Top 5 Platforms to Host Your Website Writing Portfolio: Make Your Work Shine Online

Are you looking for a way to make your writing stand out and get noticed? A website for your writing portfolio is the perfect way to showcase your talents, skills, and experience. By making a website for your writing, you can show off your professional achievements and get in touch with clients or potential employers.

This article will talk about why it’s a good idea to build a website for your writing portfolio. It will also list the best websites for showing off your work. We’ll explore what it takes to build an impressive online presence as a freelance writer.

What is a writing portfolio website?

A writing portfolio website is an online showcase of your professional writing. It lets potential employers or clients learn about you and see samples of your work. It helps you stand out, control content presentation, and easily update with new work. This platform also enables networking with other writers and discovering new opportunities.

Having a writing portfolio website is an invaluable asset for any professional writer. Now that you understand why having a writing portfolio website is important, let’s explore why it’s essential to build one for your own needs!

Why build a website for your writing portfolio?

The following are some reasons why every writer needs a writing portfolio website:

Professionalism: A well-designed website shows that you’re serious about your writing. A professional-looking website can also help establish credibility, making you stand out in the crowded freelance market.

Accessibility: A website for your writing portfolio makes it easy for clients, employers, and readers to find your work. This increases your reach and your chances of landing new opportunities.

Showcase your skills: Your writing portfolio website is a chance to show off your best work and show how your voice, style, and range of skills are unique. 

Customize your writing: If you have a website for your writing portfolio, you can customize your writing for certain audiences or industries. You can create separate sections or pages for different niches or types of writing, making it easier for potential clients or employers to find relevant samples. This customization can increase your chances of being hired for projects that align with your skills and interests.

Build your personal brand: A well-made website for your writing portfolio lets you build and show off your personal brand. By carefully choosing the design, layout, and content, you can create a unique online presence that shows who you are, what you stand for, and what you do professionally. This personal brand can help differentiate you from other writers and make you more memorable to potential clients or employers.

Keep track of your progress. As you add new pieces and update your website over time, you’ll be able to see how your writing has evolved and improved.

Writing portfolio best practices

Building a writing portfolio website is an exciting way to showcase your talents and skills as a writer. To ensure that your website makes the best possible impression, here are some tips for creating a great portfolio:

Pick the perfect platform: When starting your writing portfolio, take the time to choose the right platform that suits your needs. Remember, it’s all about what feels comfortable for you and showcases your work best. Platforms like WordPress or Contently are popular choices.

Let your design shine: Your portfolio should grab people’s attention, so focus on making it look great! Use eye-catching images, cool graphics, and typography that reflect your personality. After all, your writing portfolio is an extension of you.

Quality over quantity: Instead of cramming every piece you’ve ever written into your portfolio, handpick your best work. Think about what pieces will resonate with the type of client you want to attract. Remember, less is more!

Show off your skills: Include a mix of writing samples like blog posts, articles, web copy, press releases, and more to demonstrate your versatility. Don’t be afraid to show your range; clients love a writer who can tackle different styles and formats.

Add some context: When you add your work samples, give a little background information. Share the purpose of the piece, who it was for, or any interesting challenges you faced. It’ll help others understand your thought process and why you’re proud of that particular work.

Keep it clean and professional: A sleek, clutter-free design will make it easy for visitors to focus on your writing. Stick to a consistent color scheme and typography that looks professional but still shows your personality.

Make it mobile-friendly: With so many people using smartphones and tablets, having a mobile-responsive website is a must. Ensure your site looks great on any device so that everyone can enjoy your writing.

Including a compelling “About Me” section: Your “About Me” section is a chance to share a bit about who you are, your experiences, and what makes you unique. Write a fun, engaging bio that showcases your writing style and passion for your craft.

Curate your work: Organize your samples in a way that makes sense, whether it’s by subject, format, or something else. Remember to keep things simple and easy to navigate.

Adding testimonials and recommendations: Include testimonials or recommendations from clients, coworkers, or friends. Hearing from others about how awesome you are will help build trust with potential clients.

