How to Build a Writer's Portfolio

Starting and building a portfolio is an essential step to building a career and gaining success as a freelance writer. Your portfolio is a catalog of your work to show prospective clients. You may be a good writer, but you won't be able to prove that to clients without past work to show off.

Instructions

1. Offer your writing services to local newspapers and other publications. Write up a story on a local event. Some small papers and publications employ writers on a freelance basis. Along with the experience, you get a byline and the chance to get your name out there.

2. Volunteer to write for a nonprofit organization or charity. You could write press releases for them or help them build content on their website. This helps them get the word out on their cause and it helps you by building a positive image for your work and it gives you a chance to build a clientele with other organizations.

3. Write content for small companies and start-ups. You can start with small fees and work your way up once you garner more writing jobs.

4. Start blogging for websites or create your own website in which you blog about a particular topic. Follow an industry closely and post your musings about happenings in the field. Write opinion pieces about issues in a field of interest. You can direct clients to your work by providing them links to the websites.

5. Write for content sites. Many of these websites pay small fees, but you get plenty of practice writing. Send clients the links to your best work.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though some of these ideas may cost a little money, none of them are over the top. By taking the time to work out a budget for starting your writing career, and doing this first step sooner rather than later.

References

• All Freelance Writing: How to Build A Web Writing Portfolio Even If You Have No Experience
• Lip-sticking: How Are You Building Your Writer's Portfolio?