E Essentials for a great portfolio

Portfolio building is a crucial step for aspiring copywriters looking to kickstart their careers in the industry. A well-curated portfolio showcases your skills and helps you stand out among other candidates when you're looking for a job. However, creating a portfolio that truly reflects your writing abilities can be challenging. Here are some dos and don'ts to consider when building your portfolio.

Do’s:

Showcase a variety of writing styles

Copywriting is a diverse field that encompasses different writing styles, such as social media copy, ad copy, website copy, and more. As a copywriter, it's essential to have a varied portfolio that showcases your ability to write in different styles. This will demonstrate your versatility and ability to adapt to different client needs.

Focus on quality over quantity

It's tempting to include every piece of writing you've ever done in your portfolio, but it's crucial to focus on quality over quantity. Potential employers will not be impressed by a long list of mediocre pieces. Instead, choose a few articles showcasing your best work and highlighting your copywriting skills.

Highlight results

As a copywriter, your primary goal is to drive results for your clients. Whether it's increasing website traffic or boosting sales, include the results of your work in your portfolio. Employers want to see that your writing has a measurable impact on their business.

Include a variety of clients

When building your portfolio, include work you've done for various clients. This will demonstrate your ability to work with different industries and target audiences. Potential employers want to see that you have experience in their industry or niche.

Make it easy to navigate

Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and visually appealing. Make sure to include a clear and concise description of each piece of work and include links to any online content. A cluttered and confusing portfolio can be off-putting to potential employers.

Don'ts:

Don't plagiarise

It should go without saying, but copying someone else's work is a severe offence in the copywriting industry. Not only is it unethical, but it can also ruin your reputation and career before it even begins. Always create original work and give credit where credit is due.

Don't include irrelevant work

While having a diverse portfolio is essential, including work unrelated to the job you're applying for can confuse potential employers. Make sure to tailor your portfolio to the job you're applying for and showcase relevant work highlighting your copywriting skills.

Don't forget about the details

When building your portfolio, pay attention to the details. Spelling and grammar errors can be a major turn-off for potential employers. Make sure to proofread your work carefully and have someone else read it.

Don't include work you're not proud of

Your portfolio reflects your skills as a writer. Including work you're not proud of or that you don't feel accurately represents your abilities can harm your chances of landing a job. Only include work you're confident in and proud of.

Don't stop updating

Your portfolio is not a one-time project. As you continue gaining experience and developing your writing skills, make sure to update your portfolio accordingly. This will demonstrate your commitment to your craft and showcase your most recent and relevant work.

Building a portfolio as an aspiring copywriter is crucial in kickstarting your career. By following these dos and don'ts, you can create a portfolio that showcases your writing skills and abilities and sets you apart from other candidates. Remember to focus on quality over quantity, highlight your results, and make it easy to navigate.