How To Create a Standout Copywriting Or Virtual Assistant Portfolio
A portfolio is essential for every virtual assistant or copywriting business, but how do you create one that stands out in a crowded market? And what if you don’t have experience?
In this post, you’ll learn how to create a copywriting or virtual assistant portfolio and land more clients (even if you’re new).
You’ll learn:
✔️ What to put in your portfolio (even if you’re inexperienced)
✔️ How to make your portfolio look professional with minimal design skills
✔️ Tips for building credibility with potential clients
Prefer to listen to this content instead? Check out the podcast episode below:
3 Things Virtual Assistants & Copywriters Should Do First
Before you start on your portfolio, there are three important things you should do first to set yourself up for success.
Let’s dive in!
1. Decide Which Services You Want To Offer
You’re starting a new business and you’re trying to figure out what services to offer. It can be pretty overwhelming, right?
Well, here’s the thing – you don’t have to offer everything under the sun. In fact, you shouldn’t!
It’s better to focus on a few services that you perform really well instead of trying to offer any and everything.
First, think about what you’re passionate about. What do you love doing? What are you good at? Choosing services you’re passionate about will help you enjoy your work and get better results for your clients (because you’re working on projects that excite you).
Second, think about what your future clients might need. What problems do they have that you can solve? By offering services that address your client’s needs, you can provide value and be more profitable..
Also, think about what services are going to be the most profitable for your business. It’s important to make money, right? So focus on services that are going to bring in the most revenue for the amount of time you’re putting in.
To summarize, take time to think about the services you want to offer. Consider what you love doing, what your clients need, and what’s going to make you money!
2. Choose Your Ideal Client
When it comes to finding clients, it’s important to choose the ones that are the best fit for you.
Think about who your ideal client would be – the type of person or company that you really enjoy working with and who values what you have to offer.
Maybe it’s someone who shares your values or has a similar vision for their business. Or maybe it’s a specific industry that you connect with.
Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to narrow down your audience. When you work with clients who are a great match for you, it makes everything more enjoyable and rewarding.
3. Create Work Samples
If you don’t have client work to show on your portfolio, you can create samples from scratch.
First, figure out what kind of work you want to showcase. Is it writing, design, or something else? Once you know that, create 3-4 practice projects that you can create from scratch to share on your portfolio.
Remember, the point of work samples is for clients to see that you can deliver quality work!
Make sure the work samples are polished and really represent your best work.
How To Create A Portfolio From Scratch
Now let’s talk about the key elements of a copywriting or virtual assistant portfolio.
Start with a cover page that includes your headshot, title, and contact info. Keep it simple and professional.
Next, include a cover letter-style introduction where you can show your personality and highlight the value you bring to clients. Use copywriting skills to make it about the reader, not yourself.
Resume Section
After your introduction, include a resume page that highlights your work experience.
Keep it concise and include relevant roles and responsibilities. You can also create a section that I call “bonus points” where you can showcase additional skills and qualities that make you a valuable choice for clients.
Remember to keep it simple and relevant to the client’s needs!
Projects and Case Studies
The projects page is where you can share your work as a copywriter or virtual assistant. Include projects you’ve worked on, whether as an employee or freelancer.
Use images, role descriptions, and short explanations to give potential clients a sense of your experience.
If you’re new to the industry, use the practice projects you created to show off your skills and abilities.
You can also collaborate with business owners who need the services you offer in exchange for a case study (this is simply where you track the results of your work in their business and share it with their testimonial).
Testimonials & Authority Building
Testimonials are a powerful way to prove your skills and build trust with potential clients.
If you’re brand new and need experience, you can consider offering your services in exchange for testimonials from other business owners who can speak to your character and skills.
Also, focus on building authority through collaborations and content creation. Collaborate with professionals in your industry, go live in communities, create free resources, and share your unique process. This helps you establish yourself as an expert in your field!
Adding Personality & A Call To Action
To stand out from the crowd, add a touch of personality to your portfolio.
Share a favorite quote, a Bible verse, or something that reflects your values. This helps potential clients connect with you on a deeper level.
Also, make sure to include a call to action at the end of your portfolio. Encourage clients to take the next step, whether it’s signing up for your email list, exploring your services, or booking a call to talk about your packages.
Use Templates For A Professional Look
When creating your copywriting or virtual assistant portfolio, I recommend using templates to save time and ensure a cohesive and professional look. Don’t spend hours trying to design something from scratch if it’s not your thing!
Even if you’re not a natural graphic designer, there are plenty of templates available on platforms like Canva.
They designed those templates with elements that look good together and will make your portfolio feel more cohesive. I suggest sticking to the original template as much as you can while customizing it to match your personality and branding.
Conclusion
Creating a standout portfolio is super important for showcasing your skills. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a portfolio that stands out to clients!
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