How to Create Writing Samples as a Brand New Writer
A 6-step process to start creating your portfolio today.
It’s hard to know exactly what you should write to impress a client. Your first samples likely won’t be viral content, so don’t stress over them. Just get 2–3 short posts written, edit them really well and then start pitching.
Once you’ve landed some paid jobs, you can start using the samples from your clients with permission, or refine your existing samples as you learn and keep going.
Before you open up Google docs and start writing, follow these steps…
Step One — Researching
Find jobs you’d want to apply for by searching job boards or freelance platforms like Upwork.
Step Two — Finding Inspiration
Check the job poster’s website, if it’s listed on the job board. See what their blog is about or what their website says.
Find out exactly what tone and writing style they prefer.
If their website is not listed, just google their niche, i.e.
- health & wellness articles
- parenting articles
- fintech websites
Go through the top 2–3 results (after the ads) and read the blog posts or articles to see how they were written, then copy the basic style.
DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. I’m sure this is obvious but I want to say it anyway. Don’t copy anyone’s headlines or outlines, just use the post for inspiration so you can get started.
Step Three — Brainstorming
Brainstorm some topics to write about and then list out headlines.
The best performing headlines are How-Tos (How to Build Your Own Website in 5 Minutes) and Listicles (10 Best Tips for a Flawless Manicure).
Step Four — Collect Information
Once you have a headline you can expand on, google some information, or if you already know about the topic in pretty good detail, start an outline.
Step Five — Outline Your Post
The easiest way to write a post is to outline it first. Break it down into smaller pieces you can work on separately.
Always include an intro and closing and at least one subheading.
How-to Post:
HEADING (H1)
intro paragraph — 170 words
SUBHEADING (H2)
supporting info — 170 words
CLOSING (H2)
summary of information — 170 words
Word Count: 510
Listicle:
HEADING (H1)
intro paragraph — 100–150 words
ITEM 1 (H2)
explanation — 100 words
ITEM 2 (H2)
explanation — 100 words
ITEM 3 (H2)
explanation — 100 words
CLOSING (H2)
summary of intro and items — 50–100 words
Word Count: 500–600 words
Step Six — writing
For a basic sample, you need to write 300–500 words.
For a 500 word post, three sections (intro, subheading, closing), you’ll need around 170 words per section.
Listicles should be kept short for samples, so I use 3–5 items plus intro and closing.
You don’t have to write all the sections in order. Sometimes when I’m struggling with how to start, I just go to the middle and write those sections first.
Write first. Edit later.
This is tricky, I still edit while I’m writing and it’s such a time-waster. Write first, just get all of your ideas out. Then when you’re all tapped out, go back and edit it.
A helpful thing to do when editing is to open a blank Google doc and copy and paste any sections you’re taking out so you don’t lose them completely.
Sometimes they will work in the article after I’ve edited it a few times, sometimes they work for another piece.
And sometimes, they fall down my black hole of google docs never to resurface again. But still, I like to keep them.
Start Pitching
If you want to know how your samples will do, start pitching clients. Use them. See how people respond. If you’re struggling to get a response, even when a job has been advertised, refine your samples.
And after you’ve pitched a few clients, and maybe landed some work, go back and refine your samples to keep them fresh.
You don’t need a fancy portfolio to become a paid freelance writer, you just need to show potential clients that you’re capable of doing the work.
Now go research.
Want to learn how to get started making money from home? Get your FREE Guide to Freelance Writing (for beginners!) here.
