Creating a professional online presence is essential for freelance writers seeking to attract clients and showcase their work. In today’s digital landscape, having a personal website isn’t just recommended—it’s expected. Fortunately, there are numerous website builders tailored to the needs of freelance creatives, offering intuitive design tools, impressive templates, and powerful customization options. But with so many platforms available, which ones are best suited to freelance writers in particular?
TL;DR
If you’re a freelance writer looking to share your portfolio and services, several website builders can simplify your journey. Wix and Squarespace offer elegant design with user-friendly interfaces, while WordPress provides advanced customization for tech-savvy users. For fast setup and polished results, Journo Portfolio and Contently are excellent writer-centric choices. Read on for a breakdown of the top platforms and what makes each one stand out.
1. Wix – Best All-Around Choice for Creative Freedom
Wix is a drag-and-drop website builder known for its flexibility and creative freedom. Freelance writers benefit from Wix’s vast library of templates, which includes portfolios, resumes, and blogs specifically designed for creatives.
- Features: Easy drag-and-drop interface, hundreds of customizable templates, blogging platform, integration with marketing tools.
- Best For: Writers who want full control over design and layout without learning code.
- Price: Free plan available; premium plans start at around $16/month.
Wix’s intuitive editor allows writers to highlight their published pieces, offer downloadable writing samples, and even integrate a blog to showcase recent work or writing insights.
2. Squarespace – Best for Stylish, Professional Designs
Squarespace is a popular and mature platform offering sleek, minimalist website designs that put written content front and center. Its award-winning templates are perfect for writers who value aesthetic presentation.
- Features: Professional design templates, built-in blog, SEO tools, integrated e-commerce for selling services or books.
- Best For: Writers who want to maintain a refined and elegant online presence.
- Price: Starts at $16/month with a 14-day free trial.
Unlike some platforms that overcomplicate customization, Squarespace simplifies the experience with structured layouts and typefaces that elevate your work. It’s particularly appealing if your brand hinges on style and quality content presentation.
3. WordPress.org – Best for Ultimate Customization
For those with technical skills or willing to invest in a custom solution, WordPress.org is unmatched in flexibility. As an open-source content management system, it powers over 40% of the internet—and with good reason.
- Features: Thousands of themes and plugins, extensive control over backend, SEO plugins, and integration capabilities.
- Best For: Tech-savvy writers or those hiring a developer to create a fully customized site.
- Price: Free to use, but requires hosting (starting at $5/month), domain registration, and possibly premium themes or plugins.
WordPress is ideal for well-established freelancers or those aiming to build authority in their niche. Its robust blogging tools allow for full editorial calendar management, making it easier to plan and optimize content for search engines.
4. Journo Portfolio – Best Writer-Specific Platform
If you’re a freelance writer who simply wants to launch a portfolio quickly, Journo Portfolio is tailor-made for you. It’s designed exclusively for journalists and writers, focusing on presenting writing samples without the clutter.
- Features: One-click article importing, mobile-friendly templates, custom domain support, simple homepage setup.
- Best For: Writers who want a portfolio with minimal setup and maintenance.
- Price: Free for up to 10 articles; premium plans start at $5/month.
You can add links, PDFs, and other files directly to your profile. Visibility settings also allow you to keep certain pieces private—handy if you’re pitching exclusive samples to potential clients.
5. Contently – Portfolio and Networking in One
Contently sets itself apart by offering not only a portfolio-building platform but also a chance to connect with clients. It’s used by brands looking to hire writers, so having a presence on Contently can double as a credential and a lead generator.
- Features: Clean portfolio design, analytics dashboard, client matchmaking, content samples in project form.
- Best For: Writers actively seeking paid gigs from established businesses.
- Price: Free to use, but onboarding is selective—you generally need strong samples to get approved.
Contently is especially useful for writers with published work, as it automatically pulls in articles once sourced via links. The platform also acts as a content hub, tracking usage patterns and helping you optimize your portfolio organization.
6. Webflow – Best for Tech-Savvy Designers
Another powerful yet niche option is Webflow. This platform combines the customization flexibility of WordPress with the visual ease of drag-and-drop builders like Wix. But there’s a steeper learning curve.
- Features: Advanced layout controls, responsive design, CMS capabilities, and hosted deployment.
- Best For: Writers with design experience or who want full creative and structural control.
- Price: Free plan available; premium plans start at $14/month.
If you’re comfortable with HTML, CSS, and want to build a unique brand identity with granular control, Webflow can deliver stunning results. However, it’s best suited to those who have time to invest in the creative process.
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right Platform
Your website is your virtual business card, resume, and portfolio all rolled into one. Choosing the best platform depends on your technical comfort level, budget, and goals as a freelance writer. Here is a quick takeaway:
- Use Wix or Squarespace if you want beautiful design with easy customization.
- Choose WordPress.org if you’re aiming for flexibility and don’t mind handling the backend or using a developer.
- Opt for Journo Portfolio or Contently if you want something quick, reliable, and writer-centric.
- Select Webflow if you have design experience and want full control.
No matter which builder you choose, make sure your website includes:
- A clear description of your writing services
- Selected samples demonstrating your best work
- Your contact information and links to social profiles
- An updated blog or news section (optional but helpful for SEO)
With the right platform, your writing portfolio will not only reflect your talent but also increase your discoverability and credibility in the freelance marketplace.
Take the time to explore these options, experiment with designs, and select the one that best amplifies your unique voice and professional brand.
