When you approach clients, you need to show your best writing samples. When you pitch top publications, you need some published pieces of that niche/industry.
The question is: Can you build a writing portfolio without writing for anyone?
Yes, you can.
Here’s how DoQuickly can help you build a writing portfolio online from scratch.
Importance of Writing Portfolio
A published writing portfolio builds your credibility as a professional writer. It establishes your writing niche in the long term.
Some other benefits of making a portfolio for writing are:
- Demonstrate your expertise: Your writing portfolio shows your knowledge about the industry you’re interested in professionally.
- Reflect your writing style: Published articles offer insights about your writing style to your prospects.
- Show your professionalism: Live copy clips are a better way to show your work, than sharing Google Doc links or PDFs, to potential clients.
How to Make a Writing Portfolio
You don’t need to invest in a writing portfolio website to have a portfolio.
Guest posting on third-party blog sites is invaluable in building a portfolio for content writing. It helps you build a solid presence among prospective employers and clients. You can also win more writing opportunities.
It starts with one. The key is in the preparation.
Here’s how to build a writing portfolio with no experience:
1- Identify Good Sites
Look for websites that publish the type of content you want in your online writing portfolio. A quick Google search can bring sufficient results. You can start with phrases like “submit a guest post” and “guest post guidelines”, along with your niche or industry.
At DoQuickly, we’re accepting guest posts on Health, Living, Work Culture, and other lifestyle niche categories.
2- Personalise Your Pitch:
Research the articles on the portfolio site you choose to pitch to find what it accepts. It helps you tailor your pitch and share ideas for that site. While pitching, mention why you’re interested in contributing a guest post. It would be best if you refer to one of the articles on the site. Share 3-5 post ideas that can complement that article.
3- Write Your Guest Post
Create what you promised once the site(s) approve your pitched ideas. It’s time to make a good impression, especially when it’s your first.
Here are a few things to take care of:
- Follow their tone of voice
- Mirror their text formatting style
- Link to their articles where appropriate
- Include one relevant image
- Craft a suitable author bio
How to Approach DoQuickly for Guest Posts
It’s easy to start writing for DoQuickly.
- Browse the site to understand the type of articles we publish
- Figure out what you want to write about
- Come up with a great list of topics
Please contribute a minimum of 4 articles to start writing for DoQuickly.
You can pitch ideas of your own or reach out to us to assign you articles. Introduce yourself and tell why you’re interested in writing for DoQuickly. We don’t want a long list; just 1-2 short paragraphs will do.
Also, send us 2 writing samples with your pitch email. It’s fine to attach documents or include Google Drive links.
Benefits of Writing for DoQuickly
When you’re contributing guest posts to DoQuickly, each post is polished before it’s published. Each piece is made as best as possible to build and maintain your credibility as a writer.
Some of the other benefits are:
- Building your favorite niche portfolio
- Getting exposure on DoQuickly’s social networks
- Having a separate portfolio page with your articles
- Being published on a third-party site (i.e., DoQuickly)
- Earning a free book
DoQuickly is giving away a free book (The Elements of Style or On Writing Well) once your four articles are published.
Are you in?