How To Make a Writing Portfolio (Even With No Experience)

So, you want to make a writing portfolio? Good call! Because let’s be real: merely saying you’re a writer only gets you so far. Potential clients want receipts. And a good portfolio? It’s like your personal highlight reel, except instead of slam dunks or guitar solos, it’s your best articles, blog posts, stories, or whatever else you write like a pro.

You don’t need a wall of bylines or years of experience to create a showcase that turns heads. Whether you’re a beginner writer with a couple of practice pieces or a pro looking to organize years of scattered work, the steps are surprisingly similar. It’s all about curating your best stuff, packaging it so it’s easy to browse, and making potential clients or editors take you seriously.

In this guide, I’ll walk through how to build a writing portfolio that works for you now and as your career grows. You’ll learn what to include (and what to leave out), how to make your samples shine, and little touches that can make your portfolio feel professional even if you’re starting from scratch. By the end, you’ll have a job-ready writing showcase that helps you land gigs, clients, or that dream job.

What is a Writing Portfolio?

A writing portfolio is a curated collection of your best writing work, tailored to impress clients, employers, or even academic panels. Think of it as your writing resume, but instead of listing skills, it shows them. It provides tangible proof of your abilities, style, and versatility. Whether you’re a content writer, journalist, copywriter, or creative writer, a portfolio gives your words a platform.

It’s not merely a digital folder of articles. A well-crafted writing portfolio speaks for you when you’re not in the room. It tells potential clients or hiring managers what you can do and how well you can do it. It should ideally highlight different styles, tones, and niches to showcase your range and can be the deciding factor between landing a gig or being passed over.

And here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be filled with published work. Your writing portfolio can include blog posts, LinkedIn articles, writing prompts, or even fictional pieces if you have no writing experience. The key is to demonstrate your voice and technical competence.

As a writer, you’re selling two things: your writing skills and your reliability. A great portfolio can communicate both. 

Why do you need one as a writer?

Let’s be honest: saying “I’m a writer” doesn’t carry much weight unless you can back it up. That’s where a writing portfolio steps in. It’s your proof of work. And in a sea of self-proclaimed writers, a strong portfolio is what sets you apart.

Whether you’re applying for a staff writing position or pitching freelance gigs, people will ask for samples. Sending a link to your well-organized, professionally presented writing portfolio shows you’re serious. It saves you from scrambling through Google Docs or digging up old email attachments.

And even when you’re not actively job hunting, having a portfolio allows you to capture spontaneous opportunities, like someone asking for a sample on the spot or stumbling upon a writing contest.

Plus, it’s a great confidence booster. Isn’t seeing your growth over time, laid out in one place, incredibly validating, after all? And if you’re planning to tap into global opportunities, pairing your portfolio with smart tactics for getting online writing jobs can make your job search far more effective.

Benefits of Having a Writing Portfolio

a. Boosts your credibility

A strong, well-organized collection of work shows that you’re not only talented but also professional. It immediately elevates your status from an aspiring writer to an experienced writer. When you show people what you can do, they’re seeing it for themselves.

Whether you’re applying for a full-time job or pitching a client, a writing portfolio gives you an undeniable edge. It shows that you’ve invested time in your craft and care about presentation.

b. Helps land freelance or full-time jobs

When competition is fierce, having a writing portfolio is no longer negotiable. Most freelance writing jobs, content agencies, and editorial roles require you to submit samples.

If you don’t have a ready-to-go portfolio, you’re already a step behind. But when you do? You can apply faster, pitch smarter, and show that you’ve got what it takes, right off the bat. A targeted writing portfolio can be the difference between getting a polite rejection and an enthusiastic “Welcome to the team” email.

Job hunting is often a numbers game. With a strong portfolio, every application you send out becomes more powerful. You stand out because you’ve packaged that talent professionally.

c. Showcases your writing versatility

One of the most underrated benefits of a writing portfolio is how it lets you showcase your range. Clients don’t want a one-trick pony. They want someone who can write blog posts, newsletters, landing pages, white papers, or compelling social media captions, depending on their needs.

