If you’re a student looking for some extra cash, starting a copywriting blog can seem like a good idea. You can generate some quick cash by writing blog posts for businesses big and small. All you need is a laptop, some paper, and a good imagination.
However, if you do decide to pursue copywriting as a career, you’ll need to put in the time to build a solid portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your work that you can show to potential employers. Having a complete and up-to-date copywriting portfolio will make you stand out from the crowd.
The Perfect Copywriting Portfolio
So, you’ve decided to try your hand at copywriting for some extra cash. Excellent! Now it’s up to you to figure out how to put together a perfect copywriting portfolio. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.
First, come up with a list of about a dozen blog posts that you think are perfect examples of your writing. These are your “samples”. You’ll also need to decide how much you’re willing to charge per post. When you start out, it might be a good idea to choose a cheaper option while you build your reputation. As you gain experience, you can choose to specialize in certain niches and become a more highly valued professional. Keep in mind that the better your samples, the more you’ll be valued as a professional.
The Necessary Materials to Build a Portfolio
You’ll need a laptop or notebook computer to generate your copy. Don’t worry, these are not difficult to come by. You can get them for free from your local library as long as you have an internet connection. If you don’t own a laptop or notebook computer, don’t worry. There are a variety of low-cost laptops that you can purchase online that will not only serve your copywriting needs but will also let you play your favorite games. In fact, many companies that do web design and development for businesses offer quality laptops at great prices. You’ll also need a desk or a table to work at. If you don’t have a large enough desk, you can buy one online for a good price. You can even get a folding card table or an old laptop desk that you can use during exams or when you’re working on a project.
Pro-Tip
If you’re writing your copy in English, it’s a good idea to have a native English speaking friend or tutor review your work. Have this person look for any spelling errors or confusing words. Many times, it’s not as obvious as you think it is. A fresh set of eyes can often find mistakes that even you might have missed. When you’ve become confident that you’ve done a good job, have your friend or tutor give you feedback in a more general sense. For example, they can tell you whether or not what you’ve written is interesting, whether or not it is well-reasoned, and whether or not you’re using the right words.
As for the paper, the better the quality, the more money you’ll be able to make. However, for students, it’s not a bad idea to go for a less expensive option. In fact, a lot of copywriters and journalists use resources such as Writer’s cafe to provide them with fresh material as well as to keep track of their work. Remember, though, that the better your samples, the better. The more you write, the more you’ll improve. A high-quality notebook or laptop will also make a huge difference.
The Value of a Good Samples Portfolio
So, you’ve decided to put together a portfolio of your work. Excellent! Now it’s up to you to figure out what to put in it. While there are a variety of different things that you can include in your portfolio, it generally consists of the following elements.
- A cover letter stating your reasons for applying for the position (optional)
- A short bio about yourself (optional)
- Your samples (optional)
- References (optional)
- An interest or resume in either.pdf or.doc format (optional)
- An email address (optional)
- An online presence (optional)
- A phone number (optional)
The more that you can include, the better. Don’t hesitate to be as creative as possible. For example, if you’re applying for a writing position at a magazine, you can include a couple of articles that you’ve written for school. Or, if you’re applying for a position at a business newspaper, you can include a couple of articles that you’ve written about business related topics. In either case, make sure to have the printer printout of your samples. This will also make it easier for you to transport them to your prospective employer. You can leave your laptop at home. Many times, employers will let you bring your samples to work on. However, if you’re applying for a position at a remote location, having them printed out might not be possible. In that case, make sure to have a CD or a flash drive with your samples on it. If you’re planning on visiting multiple businesses in the near future, having your own CD or flash drive will prove to be extremely beneficial. It’s also preferable to have your samples stored in a place that’s not so easily accessible. Remember, though, that the more that you put in it, the better it will look. The more relevant information that you can include, the more valuable it will be.
Where to Get More Information
If you’re looking to further build your portfolio and you don’t have the time to do so yourself, there are many places online that you can find help. For example, the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) offers student and young professionals a range of online learning opportunities including mentoring programs, as well as certification and career development resources. The Institute for Legal Research at the University of Michigan offers a course called Researching Business Law that can help you develop the skills necessary to become a successful legal researcher.
Ultimately, building a strong portfolio isn’t easy, but it’s certainly possible. With a little bit of patience and some initiative, you’ll be able to put one together. And once you do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t sooner.