Freelance portfolio template tips
“If you want to be a succesful freelancer, you’re going to need a good portfolio! Grab my free template below!”
How to Build a Freelance Portfolio
Freelance portfolio template
If you're just starting your freelance journey, the most crucial thing you need to focus on first is a professional and impressive freelance portfolio.
Whether you're a designer, writer, marketer, or virtual assistant, clients want to see what you can do before deciding to hire you.
But you might be wondering, what if you don’t have much experience yet? That’s exactly what this guide is for.
In this post, you'll learn how to build a freelance portfolio, why a freelance portfolio template can fast-track your progress, and what exactly you should include.
Plus, I’ve created a freelance portfolio template here to help you get started in less than an hour.
What is a freelance portfolio
A freelance portfolio is a curated collection of your best work that shows potential clients what you’re capable of. It’s basically your freelance resume, but even fancier and more powerful.
Instead of simply saying what you do, it shows what you can do.
There are two main types of portfolios:
Freelance portfolio website: A website that showcases your work, about section, testimonials, and contact info.
Freelance portfolio PDF or slide deck: A downloadable or shareable document with examples of your work.
Whether you choose a website or PDF format, your goal is to give potential clients a clear idea of your style, experience, and results.
Why Do You Need a Freelance Portfolio Template?
Starting from scratch can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure how to structure your portfolio. That’s where a freelance portfolio template comes in. It saves time, ensures you hit all the key elements, and presents your work professionally—even if you’re just getting started.
Can’t find one you like? Check out my freelance portfolio template free download here. It can help you:
Look polished even without years of experience
Focus on the content rather than the design
Attract better-quality clients faster
It also gives you the confidence to start pitching yourself, because you’ve got something concrete to show.
By the way, are you new to freelancing?
Just started your freelance business and having trouble finding clients? Download this free ebook to learn everything you need to know about how to find clients effortlessly and build a sustainable freelance business.
You can also read this blog post to learn how to start freelancing with no experience.
get a copy of my freelance contract template now
You can easily customize this template in google docs! (All you need is a free google account)
What you should include in your portfolio
Now that you know what a freelance portfolio is, let’s break down what you need to actually include in yours so that you can impress clients and get hired more often!
Here are the must-have sections in your freelance portfolio:
1.intro page/about you
Don’t forget that clients hire people! They want to know who you are, what you do, your passions, and what sets you apart from other freelancers. Keep it short and sweet and leave a great impression!
2. Services Offered
Be sure to list all the services you provide and be super specific! Don’t just say "writing"—say "SEO blog writing" or "email newsletters." Mention what tools, apps, programs, and software you use so clients don’t have to ask you.
3. Samples of Your Work
This is the most important part of your entire freelance portfolio. Include 3–6 examples of your work (but only choose the best of the best! Less is more and quality > quantity)
If you don’t have client work yet, don’t worry! Just create mock projects based on what you want to offer.
If you're a designer, show before-and-after graphics. If you're a writer, link or display your articles. Think of these work samples as proof of your skills.
4. Testimonials for Social Proof
Even one good testimonial can build trust. Ask past clients, employers, or even peers you’ve collaborated with for a short quote, or even better, a video.
5. Contact Information or CTA
Make it easy for someone to contact you. Add a contact form (for websites) or include your email with a clear call-to-action.
Example CTA:
“Like what you see? Let’s chat about how I can help your brand!”
Done-for-you freelance portfolio template
Ready to build your own freelance portfolio without stressing about the perfect layout or needing an expensive website?
I created a freelance portfolio template on Canva that is done-for-you- all you need to do is upload your content! This is perfect for beginners or any freelancers who are low on time! It includes:
A clean, modern layout
Sections for your about info, services, work samples, and testimonials
Easy customization for any niche
👉 Click here to grab your freelance portfolio template
This template is designed with first-time freelancers in mind—but it’s flexible enough to grow with you as you gain more experience and clients.
If you're aiming to launch your own freelance portfolio website later, this PDF template is a great starting point. Once you're ready, you can easily copy the content onto your site or portfolio platform.
Even after you download my freelance portfolio template, keep in mind that you still need to go through the text and make your own adjustments.
Make sure your tasks, communication expectations, and payment terms are clearly outlined.
More resources for freelancers
Freelancing isn’t easy, and I know it can be hard to find resources on Google. So, to make your life a little easier, here are some more free resources I’d recommend you check out. I created these with love and your success in mind, ensuring you feel empowered, confident, and well-equipped to thrive in your freelance business!
Read this blog post how to become a freelancer on Upwork to learn how to find clients
Download this freelance contract - free template
read this blog post how to become a freelancer with no experience to learn all my best tips for starting to freelance from scratch.
Follow me on ig to stay updated and check out more helpful freelance content that will keep you informed and inspired!
New to freelancing? This free ebook is your go-to guide! Learn how to find clients, set rates, and succeed with confidence. Packed with tips and expert advice—download now and start your freelance journey!
Final Thoughts
Your freelance portfolio is arguably the most important part of your freelance business, so here’s your sign to put a lot of effort into it!
It doesn’t need to be perfect or packed with years of experience, but it does need to positively reflect your skills, expertise, and passion!
Here’s a quick recap on how to build a freelance portfolio that gets noticed:
Start with a template like mine to save time and look super polished
Include clear sections: intro, services, samples, testimonials, and contact
Use real or mock projects to show your skills
Keep updating it as you grow!
Don’t wait until everything is “ready”—getting started is the most important step, so just do it!
And with the help of my freelance portfolio template, you can launch your first portfolio in literally less than a day. No excuses here ladies!
Have questions or want feedback on your portfolio? Join our community of women freelancers inside the She’s Freelance Facebook group. We’d love to cheer you on!
Want to start freelancing but don’t know how?
Want to start freelancing but still feeling unsure of how to begin? Or want some extra guidance and a printable workbook to organize your ideas? Grab a free copy of my ultimate freelancing for beginners ebook!