How I Built My Writing Portfolio in 48 Hours

The Guide to Accelerating Your Professional Writing Career

For years, I put off creating a writing portfolio. Not because I lacked experience, but because the idea of organizing, designing, and publishing my work felt overwhelming. If you’re a writer, you’ve probably been there—paralyzed by perfectionism, unsure of where to start, and maybe even questioning if you have enough material to showcase.

Then, in the span of 48 hours, I built my entire portfolio from scratch. Here’s how I did it—and how you can, too.

Step 1: Decide on a Professional Name & Domain (1 Hour)

The first step was establishing my brand identity. I wanted a name that felt professional, a little mysterious, and flexible enough to encompass different types of writing. After brainstorming and checking domain availability, I settled on Indigo Rhodes—a name that reflects both creativity and intrigue.

Tip: If your real name doesn’t excite you or feels too common, consider a pen name or a variation of your initials. Check domain sites like GoDaddy or Wix to ensure availability before you get too attached.

Step 2: Gather and Select Your Best Writing Samples (3 Hours)

I sifted through my past work, pulling pieces that showcased different styles and strengths. Instead of overwhelming potential clients with too much content, I focused on:

A compelling ghostwriting sample (showing narrative depth and voice flexibility)
A screenwriting excerpt (demonstrating visual storytelling and scene-building)
A freelance blog piece (proving my ability to write engaging, insightful content for broader audiences)
A copywriting sample (highlighting persuasive, marketable writing skills)
Tip: Choose a mix of pieces that highlight your adaptability. Even if you’re just starting, you can create original samples specifically for your portfolio.

Step 3: Choose a Website Builder & Design the Layout (4 Hours)

I opted for Wix for its user-friendly AI design tools and customization options. The goal was a clean, professional layout that prioritized readability and ease of navigation.

Key sections I included:

Homepage – A brief introduction to who I am and what I offer
Writing Portfolio – A curated selection of my best work
About Page – A compelling bio that speaks to my experience and passion
Blog – A space for industry insights, writing tips, and creative musings
Contact Page – A simple way for potential clients to reach out
Tip: Keep your site minimal. Avoid clutter, unnecessary graphics, and walls of text. Simple, sleek, and easy to navigate wins every time.

Step 4: Write and Format the Content (6 Hours)

Once the structure was in place, I wrote clear and compelling copy for each section. I kept it professional but infused it with personality. I made sure my bio wasn’t just a list of credentials but a story—something potential clients could connect with.

Tip: Write in a way that feels authentic to you. Clients aren’t just hiring a writer; they’re hiring a voice, a perspective, a creative mind. Let that come through.

Step 5: Optimize for Visibility & Professionalism (3 Hours)

Before hitting publish, I ensured my site looked polished:

Proofread Everything – Typos and inconsistencies? Absolutely not.
Set Up a Custom Email – A branded email (e.g., hello@indigorhodes.com) looks far more professional than a generic Gmail.
Connect Social Media & SEO Settings – Even if I’m not relying on organic traffic, I wanted my site to be discoverable.
Tip: First impressions matter. Your website should be as professional as the work you’re pitching.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This Faster Than You Think

If I learned anything from this process, it’s that done is better than perfect. I spent years overthinking this, but in reality, all it took was 48 focused hours to create something that looks polished, professional, and ready to attract clients.

If you’ve been putting off building your portfolio, consider this your sign to just start. The sooner you put yourself out there, the sooner opportunities will come knocking.

Your turn: Have you built a writing portfolio? What’s been holding you back? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your experience!