Let’s face it. Very few people will hire a writer without a look at their skills and experience. Clients want to see your work upfront, and this is where a writer portfolio comes into play. There are different ways to create a portfolio of your work, and one of the best options is to make a writer portfolio website.
Of course, making a website seems daunting, especially if you have no coding and design experience. (It’s not as hard as you think. We’ll get into that.) Maintaining a website also isn’t free. Is it worth the time and effort to making a writer portfolio website?
Table of Contents
What Is a Writer Portfolio?
A writer portfolio is professional resume of your work. It shows potential clients the scope of your talents and experience, and it displays your best work. Learn more about how to make a standard writer portfolio. Here’s an example writer portfolio.
Types of Writer Portfolios
While a writer portfolio is a display of your work, skills and experience, there are different methods to choose from. Here are some options:
- An Emailed List of Links: This is the least professional option for experienced writers. However, if you’re a new writer and only have a few examples, a more developed portfolio type may highlight your limited examples and could be detrimental. If you choose this type of portfolio, start working on a better option and add new samples or links as you complete additional jobs. Make the switch to the superior portfolio type as soon as possible.
- A PDF: A PDF is a solid option for writers who don’t have the time and money to create a website. It allows you to showcase more of your work and organize your work in an easy-to-digest manner. You can embed links in the PDF as well.
- Contently: Contently is a jobseeker platform with stringent application requirements for writers. However, it also has a free portfolio feature. You simply input links to your work, and it formats the links into display cards for you. In addition, it provides you with a custom link that you can pass on to others, and it’s easy for potential clients who use Contently to discover you.
- Your Own Website: Another option is to create a writer portfolio on your own website. We’ll look at the benefits below.
When deciding which method is write for you, avoid taking the shortcut and choosing the option that’s easiest and fastest for you to throw together. You’re creating the portfolio for your potential clients’ benefit. It’s the equivalent of a resume in other types of work. In fact, in many cases, it stands in place of both a resume and an interview. This is often the exclusive asset that makes or breaks your ability to land a new client. A writing portfolio needs to be impeccable.
Keep in mind that you can use multiple portfolio types to take advantage of their differences.
Should You Make a Writer Portfolio Website?
The Benefits of a Writing Portfolio Website
- Professionalism
One of the main reasons to create a custom website showcasing your work is professionalism. While the Contently option has a nice layout, your own website portrays the image of a true business. It makes a statement that you are experienced and hints at the fact that you treat your clients professionally. You need to make a great impression on future clients, and a custom website lets you make a polished first impression. - Custom URL
One of the first steps you’ll take when setting up your website is selecting your URL. Many writers choose a FirstNameLastName URL unless that URL is already taken. You could also choose a more creative URL. - Marketing
There are several opportunities to market your link and give access to your many writing samples. For example, you could add the link to your LinkedIn bio or on Facebook. You can also add it to your signature line on your emails as well as your resume and guest blog posts. When you apply to formal positions using your resume, the hiring manager has full access to your portfolio immediately. - Control Over the Layout
While many people use a design template available through their hosting service, these templates are customizable in many ways. You can choose your font, color scheme, photos and more. - Discoverable on Searches
A portfolio website is the primary method available for discoverability on searches. You’ll need to read a bit about SEO and incorporate SEO strategies. Several plug-in features available on hosting service sites are available for free and simplify this process. - Easy Design Tools
One of the primary reasons why many people avoid making a writer portfolio website is intimidation. They believe that they lack the skills necessary to make something profession. Of course, you don’t want to publish a website for all the world to see if it isn’t great. The specific design templates and tools available vary by hosting platform. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by how fast and easy it is to design a professional website that you’re proud to put your name on.
The Cost of a Writer Website
The main cost of a writer website is hosting. Typically, you pay an upfront annual fee for hosting, but some hosting services have monthly payment plans. You can conveniently shop around to find the platform that has the features you need. Some options are:
- Bluehost
- WP Engine
- Hostinger
The hosting services listed above have complete design tools as well, so you can manage all aspects of the website through one platform. Many include a variety of WordPress templates and have easy design functionality.
In addition to the cost of hosting, you’ll need to buy your URL. This can be done through the hosting service as well. Depending on the platform and plan, you could also purchase a custom email address for an added touch of professionalism. The cost is usually very affordable.
While many design features are available through the hosting service, you can also use Canva’s free design features and get free stock photos online.
The Time Commitment
Generally, creating a writing portfolio is a straightforward process. This is thanks to the hosting service design tools and templates. In addition, the a writing portfolio doesn’t need to be complicated with dozens of page. In fact, you could make it as simple as a one or two-page site.
After your website is up and running, it’s a matter of maintaining it. This means updating your contact info, as needed. In addition, check the links to your writing samples to ensure that they are still live. Plan on doing this every six months. While you’re checking links, update the links with some of your latest and greatest writing samples. This likely won’t take more than 30 minutes to an hour.