Sending content writing samples is an important part of the freelance content writing process. Whether you’re applying for writing jobs, pitching ideas to prospective clients, or trying to expand your client base, quality samples can help showcase your skills and earn new opportunities. Knowing how to properly prepare and send samples can make a big difference in standing out from other writers. This article will provide an in-depth guide on how to send samples of your content writing work in the most effective way.
Choosing the Right Samples
The samples you choose to send say a lot about your writing abilities, so it’s crucial to select examples that highlight your strengths. Aim to showcase a variety of types of content you can produce, like articles, blog posts, web copy, eBooks, or white papers. Having samples from different genres and subjects demonstrates your versatility. Also include recent samples that are less than 6 months old, as clients want to see your most up-to-date work.
It’s best to tailor your samples to the specific writing opportunity or client whenever possible. Look at what kind of content they need written and send samples that are closely related. For example, if applying for a blog writing position, focus on blog post examples rather than long-form white papers. Customizing your samples shows you’ve researched the client and understand their content needs.
Additionally, choose error-free samples that are polished, well-written pieces you’re proud to share. Have others proofread your work to catch any mistakes before sending. Slip-ups could cast doubts about your writing abilities. Consider masking any client names or logos in samples to protect their confidentiality too.
Preparing Your Samples
Once you’ve selected the right writing examples, it’s important to properly format and package them for sending. Your goal is to make the samples easy for recipients to review while still standing out from other applicants or pitches. Here are some tips:
Compress multiple samples into one PDF or ZIP file for convenience. Avoid sending individual files if possible.
Number each sample and include a brief title or description at the top of each page for reference. For example: “Sample 1 – How to Start a Blog”
For blog posts or articles, include an introduction explaining the purpose and any key details about the sample.
Limit each sample to 1-2 well-edited pages in length. Don’t overwhelm readers with long excerpts.
Use a simple, readable font like Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial in 11-12 point size. Fancy or small fonts can be hard to read.
Include keywords and relevant hashtags that match the topics and let readers easily find your work online.
Consider creating a short cover letter briefly introducing yourself and highlighting key qualifications and sample contents.
Proofread all text for typos before sending and check that any links are still active in samples.
When emailing, attach your sample file rather than pasting content directly into the body of the message.
Properly packing your samples makes a good first impression and shows professional presentation skills. The right formatting draws readers in to evaluate your abilities more thoroughly from your writing alone.
How to Send Your Samples
With high-quality, relevant samples prepared the right way, it’s time to get them into the hands of potential clients or hiring managers. Here are best practices for properly sending samples:
When applying for jobs, follow all application instructions carefully. Submit samples only where and how the listing requests.
If cold emailing potential clients, keep the message brief and to the point. Explain you have relevant samples you’d like them to review for possible projects.
Offer to send your samples as an easy-to-access attachment rather than pasting them directly into the email body. This avoids cluttering inboxes.
Include Catchy headlines like “Content writing samples from [Your Name]” or “[Company Name] – View our content portfolio.” Pique interest to open.
Personalize each message with the recipient’s name if possible after researching them and their company. Mass emails rarely get noticed.
For referrals, include who referred you if applicable to validate your connection when passing along samples.
Provide professional contact details like phone number and well-organized online portfolio or resume if they want to learn more about you.
Send samples selectively based on research rather than blasting to everyone. Target the most relevant prospective clients.
Follow up professionally if no initial response after a week, but avoid constant follow ups that could become annoying.
Track all outreach in a CRM and be prepared to easily resent samples if requested again later.
Proper handling and personalized outreach when sharing your content samples increases chances of reviews and potential work opportunities. With high-quality samples and targeted distribution, you can effectively showcase writing abilities and skills to land more clients.