How to Get Your Own Website and Domain for Freelance Portfolios

How to make a portfolio – this may be one of your first questions when you ventured off to freelance writing.  For those who are just starting, you would eventually have this question as you grow in the freelance writing industry. It’s pretty easier to make a portfolio compared to putting up samples for clients each time you apply. It saves your time, energy and effort, plus you get to own your own domain. Pretty cool, huh?

My first domain was my name – Kristine Cruz over at Blogspot. When I finally hit the homerun, and decided that it was about time that I upgraded my own portfolio, I purchased this domain, Freelance Writing Philippines, over at GoDaddy.com.

Here’s a quick guide on how you can get your own domain, pick the right registrar, put your content and sell yourself to possible freelance writing clients.

There are mainly three things you need to think about when establishing your own portfolio online. The rest can be supplemented right after you’ve decided on these three stuff.

1. Domain Name
2. Content
3. Web Hosting

Domain Name

The domain name is the address that you type in the address bar of your web browser. I was actually thinking of putting kristinecruz.com buuuuuuuuuut come on – nobody would Google my name, I think. However, I had a dilemma about that domain because I wanted to establish a name for myself, but at the same time, I want to be ’seen’ in the search engines.

Basically, your domain name and your content should be parallel with each other. What is worse than having a domain name like, ‘bestbodylotions.net’ when you are writing about make-up? *rolls eyes* Well, you do get my point, right?

I chose freelance writing Philippines as my domain name for my portfolio because of 3 things:

• better hopes for search engine results
• more visitors who look for information about freelance writing in the Philippines
• establishing myself as a credible freelance writer

If I got kristinecruz.com, that would certainly serve as my portfolio alright but I would have a hard time being ‘known’ in the search engines. For one, nobody searches Kristine Cruz, and then again, the name itself is too selfish. Heck, I write to help other freelance writers while this blog also serves as my portfolio site.

I guess that’s hitting two birds in one.

Okaaaaaaaaay…moving on.

Your Website’s or Blog’s Content

Like what I wrote, your content should work together with your domain name. If you believe that that website would be a repository of all your written articles and content, by all means, you can use your name as your domain. But if you have other motives, like providing information or working out blogging as a hobby, then you can switch to a domain name with something more informational.

A good website or blog is always informational. People visit our sites because of information. If they see that you are too conceited or you write all about yourself like some kind of TV celebrity, they might be turned off. Keeping your blog informational can pull search engine visitors, regular readers, subscribers and many more. You can even score some great clients with that portfolio

Now on with the third…

Web Hosting

Your domain name is only the name. You need space where you can put in your posts, photos and other stuff. Most of the time, domain registrars also have various hosting packages which can range from basic to more demanding servers. If you are just starting out, the basic plans would be fine. You wouldn’t need a lot of bandwidth, after all.

This website is powered by Wordpress, but you can also find out other hosting packages. The operating systems may also differ, as there are others which are powered by Linux or by Windows. Choose the one that best fits your budget and your needs. If you do not know how to make a website from scratch, take advantage of their Wordpress packages, or their instant website services – you will save a lot of HTML and CSS coding.

How do I get my own domain?

Summing everything up, here are some helpful stuff for you to ponder on about getting your own portfolio online.

1. Decide on what you will write. This needs to be in connection with your domain name.
2. Decide on the domain name. Once you’ve decided, head on over to register it.
3. Visit domain registry websites. The first page is surely enough for you to check how much one year of registration costs.
4. Choose your hosting services. Depending on your needed type of service, you can choose from pre-made websites, simple hosting packages, or one that is powered by Wordpress.
5. Write. Why did you get your own domain if you aren’t going to write?

..and the rest is all up to you.

Build on your blog posts and articles, rank up the visitors by creating backlinks to your blog from other sites and many more. When you apply for gigs, give this website to your clients. You can also put this as  your signature in emails and forums.

Remember, that as a freelance writer, you can become known as the writer of (insert your domain name here).com. You can easily build your credibility, reliability and reputation.

Now, isn’t that really exciting?

Related Links

GoDaddy.com – This website is powered by Wordpress hosting packages from GoDaddy.com. There’s no harm in trying – I mean, I am really quite satisfied with their services and prices!

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