The Truth About Starting Copywriting With No Portfolio or Experience

I wish I could say I had it all figured out when I decided to explore copywriting – but truth is, I was just winging it with nothing but a Google search history and a passion for storytelling. No portfolio, no experience. Just vibes and determination not to stay broke as a young campus girl.

I did not have connections. I did not have a fancy portfolio. Heck, I did not even know what a CTA meant (spoiler: it is Call To Action… like the one I will shamelessly throw at you by the end of this post).

What did I have? Curiosity. A love for words. And a fierce determination to build something of my own, one Google search at a time.

But let us be honest. When you are starting out and you have nothing to show- no past clients, no shiny testimonials, no flashy website- it is easy to feel like a fraud. I remember stalking LinkedIn of seasoned writers and wondering how I could ever catch up. But here is the secret no one tells you: **you do not need a portfolio to start** you need a pen(or a keyboard), consistency, and a personal brand that screams; ‘I get it.’

So, I got to work. I started with nothing but my phone, laptop, a dodgy internet connection, and a dream to make my love for writing pay me back- literally. I read blog after blog, signed up for free webinars, and followed every copywriting coach I could find on Instagram and LinkedIn. (To be shared in next post).

Then one day I simply told myself, “Babe, just write.” So I started writing sample pieces – made-up product descriptions, mock ads for my favorite body cream brand (shoutout to Epimax Kenya), and even fake social media captions for non-existent brands. I was not getting paid yet, but I was building confidence, learning tone, testing voice. That was the foundation.

Then came the small gigs. My first paid job? A $15 product description for an online jewellery store. I was over the moon. Did I feel like I was undercharging? Maybe. But that one gig told me something important; I could do this.

From there, I slowly created a portfolio using what I had written as samples, added little blurbs to show my process, and began to apply to jobs with little more boldness.

Here is what worked for me (and might work for you)

Start by creating sample copy- even if no one is paying yet. Youu are still building muscle.

Choose a niche you love. Beauty? Lifestyle? Mine was skincare, beauty, and storytelling- no surprise there.

Read good copy. Save ads you love. Learn from them.

Follow freelance copywriters online- you will learn so much.

Write everyday, even if it is bad. Especially if it is bad.

You do not need to have it all figured out to begin. You just need to start. Like I did.

Copywriting is less about who you know and more about who feels you. Your words have to connect. That is your superpower. That is your pitch.

If you are waiting for permission, a certificate, or a magical client to find you, stop. Start writing. Start learning. Start showing up. You will be surprised how much you can build from scratch with just belief and a few clever words.

In next week Firestarter Friday, I will share legit platforms you can sign up on to land your first or next freelance copywriting gig. No fluff- just real sites, practical tips, and what to avoid.

If this resonated, share it with someone who has been thinking about starting but holding back. Subscribe to my newsletter for more no-fluff, beginner friendly writing tips. Let us grow together, one word at a time.