Going out on your own as a freelancer is an exciting move. You’re no longer confined to an office or need to report to a boss, and you can work the hours you choose.

The path isn’t easy, though. A Freelancermap study found that 6 out of 10 freelancers struggle to win work. It’s competitive out there, with millions of freelancers available to choose from. So it’s not enough to simply declare yourself to be a freelancer and hope the work finds its way to you. You need to prove your skills and show that you can be trusted, too.

The key is a strong portfolio . And yes, you can still create a portfolio even if you’re just starting out. Here’s why a portfolio matters and how to build one with no freelance experience.

Why You Need a Freelance Portfolio

A portfolio is essential for freelancers and all creative professionals, as it’s a way for potential clients to validate your skills. One study found that 86% of people will review a portfolio if they’re provided with one. Furthermore, Format reports that 71% of hirers agree that a portfolio’s quality will influence their decision on whether to hire.

Clients aren’t just going to take your word for it. You need visible proof that you have the skills and expertise required to do the job - and that’s where a portfolio comes in.

Here’s What To Include In Your Portfolio

Even if you’ve yet to have a paying client, don’t worry. There are several things you can add to your portfolio.

Do you have a dream brand or client? Or perhaps there’s a certain industry you want to get into? You can create a “mock” project for them. For example, a freelance graphic designer could create a suite of visual assets for a fictional campaign for a dream brand.

While it may not be a real project, it can still illustrate the skills and creative thinking that potential clients may be looking for. Just make sure you’re upfront about it being a mock project - transparency is important here.

If you’d like to include real-world examples, you could approach charities, community groups or small businesses. Offer to do a free project in exchange for a testimonial and permission to share the work in your portfolio. This may even lead to referrals or paid opportunities down the track.

Chances are, you’re currently in a corporate role. If the role requires the same skills you’ll offer as a freelancer, you may already have relevant projects that you could include in your portfolio. For example, an in-house social media manager could add organic social posts and paid ad campaigns they created while in their role.

Before you do this, though, make sure you get permission from the company. Avoid sharing any confidential information, and be transparent about your involvement in the piece of work (especially if it was a team effort).

These three types of projects mean you can confidently showcase your skills in a portfolio long before you win your first client. The key is to be upfront and honest about the nature of each project. Combine transparency with high-quality examples, and you'll be well on your way to winning your first clients.