Make it easy to connect: Ensure your contact information is easy to find and includes options like email, phone, or a contact form. Don’t forget to add links to your social media profiles, too!

Blog or news section: A blog or news section can be a great addition if you have interesting content to share. Keep it casual, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

Optimize for search engines: Boost your website’s visibility with SEO techniques. Use relevant keywords, meta tags, and headings to help your site rank higher in search results. The more people that find you, the better your chances of landing those dream gigs!

What are the best websites for showcasing your portfolio?

Contently

Contently is a content marketing platform that connects writers, journalists, and other content creators with brands and organizations in need of high-quality content. It also lets writers make a professional portfolio of their writing on their platform.

Why is Contently a good place for writers to upload their writing portfolio? What are the benefits?

Contently is a well-respected platform that many high-profile clients use to find and hire writers. By making a portfolio on Contently, you show potential clients and employers what you can do. The platform also allows you to showcase your work in an organized, visually appealing format, making it easy for clients to view your samples and hire you for projects.

Is it free or paid to use Contently?

Creating a writing portfolio on Contently is free. However, there may be additional features or services available for purchase within the platform.

Journo Portfolio

Journo Portfolio is a website where writers, journalists, and other people who make online content can build and show off their online portfolios.

Why is Journo Portfolio a good place for writers to upload their writing portfolio? What are the benefits?

Journo Portfolio has a variety of templates that can be changed, making it easy to make a unique portfolio that looks professional. You can put your work samples into categories, add multimedia content, and even add a blog to the platform.

Also, Journo Portfolio has built-in analytics so you can see how your portfolio is doing and how engaged your visitors are.

Is it free or paid to use Journo Portfolio?

You can create a portfolio with a limited number of articles on Journo Portfolio’s free plan, which has only the most basic features. For access to additional features, such as a custom domain, unlimited articles, and more design options, they offer paid plans starting at a monthly fee.

Clippings.me

Using Clippings.me, you can showcase your work and get more attention as a journalist, writer, or other content creator.

Why is Clippings.me a good place for writers to upload their writing portfolio? What are the benefits?

Clippings.me has an easy-to-use interface and many portfolio templates, so it’s easy to make a portfolio that looks professional and shows off your brand. You can also put your work into different categories, add multimedia elements, and show links to your social media pages. Clippings.me attracts clients and employers looking for writers because it is geared toward writers and journalists.

Is it free or paid to use Clippings.me?

Clippings.me offers a free plan with basic features and a limited number of articles. For a monthly fee, they offer a premium plan with extra features like a custom domain, more article slots, and priority customer service.

Muck Rack

Muck Rack is a platform that connects journalists and writers with PR professionals, marketers, and other industry professionals. It also allows writers to create a portfolio to showcase their work.

Why is Muck Rack a good place for writers to upload their writing portfolio? What are the benefits?

Muck Rack is an industry-respected platform, and having a portfolio on this site can help increase your visibility among PR professionals and potential clients. The platform automatically gathers your published work from various sources, making it easy to keep your portfolio up-to-date. Muck Rack also provides social media integration and analytics to track your portfolio’s performance.

Is it free or paid to use Muck Rack?

Muck Rack gives journalists and writers a free way to make a simple portfolio. Additional features and services may be available at an extra cost.

Writerfolio

Writerfolio is an online portfolio platform that helps freelance writers show off their work and find new clients.

Why is Writerfolio a good place for writers to upload their writing portfolio? What are the benefits?

Writerfolio provides a simple and easy-to-use platform for creating a clean, professional-looking writing portfolio. The platform has templates that you can change and organize your work by category. It also works with multimedia content. Writerfolio also includes a custom domain option to enhance your personal brand.

Is it free or paid to use Writerfolio?

Writerfolio does not offer a free plan; it operates on a subscription-based model with a monthly fee. This fee includes access to all features, a custom domain, and customer support.

5 examples of great freelance writer portfolio websites

Ashley Gainer 

Ashley Gainer is a freelance writer based in the United States. Her portfolio showcases her expertise in copywriting, content marketing, and blogging.

