Last week, we talked about how building a content writer portfolio as a content writer feels like trying to climb a mountain… with one hand tied behind your back and the other answering Slack messages.
This week, let’s dive deeper into a pain point that came up again and again when I surveyed fellow writers:
“How do I even choose which pieces to include in my content writer portfolio?”
Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time I overthought whether a blog post from 2021 was still “relevant enough” for my portfolio, I’d have a second income stream by now.
Picking your portfolio pieces doesn’t have to be a full-blown existential crisis. (Although if you’ve ever sat there agonizing between two blog posts like your entire career hangs in the balance — you’re among friends.)
Let’s talk real-world tips, relatable struggles, and some survey gems that prove everybody’s winging it a little.
Step 1: Stop Trying to Be Everything to Everyone
When I first started freelancing, I thought my content writer portfolio had to show every single thing I could do.
- Blog posts? ✅
- White papers? ✅
- Listicles? ✅
- Random product descriptions from 2017? Also ✅
And guess what? It made my portfolio look messy and confusing.
In the survey, so many writers admitted they had the same problem. One person said:
“I wanted to impress every possible client, so I ended up overwhelming them.”
Focus is your friend. Instead of trying to cover every genre and industry, zero in on what you want more of.
If you want to write for SaaS companies, showcase tech blogs, case studies, and thought leadership articles, not that one travel blog you wrote about the best beaches in Goa.
Your portfolio should feel intentional, not like a clearance sale.
Step 2: Pick Your Greatest Hits (Not Every Song You’ve Ever Sung)
You know how even the best bands only play their top tracks at concerts? Same vibe here.
From the survey, one piece of advice echoed loud and clear:
“Less is more. Show your best work, not every work.”
Choose 5–10 pieces that:
- Highlight your strengths
- Match the kind of clients you want
- Show versatility within reason (blogs, articles, whitepapers — but not your high school poetry)
Quality >>> quantity. Always.
Step 3: If It’s Ghostwritten, You Can Still Use It (Smartly)
One of the biggest questions that popped up in the survey was:
“Can I include ghostwritten work in my content writer portfolio?”
Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? Maybe be a little sneaky about it.
If the work is public and the client’s okay with it, link it directly. If not, you can describe the type of content you wrote, without naming names. Example:
- “Long-form SaaS thought leadership piece published on major tech blog”
- “SEO-optimized healthcare blog series for leading medical platform”
One writer shared in the survey:
“I have tons of ghostwritten work, but I focus on describing the project instead of violating confidentiality.”
It’s about showing the type of work you can do, not giving away state secrets.
Step 4: Update With Purpose, Not Panic
Raise your hand if you’ve ever realized your content writer portfolio is two years out of date and immediately descended into an update frenzy.
Both hands raised here.
An important lesson from the survey was this:
“I update my portfolio when I have something new I’m proud of — not every random blog post.”
You don’t have to update your portfolio every time you hit ‘publish’. Instead, set a regular check-in (like quarterly) to refresh it with:
- New, relevant pieces
- Content that’s performed well (traffic, engagement, etc.)
- Projects that reflect where you’re headed, not just where you’ve been
This way, you stay current without living inside your portfolio 24/7.
Step 5: Tell a Story With Your Selections
Here’s the part nobody tells you: Your content writer portfolio isn’t just a dumping ground for links. It’s a story about who you are as a writer.
Pick pieces that weave a narrative:
- “I’m a tech content strategist who understands SaaS marketing.”
- “I’m a healthcare writer who can explain complex topics with clarity.”
One survey participant put it perfectly:
“I want potential clients to see a clear picture of what it’s like to work with me, just from my samples.”
That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you curate intentionally.
Step 6: Don’t Overthink It (Seriously)
I know, I know — easier said than done. But here’s your permission slip to not overthink.
Done is better than perfect. A simple content writer portfolio that’s up-to-date beats a “perfect” one that lives only in your imagination.
If you’re starting with a clean slate, Linktr.ee is the perfect platform to create a simple yet effective content writer portfolio. Check out my guide on how to set up a quick and easy Linktr.ee portfolio that showcases your work and attracts clients.
Remember:
- Clients are looking for proof of skill, not a Pulitzer Prize.
- They want to quickly see you can do the job.
- You’re not on trial. You’re showing off what you can already do well.
So go ahead. Pick your greatest hits. Arrange them in a way that feels natural. Hit publish.
The clients who are meant for you will find you.
And when in doubt, take a moment to reread The Struggles Every Writer Faces When Building a Portfolio—because you’re not alone in this!
We’ve all been there, battling portfolio perfectionism, feeling overwhelmed, and wondering if our portfolio would be enough.