By organizing your portfolio to highlight different niches or tones, you’re giving potential employers exactly what they’re looking for. You can show how well you write in a casual tone for lifestyle blogs, then flip the switch and write formal copy for B2B sites.

Even if you’re a niche writer, showcasing various angles within that niche adds depth. For example, a health writer might include a medical news article, a wellness blog, and a product review, all in one place.

Versatility sells. And your portfolio is the perfect place to prove that you’ve got it.

How to Make a Writing Portfolio

Creating your writing portfolio doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a straightforward, beginner-friendly guide:

Step 1: Decide on the platform

You’ve got options here. For a simple start, use free online writing portfolio makers like Clippings.me, Journo Portfolio, or Contently. These are plug-and-play: upload your samples, write a short bio, and you’re live.

If you want more creative control or plan to expand into branding later, go with a personal website using Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress. They allow full customization and also help with SEO and analytics.

Not into tech? No problem. Even a Google Drive folder or PDF document can work when starting. The important thing is to have everything in one accessible place.

Step 2: Choose your best work

Be selective with your writing portfolio. Aim for 6–10 pieces that demonstrate your skills, tone, and range. If you’re applying for jobs, choose work that matches the type of content the employer would expect.

But then, how do you make a writing portfolio with no experience? If you don’t have published samples, write a few blog-style articles, listicles, or even fictional pieces on platforms like Medium. The key is to show you can write, not that you’ve been paid to write.

Step 3: Organize your samples effectively

Use clear sections, whether Blog Posts, Articles, Product Descriptions, Sales Copy, or Creative Writing. Grouping makes navigation easier and more impressive.

You also want to add short descriptions for each piece: client (if applicable), purpose of the piece, results (if known), and your role. Keep it simple but informative.

Step 4: Add your bio and contact info

Write a short but compelling About Me section. Share who you are, what kind of writing you specialize in, and who you’ve worked with (even if it’s just personal projects). Don’t forget to add your contact information or a contact form; you want to make it easy for people to reach you, after all.

Writing Portfolio Template Structure

a. Homepage/Introduction

This is the first impression; it should be clean and inviting. Include a short intro (1–2 paragraphs) that tells visitors who you are, what you do, and what they can expect. A clear CTA (Call-to-Action) like “Check out my samples” or “Contact me for freelance work” is a smart touch.

b. Writing samples section

This is the heart of your writing portfolio. Display 6–10 of your best writing samples, organized by type or niche. Use thumbnails or simple titles. Link each sample clearly, and write short descriptions if possible.

c. About Me section

Here’s your chance to show a bit of personality. Keep it professional but warm. Mention your background, writing focus, any notable clients, and what you’re passionate about. This helps visitors connect with you beyond the writing.

d. Contact section

Don’t make people guess how to reach you. Include a clear contact form, email address, or links to your social profiles. A CTA like “Let’s work together” goes a long way to prompt action.

Writing Portfolio Examples for Inspiration

Creative writing portfolio examples

Creative writing portfolios are where imagination meets execution. Whether you’re a novelist, poet, or scriptwriter, your portfolio should capture your narrative voice, emotional range, and originality.

Instead of showing off technical skills like SEO or keyword density, here you’re putting your storytelling on display.

A strong creative writing portfolio might include:

• Short stories (published or self-published)
• Flash fiction
• Poetry
• Play or screenwriting excerpts
• Novel excerpts or chapters
• Personal essays

Even if your work isn’t published, don’t hesitate to include it, as long as it’s polished. Use formatting that’s easy to read and visually appealing. If your piece was part of a literary magazine or contest, mention it.

Organization is key. You can divide your samples into genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry) or by themes (love, dystopia, identity). Include a short paragraph before each sample explaining the premise and style: “This flash fiction piece explores generational trauma through the eyes of a child.”

