10 Steps How To Build A Copywriting Portfolio (in 2022)

A copywriting portfolio is a must-have for any freelance or in-house copywriter. It’s the best way to show off your skills and get more work. But how do you go about building one?

It can be tricky to know where to start, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll show you how to build a copywriting portfolio that will impress potential clients and help you get more work.

So, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What is a copywriting portfolio

A copywriting portfolio is a collection of your best writing samples that you can show to potential clients to demonstrate your skills.

Why you need a copywriting portfolio

As a copywriter, one of the most important things you can do is to create and maintain a strong portfolio. Your portfolio is like your resume – it showcases your skills, experience, and work to potential clients and employers.

A good portfolio can make the difference between getting hired or not. It can also help you command higher rates.

How to build a copywriting portfolio that will impress clients

Here are some tips on how to build a strong copywriting portfolio:

1. Include a range of writing samples.

Your portfolio should include a variety of writing samples that showcase your different skills and styles.

For example, if you’re an SEO copywriter, you might want to include both web content and blog posts in your portfolio. This will show potential clients that you’re capable of handling different types of copywriting projects.

2. Take Your Samples Directly to the Clients

When you’ve completed a writing project, take your samples directly to the clients. This will allow them to see your work firsthand and it might even lead to more work.

3. Get Testimonials from Clients

Testimonials from happy clients are a great way to build credibility and show potential clients that you’re good at what you do.

4. Create and host your copywriting portfolio on digital platforms

Nowadays it’s very easy (and affordable) to host your portfolio on digital platforms such as WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.

This is a great way to make your portfolio easily accessible to potential clients and employers.

You can create the whole portfolio yourself or you can use a ready-made template.

5. Use an Online Portfolio Builder

If you don’t have time to create a portfolio from scratch, you can use an online portfolio builder such as Clippings.me or Carbonmade.

These platforms make it easy to create and update your portfolio, and they offer a range of different features and designs.

One of the best online portfolio builders is Contently. It’s free to use and it offers a wide range of features that allow you to showcase your work in the best possible

If you find it trouble setting up all this then you can hire a freelancer or virtual assistant if you really want to scale this portfolio.

6. Make sure your writing is error-free

One of the quickest ways to lose a potential client’s interest is to include writing that contains spelling or grammatical errors. Always proofread your work before adding it to your portfolio.

7. Use strong visuals.

In addition to well-written copy, your portfolio should also feature strong visuals that help grab attention and give readers a better sense of what you do. Include images, infographics, and other visuals that complement your writing samples.

8. Keep it up to date.

Your portfolio should be a living, breathing document that you regularly update with new writing samples. As you land new clients and complete new projects, be sure to add those pieces to your portfolio. This will show potential clients that you’re an active, in-demand copywriter.

9. Make it easy to navigate.

Your portfolio should be easy for potential clients to navigate and understand. Organize your writing samples in a way that makes sense and includes clear descriptions of each piece.

10. Promote your copywriting portfolio.

Once you’ve created your portfolio, promote it! Share the link on social media, add it to your email signature, and list it on your website or blog. The more people see your portfolio, the more likely you will land new copywriting work.

Building a strong copywriting portfolio takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. By following these tips, you can create a portfolio that will impress potential clients and help you get more work.

What to include in your copywriting portfolio

Make sure to include different types of structure in your portfolio, add affiliate posts, review posts, how-to posts, list posts, and more.

Because there are different types of digital marketing so you have many options to show your talent in different fields and test out which are the best copy pieces that worked for your clients in different sectors.

Here’s the list of things that need to include in your copywriting portfolio:

1. Website Copy and Blog Post

Website copy is the text on a website that’s used to sell products or services. It’s important to have a strong website copy that’s well-written and persuasive.

Your website copy should be:

Compelling
Convincing
Clear
Concise

A blog post is a piece of writing that’s published on a blog. Blog posts are usually shorter than articles, and they’re often more informal in tone.

When writing a blog post, it’s important to:

Engage with your readers
Write in a natural, conversational style
Include images, videos, or infographics
Make sure your blog post is well-written and error-free

2. Sales Letter

A sales letter is a piece of direct mail that’s used to sell products or services. Sales letters are usually quite long, and they’re designed to be persuasive.

When writing a sales letter, you should:

Identify your target audience
Write a strong headline
Make an offer that’s irresistible
Include testimonials or social proof

3. Email Copy

Email copy is the text in an email that’s used to promote products or services. It’s important to write an effective email copy that gets results.

When writing email copy, you should:

Keep it short and sweet
Get to the point quickly
Use persuasion techniques
Include a call to action

4. Ad Copy

Ad copy is the text in an ad that’s used to sell products or services. Ad copy is usually quite short, and it needs to be persuasive.

When writing ad copy, you should:

Keep it simple
Focus on benefits, not features
Use persuasive language
Include a call to action

5. Social Media Copy

Social media copy is the text that’s used on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. It’s important to write engaging social media copy that will get people interested in your products or services.

