How to create a writing portfolio with no experience?
Have you always been a good persuasive writer, and have you considered entering the field of copywriting? It can be overwhelming if you don’t have any work experience, but don’t stress yourself out.
There are many ways to start your online career, and you don’t have to spend a dime to build a great portfolio. All you need is your writing expertise, patience, dedication and hard work.
1. Join a copywriting course
The best way to learn any new skill is to find the perfect course. Joining a copywriting course can teach you how to open a new source of income, but also boost your self-confidence. This is a great way to get a toolkit for learning practical techniques and templates for building a strong portfolio.
Courses can detail the types of copywriting you can use, how to write catchy headlines, or how to write sales pages, websites, brochures, reports, and more. Knowing this information will make it easier for you to create a portfolio from scratch.
2. Join Facebook business groups
Not only is membership in Facebook business groups free for everyone, but you still have a chance to get writing work for your portfolio. Join freelance writing groups, keep an eye out for the latest posts, and take advantage of every opportunity, no matter how small.
It’s also a good idea to create your own posts, to let others know that you offer writing services. Don’t know where to start? Here are some useful ways to discover new Facebook groups. Many people are new to copywriting themselves. So it’s a great way to network and discover people in the same boat. Some may entrust their work to you!
3. Write your own examples
Writing your own samples is a fun way to build your writing portfolio. All you need is a little creativity. For example, if you have a favorite technology topic, write about it. You can create an article about the top tech trends of the season, a fictional homepage about the latest iPhone, or why Apple is replacing Samsung.
Regardless of the topic you choose, writing anything proves your writing ability to potential clients. You can also write texts for a friend or rearrange the texts of another freelance writer, with his permission. Not only does this give other freelancers an idea of your writing skills, but it can also lead to other opportunities. It’s not what you know that matters, but who you know, after all.
If you’re wondering what kind of portfolio website to use, consider using Clippings.me to get started. It’s free and easy to use, and you can quickly download Word documents of your best and proudest work. You don’t need fancy tools to display your content; what matters is that you start somewhere!
4. Volunteer Writing Services
Volunteer writing services is not the same as writing for people you know. Volunteering for small businesses or nonprofits will not only make your resume stand out, but you’ll also be doing a good deed and improving your writing skills.
Research new businesses that have just opened. Are they looking for writers for their social media accounts or do they want to review their products? Offering to give them exposure in exchange for experience is a good idea, especially if you’re a creative writing student or don’t know where to look for experience.
5. Use LinkedIn Jobs
LinkedIn Jobs is a fantastic feature for aspiring writers, considering how easy it is to apply for jobs and attach resumes to job applications. On this platform, you can easily scroll through jobs by filtering by job type, including remote work.
Important people use LinkedIn, so it’s an effective way to find and nurture writing or marketing relationships, find interesting companies or competitive freelancers, and more. Do you want to learn how to create a unique LinkedIn profile as a freelancer? Here’s how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to get more clients.
6. Use freelance sites
Freelancing sites have been around for a long time, but it’s important to know how to use them to increase your chances of finding clients. Optimizing your profile is key here. Why are you different? What makes you different?
Choose a high-quality profile picture, detail your recent and past writing jobs, note any certifications, and be sure to create a special profile as a creative copywriter or writer. This way, employers can introduce you to thousands of other writers.
It’s also important to frequently check job offers posted on Upwork, for example. Apply to all positions for which you feel qualified. Contact clients and show your references and skills. With persistence, you will build your portfolio and a database of reliable clients.
7. Create a website
The idea of building a website may seem daunting at first, but don’t dwell on the small details. You don’t need to be a web designer to create a great website, and hiring a designer isn’t always necessary. When starting out, it’s best to start small and include only the essentials. What does a potential client look for in a writer? How do you want to present yourself on your website?
Start small with Squarespace or WordPress, creating an “About You” page, a services page, a contact page, and a portfolio page. No need to create multiple content pages. Just keep it simple and easy to read. When it comes to design elements, choose colors and fonts that suit you.
If you are a budding fashion or makeup writer, you can choose a white or pink background and write in a playful tone. Also, if you’re writing for real estate, you may want a more professional approach to your words online. Want to get a general idea of what you can do with your site, but don’t know where to start? Here’s how to create a mockup of your website using Canva.
You can be a freelance writer with no experience.
If you don’t have experience writing freelance texts, there are always ways to learn those skills on the job. No matter what you do – contact a local business, help a marketing agency for free, or apply for writing jobs, there’s always a chance of exciting opportunities coming your way.