Journalism portfolio examples

If you’re in journalism, your portfolio must communicate clarity, research ability, and your knack for storytelling backed by facts. A solid journalism writing portfolio should feature:

• Investigative reports
• Feature articles
• Interviews
• Op-eds
• News briefs
• Human-interest stories

Structure your portfolio by publication or topic (e.g., politics, health, tech). Always include the publication name, your byline, and a brief context: “Written for The Independent, this article explores the mental health crisis among frontline workers during COVID-19.”

Strong headlines matter; use them as clickable titles. If you have multimedia features like videos or photo essays, include those links too. Employers in media love to see writers who can work across formats.

And don’t forget to include high-impact stats or feedback. For instance, if one of your stories went viral or was syndicated, mention it.

Copywriting portfolio examples

Copywriting portfolios are results-driven and must demonstrate good writing that sells. This portfolio should focus on:

• Website copy
• Product descriptions
• Ad campaigns
• Email sequences
• Landing pages

Complement each sample with the story behind it. For example, you could say, “This product description was part of a new launch campaign that increased sales by 30%.” Even if you don’t have exact numbers, say what the goal was and how your writing contributed.

For copywriting portfolios, layout matters. Use bold headings, white space, and strong calls-to-action. Make it feel like a sales pitch, but in a good way, a hack I have extensively covered in my guide on copywriting in 2025.

You can also include mockups or client testimonials to build trust. And if you’ve done A/B tests with different versions, showing both and explaining the outcome is a huge plus.

How to Create a Writing Portfolio With No Experience

Breaking into writing without samples may seem intimidating, but the right portfolio can open doors even if you’ve never been published.

Start with personal projects

No clients? No problem. Start with personal projects, perhaps blog posts, essays, how-to guides, or fictional pieces on topics you’re passionate about. These can all go into your portfolio, as long as they’re polished and professional.

Let’s say you’re interested in health writing. You can create a blog post titled “10 Easy Ways to Stay Active at Home,” complete with subheadings, bullet points, well-researched tips, and cited sources. This is a legitimate portfolio piece. No one cares if it was published; what matters is quality.

Treat each piece like it’s client work, and even use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway App for grammar and readability.

You can also simulate client scenarios. For example, write a product description for a fictional skincare brand or a landing page for a made-up course. These mockups help demonstrate your style, tone, and versatility.

Use blogging platforms like Medium

Medium is a goldmine for beginner writers. You don’t need approval to publish, and articles look sleek and professional. You can use your Medium profile as your writing portfolio until you build your website.

WordPress is another option, especially if you want more control over design and branding. Create your blog and post articles in different styles and niches.

The key is consistency and quality. One well-written blog post on Medium is better than five rushed ones on a personal site. Use these platforms to showcase your voice and perspective.

Rewrite existing content for practice

Find poorly written blog posts or ads and rewrite them. Make a note: “This is a rewrite of an existing article to showcase improved structure, tone, and clarity.” You don’t have to publish it; simply use it to show off your skills.

You could also take a viral article and recreate it in a different style or for a new audience. This shows adaptability, which is a huge plus in any writing role.

Mock case studies are also great practice. Take a product or service and create ad copy, email campaigns, or social posts for it. The goal here is to simulate real-world writing tasks.

Writing Portfolio for Job Applications

Generic writing portfolios get ignored. If you want your samples to stand out for job applications, make customization your friend. Carefully read the job description and identify what kind of writing they’re looking for, then tailor your samples accordingly.

For instance, if you’re applying for a tech content writer role, include blog posts, tutorials, or whitepapers related to software, tools, or SaaS products. If it’s a marketing position, highlight landing pages, sales emails, or case studies.

Create different portfolio versions or pages for different job types. You can even organize your site into sections like “Marketing Writing,” “Technical Writing,” or “Creative Projects” so that hiring managers can find what they want quickly.

What employers look for in a writing portfolio

Hiring managers aren’t just scanning for pretty words. They’re looking for:

• Clarity and readability
• Audience awareness
• Consistent tone and voice
• Results-driven writing (when applicable)
• A clean and organized layout

They also love seeing initiative. A self-made portfolio shows you’re proactive and serious about your craft. Bonus points if it’s mobile-optimized and error-free.

