Is my portfolio good enough to start freelancing?

Basically, I think your writing is quite good. There are some minor editing problems with missing commas. I got the feeling that quite a few of your sentences were too long. To me, that seems fine if you are writing voice-over scripts, or reports, but not blogs. Of course, if the client likes them, then everything I said is moot!

1) Don't send anyone a portfolio piece called "Just writting" - misspelling your own work from the outset (especially if you're not going to give it an intriguing title) just starts everything off on the wrong foot.

2) You have a portfolio. Don't ask us if it's good enough for work. Ask potential clients. Go get work. You've actually written, and that's leagues ahead of people who spend their days lamenting over how they'd love to be a writer and don't have the time.

Here's what I found. In the end, most people don't care about your education, your portfolio, your ability to get your dog to crawl on his belly on command or your family connection to royalty in the 1400s.

What they want is someone to help solve problems. Problems like not enough customers, retaining current customers, selling more to each customer, etc. Show them how your writing will do that.

@Jarvis
Thanks for the advice. I probably do need to brush up on my punctuation a little bit. I do tend to be a little long-winded. Some of these pieces were written years ago. I've tried to keep an eye on that since then.


@Angie
Thanks for the advice. I can't believe I did that. I guess I was typing too quickly.

@Joe
thanks for the advice. You are absolutely correct. Firstly, I need to sell my skills and value to the employer.


Thanks again to everyone for the advice.

What if I told you that I can get my gf to do this, would that get your attention? It's amazing what you can do once you know Operant Conditioning.

By reading that pdf file i realize that your writing skills are quite upto the mark but you have to remember that while writing in any topic you have to share more and more general info, Secondly you must have to assure the usage of commas, question marks and dashes etc where it is necessary. Best of luck...!

Your writing needs some improvement on the basic skills:

1) Structure
2) Opening
3) Sentence structure.
4) Punch
5) Clarity


Get this book...

Amazon.com: A Writer's Coach: The Complete Guide...

It's NOT a copywriting book, but it is the foundation of all good writing and the best resource I've found on getting up to speed on these basic skills. You need to get these in order before you get into copywriting. But in the meantime, yes, get your work in front of clients and get busy.

The only drawback is that most of your potential clients won't offer specific feedback about why they won't hire you. They'll just ignore you. That's why you need a guide like this one.

Hi there,

I like your writing, but I agree that you need to work on your punctuation and length of sentences. Keep in mind that your pieces of content may be read by someone with a PhD, but also by someone who hasn't even finished high-school. So, your writing has to be concise and straight to the point, without any fancy words, unless the client requires so.

Also, remember to offer value in every article and text you're writing. If you're just being general and superficial, the client may never hire you again and you may even end up with a bad review.

Your portfolio is important, but your first contact with the client is also crucial. Be respectful, but friendly at the same time. Don't just say "Hello, this is my portfolio" and that's it. Try to build a connection and a relationship with the client. Tell them who you are, where are you from and what you're doing and show a genuine interest in who they are and what they are doing. Convince them that you are the right person for them and that you can really help them. You're not just a copywriter, you're also a sales person.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

TypingPandas

First of all, I want to say that so many people out there get into freelance writing even without a portfolio! They build it as they go, so of course you can start freelancing!

Second, writing is subjective. Maybe your writing is great, in my opinion, but awful for someone else... So, what you need to do is just start somewhere. You'll get clients who will love working with you, and clients who will be forever disappointed.. You just concentrate on those who appreciate your writing skills.

IMO too much focus on improvement in this thread. That's putting the cart before the horse. You have something to show clients, which means you're ready to get started on the critical task of prospecting and generating business for yourself.

You may worry about polishing your portfolio AFTER receiving concerns and/or objections from potential clients, not before. If you wish to be a self-employed, revenue-generating entrepreneur, that is!

Your portfolio is vital, yet your first contact with the customer is likewise essential. Be aware, yet amicable in the meantime. Don't simply say "Hi, this is my portfolio" and that is it. Attempt to manufacture an association and an association with the customer.

I think you have a good building block -- you know how to string a sentence together and that's more than some can.

You need to tighten up copy and punch up your headlines. You're making me fall asleep. "A sensational sense of smell may save lives" is very passive and boring. How about "Your dog can tell if you have a tumor."

Again, "An alternative approach to fixing kitty's behavior" -- passive, not very compelling, zzzzz. How about "Is your cat psycho? Ask a kitty psychologist."

"Something Special?" What does that mean? Give your audience the real deal. "Double amputee Army vet becomes elite athlete."

Your headlines don't draw the reader in and the copy needs major tightening. Use active, not passive, copy and headlines.

I think it's solid. could use a bit more info at the end on how to contact you and what rated you are looking for. Based on what I see, if I had the funds, I'd almost definitely hire you.