Freelance Writer Website: 10 Must-Haves

Your freelance writer website is one of the most critical aspects of your marketing plan. Having a web presence is important because it's often the first place that a potential client will go to check out your work history, writing samples, and skills. These days, all professional writers need a website that showcases their work, and if you don't have one, you're missing out on potential business.​

What exactly does it mean to have a web presence, though, and what elements should a freelance writer's website include? Great questions! When creating your freelance writing website, be sure to include these 10 essential elements.

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Introduction, Buy-In, Photos, and Logos

High angle shot of an attractive young woman writing in her journal while surfing the net
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Your landing page should immediately elicit a buy-in from your potential client. In your own words and graphics, you must convey professionalism while coming across as a real, verifiable, trustworthy human. Use logos, professional photos, and text that express who you are as a writer, what you can do to serve potential clients, and why they should hire you specifically.

02
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Past Work and Employers

This section will be one of the main parts of your freelance writer website. Offer visitors a clear listing of past employers and clients. What have you done in the past that makes you worthy of hiring in the future? For which clients do you currently write? What articles and pieces have you completed that will give your next client the confidence to hire you?

03
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Other Qualifications

List and demonstrate your other qualifications. Include academic training, awards, organization memberships, and other evidence that displays your professionalism and your ability to write and serve the client or organization.

04
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Writing Samples

Don't just say it: Show it! Include completed samples of your past work in your writing website. You can use PDFs if you have the right to publish the work on your freelance writer website, or you may simply provide a description and a link.

05
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Subject and Niche Information

If you write specifically in a certain niche or subject matter area or medium, make sure your potential clients know that. In addition, including this information helps you with keywords and search engine optimization (SEO).

06
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Keywords and SEO Terms

As with any webpage, keywords and specific SEO terms are essential for users to discover your site. If you're not optimizing your website using keywords and SEO terms, then you're missing out. Many freelance writers get work because clients search for "freelance writer" + "city name" or "freelance writer" + "latino niche" or a similar keyword combo. Make your website discoverable by including important terms. 

07
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Rates and Policies

Money can be a sensitive subject, but the topic can't be avoided. Some writers prefer transparency and include their freelance rates up front. However, others prefer to name a range or suggest that potential clients call for quotes. In addition to rates, be sure to be up front and clear about your policies, such as those pertaining to down payments, rush jobs, contracts, and nondisclosure agreements.

08
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Blog

Including a blog on your website allows your client to see that you're a professional, busy, thriving business. It also helps with search engine ranking and allows your client to see a more personal side of you and get a sense of your writing voice.

09
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Testimonials, References, and Case Studies

This is self-explanatory. Include anything that will give the publisher, editor, or private client confidence in your skills.

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Current and Ongoing Clients

Keep a page of helpful information for your current clients. You could include instructions on how to pay you, where to access your contract, how to use your FTP service, how to contact you in emergencies, and generally anything else that current clients may need to know.

Your Freelance Writer Website

Remember, your freelance writing website is a reflection of your career and talents as a writer. Keep it succinct, updated, and professional. Best of luck.