Testimonials and case studies add extra trust; so does a well-written About page. Even small touches like consistent branding, a nice headshot, and a warm intro can tilt the odds in your favor.

Pros and Cons of Website Builders vs. Portfolio Sites

Let’s compare the two types of platforms:

Free writing portfolio makers (like Clippings.me)

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Designed specifically for writers
• No coding or web design skills needed
• Free or low-cost versions available

Cons:

• Limited customization
• Harder to stand out visually
• Usually hosted on a subdomain (e.g., yourname.clippings.me)

Website Builders (like WordPress and Wix)

Pros:

• Full control over branding
• Great for long-term growth
• You can add blogs, newsletters, or even a store

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• Can be more expensive
• More time-consuming to maintain

If you’re building a personal brand or want to expand into other digital services (like coaching or courses), a custom website is worth the investment. But for most writers, portfolio-specific platforms are more than enough to get started.

How to Optimize Your Writing Portfolio for SEO and Readability

If you’re going to build an online writing portfolio, you want people to find it, right? That’s where SEO comes in. A few simple tweaks can boost your visibility on Google and attract potential clients organically.

Start by choosing a domain name that includes your name or writing specialty. Something like “samanthawrites.com” or “techwriterjames.com” works great. Ensure each page on your site has clear meta descriptions and title tags that describe what you do.

Use headings (H1, H2, H3) throughout your pages. This is not just for SEO, but also for readability. Break up long text blocks with bullet points, short paragraphs, and bold subheadings to keep users engaged.

Your About Me section should naturally incorporate relevant keywords like freelance writer, content strategist, and blog writer, based on your niche. But don’t keyword-stuff. Write for people first, then optimize for search engines.

Lastly, compress images so your site loads quickly and use internal links if you’re publishing blog posts. Fast, readable, and optimized: these are the three pillars of a strong portfolio site.

How to Keep Your Writing Portfolio Updated

A writing portfolio isn’t meant to stay frozen in time. As you take on new projects and sharpen your skills, it should reflect your latest and best work. Below are a few tips to keep it current and compelling.

a. Set regular review intervals

This part can’t be skipped. Your writing portfolio should reflect your best, most recent work, not something you wrote three years ago. The best way to keep it fresh? Set a recurring schedule to review and update it, say, every three months.

During your check-in, ask yourself:

• Does this work still represent my skills?
• Have I written something better since then?
• Is the writing still relevant to the types of jobs I want?
• Does it reflect my current style and niche?

Outdated samples can give a false impression. You want your portfolio to reflect your current capabilities, not what you were writing years ago. Update your About page with recent achievements, and maybe tweak your design if trends have changed. Treat it like a garden that needs regular pruning and care.

b. Replace old samples with better work

This one’s all about leveling up. If you recently wrote a high-performing article for a well-known blog, that should go in. If you’ve niched down to SaaS content, there’s no need to keep lifestyle posts from three years ago. This keeps your work fresh and competitive. 

Remember to balance variety with strength. You don’t want all your samples to be blog posts, for instance, unless that’s your niche. Mix it up.

In addition, be objective. It’s okay to feel sentimental about earlier pieces, but your portfolio is a sales pitch, not a scrapbook. Keep only what builds trust and showcases your current talent.

c. Add new skills and certifications

Maybe you’ve completed an SEO course, learned UX writing, or started scripting video content. Don’t hide those wins.

• Update your About page or add a separate Skills & Certifications section
• Mention specific tools you’ve mastered (like Surfer SEO, Ahrefs, or Google Analytics)
• Highlight certifications from platforms like HubSpot, Google, or LinkedIn Learning

These extras might seem small, but they add serious credibility, especially for jobs where writing is only one part of the role. A client looking for a blog writer who understands on-page SEO? You just moved to the top of their list.

