How to Create a Freelance Writing Portfolio

Here are three quick ways to create a freelance writing portfolio to show prospective clients. As a new freelance writer, it is often difficult to provide freelance writing clips when applying for writing jobs. Writing clients want to see examples of your work before they hire you, but if you are new to the writing business, you may not have any published work. 

Free articles
There are hundreds if not thousands of article directories on the Internet, and they are all looking for content. This is a gold mine for freelance writers, because you can pick your own topic and write a bylined article that is reprinted on lots of Web sites.

There are two advantages to using article directories to create clips. The first is that you can write on whatever topic you like. You can be creative and can show off a wide range of writing skills. Second, your name appears on each article. If you have a Web site or blog, you can include a link to it in the resource box. This process, known as article marketing, will bring traffic to your site.

With article directories once you meet their quality standards, which are not too strict, your article will be published. No waiting around for months for an editor to approve your work. It's a way to get clips instantly.

To make the most of this, make sure your work is professionally written, well-researched and error free. This will give you a clip that you are happy to point out to prospective writing clients.

Writing reviews
Another easy way to create clips is to review products and services online. There are several major consumer review sites, including Epinions, Dooyoo and Ciao. Once you have signed up, you can review anything you like; there's no waiting for approval.

This is a good way to practice writing Web content and meeting your audience's needs. You will learn to describe a product or service and explain your experience of using it. On most review sites, you get feedback from your readers. And you can even get paid to write, as many sites have ways that writers can earn money or vouchers.

Blogging
For freelance writers, blogging has to be the ultimate in creating quick writing clips. Setting up a blog can be as simple as opening a Blogger or WordPress account, or getting your host to install blogging software with one click. Five minutes later, you can post your first blog entry and create your first writing clip.

If you plan to use your blog to showcase your freelance writing, keep it professional. Write valuable content, using material that you know from your own experience or have researched properly. No editorial approval required, and it's a chance to let your imagination run wild. On your blog, you can do your own thing. It gives you a chance to show a wide range of writing skills that is not limited by products to be reviewed or the categories in article directories.

Of course, not all your options need to be online. There's still room to create clips offline too. Consider volunteering to contribute to a community newsletter or other publication. Offer to write reviews for your local newspaper. Use your expertise to create a free column to go in a free paper. You will get your name known, develop some writing skills and get those all-important clips that will help you to get paid to write.