Okay, I think that I have been writing long enough now (about 6 months) to set up my online portfolio. I wanted to wait until I was semi-established and knew a little about the industry before I set up a website. My question is this: Although I know I need to set one up, is there a preference from clients when it comes to sites? What I mean is, I have two blogs, and could easily set up a third to give samples, rates, contact information, etc, but should I do that on a blog, or should I take the time and set up a really professional website? I don't want clients to think that I don't have time to set up and maintain a website, but if I could save myself some time with it, I would. Any suggestions? Thanks
In my opinion, a website is always better than a blog when you want to showcase your work. It also makes you look professional you know. But, the website doesn't have to look all "expertly-designed"... all you need is a friendly, navigable site with a simple layout. You're not trying to get designer jobs, you're trying to win some writing gigs so I'd say it's the content on your site that really matters. Considering you're a writer already, you should be able to put up some impressive material which should, by itself, appeal to clients. Good luck!
A separate website is the way to go. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just as long as it has a few samples, pricing details, some background info and contact information, you're set.
For your samples and pricing I would use a traditional website. While a blog could get the job done, it would probably look best to potential clients if you went the traditional route.
I must say that godofwriting is right in the aspect of professionalism. It doesn't matter what trade you practice buyers wont take you seriously as a professional if you don't display every aspect of your business in a professional manner. That said, if you lack the technical skills to create a robust website from the ground up or the budget to hire someone else to do so I would recommend sticking with a functional blog like wordpress and modifying it to best suit your needs.
Do you want to work with "really professional clients"? Then, you should set up a "really professional website."
Thanks all, that's actually what I thought. I do have some experience in web design from a site that I had up previously. I guess I'll go that route. After all I figured that I would take someone more seriously if they put time into the presentation of their services, so I guess potential clients would feel the same way.
Although if you use WordPress, you can actual create a blog that has the feel of a "real" site. I personally prefer static pages as they are more traditional for my business site, but run a blog for the fun of it and to show a more conversational style of writing.
I agree. If you don't have a lot of time to build your own site or the budget to hire a designer, you can set-up a wordpress blog for this purpose. You can probably just put it on a sub-domain if you want.
I just set up my subdomain at writing.w-montanaro.com which is completely separate to my main site. I am waiting to see what the benefits will be...