website builders

Year End Task: Revamp Your Online Portfolio

November 19, 2015 by Noemi 1 Comment

As the last month of the year fast approaches, it’s a good idea to set aside time to assess your freelance writing business. Take a look back at the past year, what you’ve achieved, and whether you’ve reached the goals you have set.

It is also the perfect time to look forward and plan for the coming year. There are many things involved in planning for a brand new year, and one of them is to revamp your online portfolio. If you do not have one yet, we suggest that you read “Why you need an online portfolio“. It will help you understand the value of having your own venue to showcase your work.

If you already have an online portfolio, this resource is designed to help you take it to the next level in order for you to get the most out of it. [Read more…]

Tips to Create an Effective Writer’s Website

September 19, 2014 by Noemi 3 Comments

If there is one thing that we’ve said over and over again, it’s that freelance writers need to have their own website. A writer’s website serves many purposes, perhaps the main one being your online portfolio.

If you don’t have your writer’s website yet, don’t fret, as there are many platforms and tools that make it easy for non-developers and non-designers create a website, of which website.1and1.com is one example. Practically anyone can use it without having to worry about technical aspects.

Even if you have your writer’s website already, you might want to take a look at it again to see if it is optimally laid out so that you can get as much out of it as possible.

Here are some tips to create an effective writer’s website.

Craft great landing pages

A landing page is a page on a website that a visitor is directed to with the intent of getting him to respond to a “call to action”. For example, a landing page on your site can ask the visitor to sign up for your newsletter. Another example is to entice the visitor to buy your eBook.

The key to landing pages is that you want people to actually take action. You want conversion. Results.

There is an art to writing landing pages that convert, and here is a good guide that will help you: The 5 Stages of Writing Irresistible Landing Page Copy.

Here is another comprehensive guide to help you with landing pages.

Create sections and make navigation easy

Source

What is the purpose of your website? At its core, a writer’s website is your identity online. It can serve as your business card. It can showcase your writing portfolio. It can have a section that serves as your blog, where you can write about anything you want and update it on a regular basis. It’s your website. You can do what you want with it.

However, do remember that the simpler things are online, the more appealing to the reader. Create several sections, but don’t overdo it. For example, have a Blog, Portfolio, About Page, Contact Page, and Products Page.

The next crucial element: make sure those sections are easy to find and that your entire website is easy to navigate.

Try to make sure that your visitors have to click as little as possible to get to information that they want. One less click is always good.

Also read: Difference Between a Resume and a Portfolio?

Provide specific information about yourself

Since a writer’s website is meant to be your online representative, it needs to introduce yourself properly. You want clients to get in touch with you, right? That means you can’t be an anonymous person online. People need to know who you are, and they need to know some details about you so they can make a decision whether to hire you or not.

Make it easy to get in touch with you.

Again, you want your website to convert – that is, get people to hire you or buy your products if you’re selling any. As such, make it as easy as possible to get in touch with you. In your contact page, highlight your contact information as much as possible. Whatever email or phone number you display, make sure you check them often. If you know your response time is between 24-48 hours (or whatever number), make that clear as well.

Why You Need an Online Portfolio; Yes, You!

June 19, 2014 by Noemi 2 Comments

What is an online portfolio anyway? In an article Jodee wrote some time ago, she clearly explained the difference between an online portfolio and a resume.

Source

To sum it up, an online portfolio is a web site or blog which showcases your work. It can contain a variety of formats, including:

Blog posts
Excerpt from a book, either in print or an e-book
Link to an electronic newsletter
Link to your own articles published online
SEO articles

Now that we’re clear about what an online portfolio is, it should also be easy to deduce why a freelance writer needs one – especially these days, when clients have so many writers to choose from. For argument’s sake, though, let’s dig in a little deeper.

Do I really need one?

Yes, you really need an online portfolio, and here are some compelling reasons.

One-stop shop for prospective clients

Let’s say a prospective client stumbles upon an article of yours online. She or he might be interested in hiring you, but might want to know more before getting in touch. That’s where your online portfolio comes into the picture. If you include the link to your web site in your author bio, all a prospective client has to do click on it, and he’ll find what he needs to see.

One-stop shop for you to find samples when needed

Looking at it from your perspective, having your best work located in one place makes it convenient. When applying for a writing gig, clients usually want samples. Whether they want URLs or Word documents, you can easily visit your web site and cherry pick the samples you can send.

It makes you come across as a professional

Having your own web site which tells people about you, your background, and your work adds to your professional image. It says a lot that you were willing to invest time, money, and effort in creating an online portfolio.

Something to peruse when you feel down

This may not seem to be directly related to getting clients, but there are times when a writer feels down; and when this happens to you, reading some of your best work will certainly give you a boost. That, in turn, can lead to higher productivity and better work.

How do you go about it?

I hope you’re convinced by now that you need an online portfolio. If you haven’t got one yet, then there’s no better time to start building one than now.

How?

The simplest way is to to use a free website maker, of which there are lots to choose from. The good thing about these platforms is that you don’t have to pay initially. If you do want to upgrade for more features, then that’s when you can shell out money. Additionally, these builders – even the free versions – are chockfull of tools that are meant to assist even those who may not be design/code savvy. You just have to choose styles and themes, and then drag and drop elements. Their user interfaces are usually designed to be very intuitive.

You can also use WordPress, which has a free version and is very easy to use as well. While WordPress is often associated with blogs, the platform has so many features that you can customize your web site to your heart’s desire. Even better, there are support forums where you can find assistance whenever you need it.

Once you’ve decided on what platform to use, you just need to choose your best work and highlight them. Of course, you also want to make your online portfolio look clean and professional, so here are some tips to create a stunning online portfolio.

Who has an online portfolio? Want to share them with us in the comments?