Start Your Own Blog to Build a Portfolio as a Content Writer

Start your own Blog to build a portfolio as a content writer.

Since my last three posts, I have briefly explained how a beginner content writer can build their portfolio. I have already explained how you can start with writing on Medium, Quora then doing internships or low paying work. However, if those ways didn’t work for you then the best way to build your portfolio is starting your own blog. In today’s post I will explain how you can start a blog to build your portfolio.

Starting your own blog may sound challenging to you but trust me it is not. You can create a very professional blog with a very minimal cost all on your own. Just read through this post. You will require these in order to start a blog:

Select a Niche: As I suggested in previous posts, you should have already decided your niche for doing content writing. Keep the niche of your blog exactly the same as the niche you have picked for content writing.

Get a Domain Name: Once you have your niche ready the next requirement to start a blog is a domain name. If you don’t know what a domain name is, it is basically the name of your blog. There are many domain providers where you can book a domain name. I prefer GoDaddy and Google Domains.

Purchase Web Hosting: Next you will need a web-hosting. It is basically a computer where everything of your blog will be stored so it can be accessible on the Internet. There are many hosting platforms available like GoDaddy, Bluehost, Hostinger, Dreamhost, etc. All of them are shared hosting you can get from any of these companies.

One thing to make sure here is to go with the cheapest plan with monthly bill payment. The mistake which beginners make is they purchase web-hosting for one year or even more than that. The hosting companies trick users by offering discounts when buying hosting for several years. Your favourite influencer may also suggest you to go get the yearly plan but don’t fall for it because they are promoting it as the affiliate commission is higher on those plans.

You may think why I am suggesting to go with the cheapest and monthly plan. It is just because I don’t want a huge amount when you are not sure how things will work out for you in the long run. Start with the cheapest cost possible and you can upgrade it later. I am giving you my honest advice as I am not here to promote anything.

Install WordPress: Once you have purchased the domain name and web-hosting the next step is to install WordPress on your server. Most hosting providers allow a single-click WordPress install. If you are not able to do it, reach out to the support team of your hosting provider and they will do it for you.

Create a Basic Design: When you have installed WordPress the next step is to create a basic design. You can do it by installing WordPress themes. Initially aim for a very simple and basic design for your blog. I highly recommend starting with a free theme don’t think about paying a premium for a theme. You can always enhance the design of your blog.

Start Publishing Content: When everything is set in place the most important thing is start writing content on your blog. Pick a few topics of your interest within your niche and write it on your blog. All the articles will be published on your name and you will have your author page.

This is how you can start your own blog and build a portfolio for yourself. Once you have that, start reaching out to clients. When they ask for a sample of your work, share the author page you have on your blog. There is no way that they are not going to hire you. I have come across dozens of highly paid content writers who started with their own blog and later used it to get work from others.

Forget others, I got my first content writing job because I had my own blog. You guys may be interested in knowing how I used my blog to build a content writing portfolio so in tomorrow’s post I will explain it in detail.

That’s it for this post. Thanks for reading.