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Ok, let's discuss having a portfolio or sample.
Is it really important?
What's even the purpose?
And what do I do when I have never handled a copywriting project?
So...
Here is How to Create a Winning Portfolio of Writing Samples...(Even if you’ve never had any clients!)
Is it really important?
What's even the purpose?
And what do I do when I have never handled a copywriting project?
So...
Here is How to Create a Winning Portfolio of Writing Samples...(Even if you’ve never had any clients!)
But before I continue, let me get things straight for you guys.
1. You don't "need" samples to get started
2. Most clients are interested in their projects, not your samples.
3. Samples are "helpful" - not vital
4. You can create samples FAST infact in 1 afternoon
1. You don't "need" samples to get started
2. Most clients are interested in their projects, not your samples.
3. Samples are "helpful" - not vital
4. You can create samples FAST infact in 1 afternoon
So here is how to create them...even without clients.
1. Do free work.
I advise against this but it has worked for some people. Find businesses nearby including family & friends businesses. Help them & help yourself!
2. Volunteer.
Help any initiative that needs content...
1. Do free work.
I advise against this but it has worked for some people. Find businesses nearby including family & friends businesses. Help them & help yourself!
2. Volunteer.
Help any initiative that needs content...
...Perhaps your church. Youth forums. In fact, help anyone that needs content. They're all around you.
3. Promote your services YOURSELF
Create materials to market yourself.
• Sales letter
• Email
• LinkedIn profile
• Your freelance site
3. Promote your services YOURSELF
Create materials to market yourself.
• Sales letter
• Email
• LinkedIn profile
• Your freelance site
4. Start a blog.
Write about a personal interest with tips and reviews. This is a good writing exercise. Instant portfolio! And could become a money magnet.
5. Create your "ideal" sample.
Identify the company you would like to work for. Dig out their past copy & re-create it.
Write about a personal interest with tips and reviews. This is a good writing exercise. Instant portfolio! And could become a money magnet.
5. Create your "ideal" sample.
Identify the company you would like to work for. Dig out their past copy & re-create it.
So having created your samples, how do you present it?
Keep it simple! Clients just want to know you’re qualified. Make it scannable. Provide context and if possible make it niche-focused.
You can use a website. or you are like a simple google doc like me.
Keep it simple! Clients just want to know you’re qualified. Make it scannable. Provide context and if possible make it niche-focused.
You can use a website. or you are like a simple google doc like me.
So after all these long boring threads, if you still don't have a sample you could say this:
“I’m very familiar with your industry and am
confident I could do a great job. I don’t have any relevant samples but I have sth that targets your audience, written in your style...
“I’m very familiar with your industry and am
confident I could do a great job. I don’t have any relevant samples but I have sth that targets your audience, written in your style...
...and tone. Why don’t we first do a small article or email … that way we can both see if we’re a fit for one another.”
Here is another example:
"I haven't worked on this specific type of project yet. However, I'm confident I can put together an excellent newsletter for...
Here is another example:
"I haven't worked on this specific type of project yet. However, I'm confident I can put together an excellent newsletter for...
...your company. And here's why: I've written several newsletters for similar clients that require the same set of skills: competitors research, telling a great story, and effective copywriting. You can benefit from my experience. In addition, I'm familiar with your format & tone
