05

Oct

Creating An Online Portfolio

As the online world becomes a valuable source for information and communication it is important for the freelance writer to create their own presence online. It is particularly important to create an online portfolio that showcases your capabilities. Sites such as Word Press can enable you to do so.

Having an online portfolio is a huge asset in your attempt to get freelance writing work. The portfolio, be that a blog or website, can show potential employers what you are capable of. By having an online space you are able to curate your writing and it is a demonstration of the work you have created personally and professionally for others.

Your portfolio can be used to gain employment in other fields as well. For example, should your site or blog concentrate on a particular niche, such as film or photography, you will be able to use your portfolio to show your expertise in those areas.

Your online portfolio should contain some of the following:

About Me Page. Who are you, what makes you tick, what are you proud of professionally? Tell your readers and potential employers who you are in an interesting and relevant way. It’s not your life story. It is rare that any employer would ask you to recount that! However consider what an employer might want to hear about your personal and professional accomplishments and focus on those. Include a good photo of yourself also. A respectful one, not the photo of you at the party that time when you had a little too much to drink and… I hope you get the point!

Links. Include links to other places online where you have a writing presence. This could be other blogs and websites that you have written for. An employer will be keen to see that you have been able to work for others and adhered to their guidelines, so if you have been published elsewhere, highlight it.

Testimonials. These are your references. If you have written for others then ask the editor of the site for a brief account of their experience in working with you. Ensure these are highlighted on your web page and perhaps include a link back to the editor’s site.

Contact Details. Include an email address. Perhaps have a ‘contact me’ page where the reader can get in touch with you directly by typing in a message. A chat function may also be helpful so you can talk to your reader online.

Easy Navigation. Ensure your site is easy to navigate with clear links pointing the way. The font should be easy to read. Be creative visually with colour and pictures but not to the detriment of the readers eyesight. Your words are the important part of the site so they have to be readable. Avoid pop ups and adverts. In fact, use your own experience of reading other websites and avoid any elements that put you off reading them.

Selected Work. Perhaps highlight some of the work you are particularly proud of. Your site could include some of these on a specific page. As in any job there are some things you may not be so proud of. You do not need to link or showcase any of these. Focus on the best work you have done and bring these to the forefront.