Francesca Nicasio

Francesca is a freelance writer and content strategist who specializes in retail, e-commerce, and technology. Her website features a clean design, a comprehensive portfolio of her work, and an engaging “About Me” section.

Ryan Robinson

Ryan Robinson is a freelance writer and content marketer based in the United States. His portfolio showcases his expertise in SEO, content strategy, and online business.

Carol Tice

Carol Tice is a freelance writer and writing coach based in the United States. Her portfolio showcases her expertise in freelance writing, content marketing, and business writing.

Lauren Tharp 

Lauren Tharp is a freelance writer and editor based in the United States. Her portfolio features her work in niches such as travel, lifestyle, and entertainment. She also offers writing and editing services on her website.

Promoting Your Writing Portfolio Website

These are great ways to promote your writing portfolio website. Let me elaborate on each point:

Using social media and networking: It’s important to promote your writing portfolio website by using social media and networking sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook well. Engage with your target audience and potential clients by writing interesting content, talking to your followers, and making connections with other writers and professionals in your field.

Networking with Other Writers and Professionals: Networking with other writers and professionals in your industry can help you build relationships, gain exposure, and find new clients. This can be done through online communities, writing groups, and professional associations.

Optimizing your website for SEO: Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for increasing the visibility of your writing portfolio website on search engines like Google. 

Writing guest posts on relevant blogs and websites: Contributing guest posts to other blogs and websites in your niche can help you gain exposure and showcase your expertise. By providing valuable content, you can build your reputation as a skilled writer, while also directing new audiences to your portfolio website through links in your author bio.

Collaborating with other creators: Partnering with other creators, such as graphic designers, web developers, or marketing professionals, can help you cross-promote your services and expand your reach. By working together on projects, you’ll both benefit from increased visibility and the opportunity to tap into each other’s networks.

Creating valuable content on your blog: Regularly updating your portfolio website’s blog with informative, engaging, and relevant content can help you establish yourself as an authority in your field. This will not only attract new visitors to your site but also encourage existing clients to share your work with their networks.

Utilizing email marketing: Building an email list and sending out newsletters or promotional emails can help you stay connected with your audience and potential clients. Share updates about your recent work, industry insights, or exclusive offers to keep your audience engaged and direct traffic to your portfolio website.

Participating in online forums and communities: Actively participating in online forums and communities related to your niche can help you establish your online presence, connect with other professionals, and discover potential clients. By providing helpful advice and sharing your knowledge, you’ll be able to build trust and credibility within the community, which can lead to new opportunities.

Attending industry events and conferences: Networking in person at industry events and conferences can help you make valuable connections, showcase your work, and learn from other professionals. Bring business cards with your portfolio website URL and be prepared to discuss your expertise with potential clients and collaborators.

Conclusion

Writing portfolio website is a powerful tool for writers to showcase their work and build their personal brand. By following best practices and promoting their website through various channels, writers can attract potential clients and increase their chances of landing new opportunities.

FAQs

Where can I make a writing portfolio?

There are several platforms where you can create a writing portfolio, including Contently, Clippings.me, Journo Portfolio, WordPress, Writerfolio, and Muck Rack. Each platform has its own set of features and tools that make it easy to create a professional and polished portfolio to showcase your writing skills.

How do I create an online writing portfolio?

To make an online writing portfolio, you need to choose a platform, design a website for your portfolio, and add your writing samples, bio, and any other relevant information. You can use tools and templates provided by the platform or customize your portfolio to fit your personal style and brand.

What is an online portfolio website?

An online portfolio website is a digital space where you can show off your work, skills, and achievements in a way that looks professional and is easy to find. Writing portfolio websites usually have samples of your writing, a biography, and other information about your experience and skills.

Do I need a website for my portfolio?

Your writing portfolio doesn’t have to have a website, but it is highly recommended that you do. A website gives you a central, professional place to show off your writing skills. It also gives you control over your online presence and lets you get in touch with potential clients. A website also helps you establish credibility and build your personal brand as a freelance writer.