Whether you’re a seasoned writer or you’re just starting out, creating a portfolio is crucial for any aspiring copywriter. A portfolio is basically a collection of your work that you can use to showcase your writing skills. Think of a portfolio like a resume for writers; it’s a collection of samples of your work that you can use to demonstrate your skills and gain new leads. A good copywriting portfolio should include your blog posts, social media posts, and other content you’ve created that’s relevant to your niche. You might also include samples of your work that are short, snappy and to the point. Finally, don’t forget about your resumé (resume); it will undoubtedly be one of the first things that a potential employer will look at when considering your application for a job.
The Difference Between a Resume and a Portfolio
A resume is typically a one-page summary of your education, work experience, and other relevant data. Resumes are most appropriate if you’re applying for a position within an organization where you already have a formal resume (for example, if you’re applying for a job at a university or college). For the best effect, make sure that your resume is concise and to the point. It should not contain any unnecessary fluff.
A portfolio, on the other hand, is a collection of your work that you can use to demonstrate your writing skills. Portfolios are most appropriate if you’re applying for a job that requires you to be a self-starter (for example, if you’re applying for a job at a small business or startup). For the best effect, create a selection of portfolios that are representative of the kind of work you can produce. Think of a portfolio as a visual Resume for writers; it’s a collection of your work that you can use to showcase your skills and gain new leads.
Why Should You Include Blog Posts in Your Portfolio?
Blogs are a fantastic way to establish yourself as an expert in your niche. If you can establish a blog that’s authoritative in your chosen field, you’ll be able to show that you have professional experience and that you can produce compelling content when needed. Consider putting together a small sample of your best blog posts to contribute to your portfolio.
What If You Don’t Have Any Blogs Yet?
If you don’t have any blogs yet, it’s no problem at all. Simply follow the above advice and before you know it, you’ll have a small group of blogs that you can include in your portfolio. In the meantime, create short, snappy pieces of content to contribute to your portfolio. For example, you could write a brief bio about yourself, write a couple of blog posts to establish your expert status in your niche, or write an article on a trending topic to establish your thoughts on the matter.
Adding Other Forms of Content to Your Portfolio
Adding other forms of content to your portfolio is straightforward. If you want to add other content to your portfolio, simply find relevant pieces of content that you’ve created and add them to your collection. For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, you could add the following to your portfolio:
- A short e-book on marketing,
- A list of the Top 10 Web 2.0 Blogs in the marketing space,
- A case study on a marketing campaign that you’ve worked on,
- And anything else that demonstrates your ability to think creatively and solve problems.
Above all else, make sure that you have a small number of pieces of content that are outstanding. With so much competition, it’s essential that your work stand out above the rest. Always look for ways to improve your work and take pride in your accomplishments. This will undoubtedly make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.