NP: If you’re looking to level up your writing skills, there are plenty of free and affordable online courses that cover every aspect of the craft.

How to Promote Your Writing Portfolio

Promoting your online writing portfolio is just as crucial as creating it. Imagine crafting a beautiful product and then hiding it in a closet; nobody will know it exists. The same logic applies here. Let’s talk about how to put your portfolio out into the world and get it in front of the right eyes.

Start with social media. Whether you’re on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or even TikTok, these platforms are powerful tools for writers. Share snippets of your work, post updates about new portfolio pieces, and interact with others in the writing community. Use relevant hashtags like #writingportfolio, #freelancewriter, or #creativewriting to increase visibility.

Next, don’t underestimate the power of your email signature. Every email you send is a marketing opportunity. Add a simple line like “Check out my writing portfolio: [your link]” at the bottom of every message. It’s subtle but incredibly effective.

Join writing communities and forums. Platforms like Reddit’s r/freelanceWriters, Medium writing groups, Facebook groups, or even Discord servers are full of people looking for writers or collaborating on projects. Sharing your work there can help you get feedback, recognition, and even job leads.

Also, consider guest posting on other blogs or online publications. Most of them allow a short bio with a link to your portfolio: instant credibility and visibility.

Lastly, use platforms like Substack or Medium not just to post articles but to direct traffic to your main portfolio. Write a compelling post and drop a CTA at the end, like, “Want to see more of my work? Visit my portfolio here.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Portfolios

Even the best writers sometimes mess up their portfolios. Here’s a list of common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Too many samples: Yes, more isn’t always better. If you overload your portfolio with every piece you’ve ever written, it becomes hard to navigate. Choose your top 6–10 samples that show skill and versatility. Here, quality beats quantity. 
• Outdated content: This is where many freelancers in Kenya go wrong. Old blog posts or work that no longer reflects your voice can hurt more than help. Update regularly and replace weaker content with stronger, more relevant work.
• No clear focus: If your portfolio jumps from poetry to tech blogs to cookbook reviews without any structure, it confuses viewers. And suppose you’re applying for a corporate content writer role, but your samples are all poetry and personal essays; that’s a red flag. Use categories or filters to organize by niche or writing style.
• Poor design and navigation: It doesn’t have to be flashy, but it should be clean, easy to read, and mobile-friendly. A cluttered layout can instantly turn off potential clients.
• Missing contact info: You’d be surprised how many writers forget this. Always include a contact form, email address, or booking link so people can reach out easily.
• No context for samples: Don’t just drop a link and hope for the best. Explain what the piece is, who it was for, and what it achieved.
• Not proofreading: Yes, even your portfolio. A typo in your writing samples or About section can be a deal-breaker. Run everything through a grammar checker and ideally, get another pair of eyes on it.

Avoiding these pitfalls can mean the difference between being overlooked and getting that dream writing job.

Conclusion

A writing portfolio isn’t just something you slap together once and forget; it’s a living, breathing part of your career. The more you write, the more you’ll swap in stronger pieces, tweak the layout, and fine-tune how you present yourself. Think of it like your online wardrobe: when it looks sharp, you feel confident, and people notice.

So don’t wait until you’ve made it to create one. Start with what you’ve got, polish it up, and let it grow with you. Before long, your portfolio will be the reason your inbox fills with new opportunities. And that’s when you know it’s working its magic as you desired.

Ezekiel Maina

Ezekiel Maina is the brains behind ContentGenics, where he pairs creativity and strategy to craft B2B and B2C content that real people love to read. He has written for brands like House Digest, iFoundries, Harmony Home Medical, Postaga, and BeamJobs, and covered topics like home improvement, real estate, freelancing, digital marketing, career growth, food & travel, automotive, durable medical equipment (DME), and Cannabis. By day, he’s crafting content, catching up with clients from his home office, lost in a good book, or occasionally chasing nature and greenery in another county. By late evening, he’s typically deep in a documentary rabbit hole on Netflix or YouTube.