Hi,
I have recently set up a website, offering my freelance writing services. I am slowly getting the hang of it all.
I want to build a portfolio containing paid work, bought by previous clients, to show to prospective clients, for example only. What is the best way to include this on my website without breaching any copyright etc. or rubbing anyone up the wrong way?
Sorry if it is an obvious answer, I am new to this and its a bit hazy.
Thanks for your time
Anita
What kind of writing do you do?
If the work is bylined and it’s on the Web, your portfolio can simply link to it (that’s the approach I take with my own).
If you write for magazines, you might be able to show the content in an image format, at least in part.
If you write for businesses on internal or marketing pieces, you’ll probably need to get their permission if it’s not public already. Most are fine with letting writers show scanned copies of things as long as they don’t contain any private information about the company.
If you can’t do any of those things, perhaps because you’re a ghostwriter and your contract doesn’t allow you to claim authorship, your best bet is to get a testimonial from the client that briefly describes the type of work you did.
Let me know if you need other ideas.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for the quick reply.
The majority of my writing is ghost-written content for businesses, websites and blogs, so I don’t have anything to link back to.
My site includes links to my own blog, but I tend to stick to a particular niche and writing style for my own content. The reason for the portfolio was to show prospective clients my ability to write in a range of diverse styles/different niches.
I was working for content mill websites for a long time before coming to the conclusion that my writing was worth more, so I set up a website. I have a few loyal clients and was just looking for ways to attract more, thought the portfolio might be the way to go.
I have included testimonials from clients on my website, I will try and track down some more.
Thank you for your reply, much appreciated.
It definitely sounds like testimonials are the way you’ll want to go. You can always ask some of your past clients if you can include samples (even if a screenshot or pdf version for download). Just make sure they’re accompanied by testimonials so it’s clear you really wrote for that client. Without a byline that would be impossible for prospects to verify otherwise. A portfolio will become more important when you choose to specialize because they show your expertise in the subject matter. And in that case, it’s always best to seek bylined work and clients are usually happy to offer that because it’s your name as much as your writing that lends credibility to their own site or company.