Over the weekend, a friend of mine who is interested in freelance writing asked me an interesting question:

What Niche Should Your Sample Articles Cover?

When many writers start out, they don’t have a particular client in mind that they would want to work with. To that effect, many new freelance writers do not even build targeted portfolios.

However, let’s consider a few ideas:

Are You Specializing?

If you plan to specialize in a particular style or writing or with a particular topic, your portfolio should reflect that. It’s all about targeting the clients you want to work for. Your samples should target the niche you want to work in.

What Kind of Writing Style Are You Using?

If you’re writing style is professional and scholarly, talking about fluffy kittens or home improvement is probably not going to mesh well. In contrast, if you have a laid-back and conversational style, don’t try talking about advanced mathematics. Your samples should reflect the best application of your personal writing style.

Who Are You?

What kind of professional you are plays another important role in what kind of niche your samples are in. If you’re not an English major, why would you be writing about grammar? Alternatively, if you’re not a designer, how can you write about design principles? Coming across as a professional means showcasing your own inherent knowledge as well.

What Kind of Samples Do You Use?

What kind of writing samples are you using? What niche are they in? Share your thoughts and opinions below!