetizing your work to raising your status as an expert. It also includes ideas that will help you to establish your blog’s authority, improve your SEO, and get clients who need your writing services.
How Freelance Writers can Take Advantage of Social Media
Social media is a great channel for promoting your portfolio website and attracting more clients. Keep in mind that there are over a billion people on Facebook alone. True, most of them may not be interested in hiring your services, but a substantial number of people will probably appreciate if you can write something meaningful. This can give your portfolio or personal blog that much-needed traffic for growth and monetization.
In this article from Writers in Charge, you can learn about promoting yourself on major social networks, particularly Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It contains useful lessons that will help you shape your writing persona and connect with other people who can help you build your professional network.
The Freelancer’s Guide to Cold Email Outreach
In all fairness, sending cold emails is not as bad as it sounds. It might be intimidating at first, but it is a great way to grow your network and promote your writing portfolio to premium clients.
Cold emails may come in many forms. You may use it for requesting guest posts, outreaching bloggers, using the “Skyscraper technique”, or just flat out promoting your freelancing service. Whatever you have in mind, this guide found on Nusii is a great resource for crafting the best possible emails that will drive traffic to your online portfolio. It covers the fundamentals of email marketing – from managing your list to adjusting your strategy.
Conclusion
Building a portfolio site is indeed a great accomplishment as a freelance writer. However, it’s the integrity to continue what you started is what really counts. Keep in mind that your portfolio will not grow your writing career for you. It is merely a tool that requires persistence and great effort to be effective.
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