Putting together a portfolio
As a writer, you need a portfolio to showcase your work. And the best way to store your portfolio is on a website.
#1. Get a domain name.
The first step is to register a domain name. Choose your own name, if available.
You can do that through Bluehost or many other web hosting companies. Although Bluehost is not the cheapest web hosting company, I like that it has U.S.-based technical support and includes the most popular website development tool—WordPress—in the hosting fee.
I recommend getting your own top-level domain name like this:
- https://sandraelam.com
If your name with the most popular .com extension is not available, consider a variation like this:
- https://sandraelam.net
- https://sandraelamwrites.com
- https://sandraelamwriter.com
Years ago, most domain names included www, which stands for world wide web, but it’s usually not used anymore. My original domain name ten years ago was:
- http://www.sandraelam.com
I called Bluehost a few years ago and they upgraded my website from an unsecured site (which begins with http) to a secure site (which begins with https). This is recommended because modern browsers now warn users against visiting unsecure websites.
Bluehost also explained that www is not needed, because whether you type www or not, you will still reach my website (find out why here).
If you are on a tight budget, you can choose a subdomain that is under a web host’s main domain. For example:
- https://wordpress.sandraelam.com
While a subdomain is okay for casual bloggers, it does not look professional. If you are going to earn your living as a writer, I recommend you pay a bit more and get your own main domain name.
#2. Create your website.
After your domain name is reserved, the next step is to create your website.
You create your website and manage content using a website tool such as WordPress (provided for free through various web hosting companies including Bluehost.com). There are other website content management systems, such as Joomla or Drupal, but WordPress is the most popular.
For my original version of this website in 2012, I hired a software developer to customize a WordPress template for me, then hired a graphic designer to give the website a professional look.
However, when I updated the website in 2021, I no longer needed a software developer or graphic designer because WordPress and my skills have improved since 2012.
#3. Post samples of your work.
The final step in putting together a technical writing portfolio is to gather samples of your work and post them on your website.
What if you don’t have any technical writing samples? Write several articles about something you know. For example, I love to garden. So even if I did not have any existing samples, I could write an article called My Take on Tomatoes, giving my recommendations on the best varieties.
Here are some tips:
- Make sure your writing samples do not contain any company-confidential information.
- Select samples from different kinds of documents. For example, you may want to include excerpts from a software user guide, maintenance plan, and quick-reference card.
- Edit and format each sample to perfection.
- Have a friend proofread each sample to catch any mistakes.
Your website should serve as a testament to your organizational and technical ability, so make sure it is well-designed, uncluttered, and perfectly edited.
Keep the content fresh by writing on relevant business-related topics. Save the story about your dog for Facebook.
Post testimonials from your clients (with their permission, of course).
Make sure to include a link to your website on your resume, business card, LinkedIn page, and Facebook page.
Keep in mind: Your website is your portfolio; not just the writing samples, but the entire experience.
