Portfolio example
Writer and copywriter portfolio examples
Editors and clients hire writers by reading their work, so a writing portfolio has to make the right samples easy to find and quick to judge. The strongest ones are organised by the kind of writing a client needs and show the results the words achieved. Here is how to build one.
Recommended template: Editorial. Open it in Portfolio Studio and replace the sample content with yours.
What to include
- Eight to fifteen of your best samples, grouped by type such as web copy, email, long-form articles, scripts or UX writing
- A short summary for each sample: the client type, goal and your contribution
- Results where you have them, such as higher sign-ups, search rankings or open rates
- A clear statement of your niche and the industries you know
- Services, typical turnaround and how to commission you
- Testimonials from editors or clients
How to present writing samples
Do not make clients download PDFs to read every piece. Show an excerpt or the opening paragraph on the page with a link to the full published version, and keep a copy in case the original link breaks.
For copywriting, context is everything. A headline means little without the brief. Add a few lines explaining the audience, the objective and any constraints, such as word limits or brand voice rules, then show the work.
- Brief: who it was for and what it had to achieve
- Approach: the angle, tone or structure you chose and why
- Result: a measurable outcome or the client's response
- Format: link, excerpt, before-and-after or a screenshot of the copy in place
Homepage copy and example headlines
As a writer, your headline is itself a sample. Make it specific, clear and in the voice you would use for clients.
- Conversion copywriter for software companies that need clearer landing pages
- Health and science writer who makes complex research readable
- Email and lifecycle copywriter for subscription brands
Design tips
A writing portfolio should be easy to read above all. Choose a comfortable body font size, keep line lengths moderate and use plenty of white space between samples.
- Group samples by type or industry so clients can go straight to what they need
- Use cover images or simple cards for each sample so the index page is scannable
- Keep your about page short and in a natural voice
- Proofread every page; a typo on a writer's site is costly
Common mistakes to avoid
- Linking to published pieces that have since been edited by others or taken down
- Showing only blog posts when you want copywriting work, or the reverse
- Overlong introductions before the reader reaches any samples
- Generic claims such as wordsmith or storyteller without specifics
- No guidance on rates or process, which slows down enquiries
Getting found and sharing it
Publish a few articles on your own site about the topics you write for clients. They act as samples and help you rank for searches in your niche. Link your portfolio from your bylines, your email signature and your professional profiles, and link to the most relevant sample, not just the homepage, when you pitch.
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not have published writing samples yet?
Write spec pieces for the kind of work you want, such as a rewritten landing page or a sample article, and label them as samples. Publishing on your own site also counts as a real, linkable sample.
Can I include ghostwritten work?
Only with the client's permission. If you cannot name the client, describe the industry and type of piece, and share the sample privately when you pitch.
Should I list my rates on my writer portfolio?
Listing starting rates or typical project ranges helps clients self-select and saves time on both sides. You can still quote individually for larger projects.
How many writing samples should I show?
Eight to fifteen well-chosen samples is plenty. Three strong pieces in each category you sell is better than dozens in one long list.