When writing social media copy, you should:

Write in a voice that’s appropriate for the platform
Use hashtags and mentions sparingly
Use images and videos whenever possible

6. Include a mix of writing samples.

Your portfolio should also include a mix of writing samples that showcase your different skills and styles.

For example, if you’re a copywriter, you might want to include both web content and brochures in your portfolio. This will show potential clients that you’re capable of handling different types of copywriting projects.

You should also include humorous and serious copy, business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-client (B2C) copies, and long and short-form copy in your portfolio.

7. Tailor your portfolio to your audience.

When you’re creating your portfolio, it’s important to tailor it to your target audience.

For example, if you’re a freelance writer who specializes in creating marketing collateral, you’ll want to make sure that your portfolio reflects that specialization. This will show potential clients that you’re the right person for the job.

What if you don’t have copywriting experience?

If you don’t have any previous copywriting experience, you can still put together a strong portfolio.

Here are a few things you can do:

1. Write some sample pieces.

One of the best ways to show that you’re a competent copywriter is to write some sample pieces. These don’t have to be real assignments, but they should be well-written and persuasive.

2. Get some feedback.

Once you’ve written a few samples, it’s a good idea to get some feedback from an experienced copywriter. This will help you identify any areas that need improvement.

3. Join a copywriting course.

If you want to learn more about copywriting, you can join an online course or participate in a workshop. This will allow you to improve your skills and learn more about the industry.

4. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Copywriting is an ever-changing field, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. You can do this by reading industry blogs, attending conferences, and networking with other copywriters.

5. Start freelancing.

One of the best ways to get real-world experience is to start freelancing. This will allow you to work on a variety of projects and hone your skills.

As you can see, there are a number of things you can do to create a strong portfolio, even if you don’t have any previous experience. Just remember to focus on quality over quantity, and tailor your portfolio to your target audience.

Tips for promoting your copywriting portfolio

1. Get active on social media.

Social media is a great way to promote your copywriting portfolio. Make sure to post links to your writing samples on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

2. Send out a newsletter.

If you have a mailing list, send out a newsletter that features some of your best writing samples. This is a great way to get your work in front of potential clients.

3. Guest blog on other sites.

Guest blogging is a great way to get exposure for your work. Find blogs that accept guest posts and pitch them an idea for an article or blog post. Be sure to include a link back to your portfolio in your bio.

4. Attend industry events.

Industry events are a great place to network with potential clients. Attend conferences, trade shows, and other events that are relevant to your industry.

5. Speak at industry events.

If you’re confident in your abilities as a copywriter, consider speaking at an industry event. This is a great way to show off your expertise and get your name out there.

6. Get involved with online communities.

There are many online communities for copywriters, such as Copyblogger and Freelance Switch. Get involved with these communities and contribute to the conversation. This will help you build up your reputation as an expert in your field.

7. Make sure your website is up to date.

Your website should be the hub of your online presence. Make sure it’s up to date and includes links to your latest writing samples.

8. Optimize your website for SEO.

Make sure your website is optimized for search engines so that potential clients can easily find you online. Use keywords related to your business in your site’s content and make sure your site is linked to your social media profiles.

9. Advertise your services.

Consider running ads on Google or other platforms to promote your copywriting services. This is a great way to reach potential clients who might not be able to find you through other channels.

10. Get listed in directories.

There are many online directories for freelance writers, such as Freelancer and Upwork. Getting listed in these directories will help you reach a wider audience of potential clients.

These are just a few tips to help you promote your copywriting portfolio. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get your work in front of potential clients and land more writing gigs.

Mistakes to avoid when creating a copywriting portfolio

When you’re creating a copywriting portfolio, there are a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.

1. Don’t include work that’s not your best.

When you’re choosing writing samples to include in your portfolio, it’s important to only choose your best work. Don’t include samples that are poorly written or that don’t reflect your strengths as a writer.

2. Don’t make your portfolio too long.

Your portfolio should be a showcase of your best work, not a complete history of everything you’ve ever written. Keep it concise and only include your most impressive writing samples.

3. Don’t forget to proofread.

Before you publish your portfolio, make sure to proofread it carefully. Typos and grammar errors will make you look unprofessional and could cost you potential clients.

4. Don’t forget to update it regularly.

Your portfolio should be a living document that reflects your latest work. Make sure to update it regularly with new writing samples so that it stays current.

5. Don’t neglect your website.

Your website is an important part of your online presence. Make sure it’s up to date and includes links to your latest writing samples.

6. Don’t forget to promote it.

Once you’ve created your portfolio, don’t forget to promote it. Share it with potential clients and link to it from your social media profiles.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be able to create a strong portfolio that will help you land more copywriting gigs.

That’s Wrap

A copywriting portfolio is essential to any successful freelance copywriter’s business. It demonstrates your skills and experience to potential clients and helps you get the jobs you want.

If you’re looking to get started in copywriting, or if you’re already a freelance writer and want to improve your portfolio, these tips will help you create a strong body of work.

I hope this helps you to understand how to build a copywriting portfolio. Thanks for reading.