How to make a journalism portfolio that creates headlines

Every journalist has stories to tell, and I’ve learned that a portfolio website is the perfect place to share them. Whether you’re crafting investigative pieces or breaking news, a portfolio that showcases your work can make all the difference in landing new opportunities. But where do you start to create one that truly represents your talent and professionalism?

Here’s the good news: building your portfolio doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With tools like a website builder or even an AI website builder, the process is more straightforward than you’d think. “You don’t need to be a tech wizard to create an amazing portfolio,” says Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix. “Think of it as designing a home for your work that reflects who you are as a journalist.”

If you’re wondering how to make a website that truly reflects your unique style, or even dreaming up ideas for how to make a news website that organizes your hard work in a professional yet creative way, trust me, you’re in the right place. Stick around—I’ll walk you through each step on how to make a portfolio website that truly lets your talent shine.

With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio that shows your best work in just a few clicks. Wix’s customizable portfolio website templates and easy-to-use tools let you present your skills with confidence–leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits your site.

Think of a journalism portfolio as your personal storytelling hub. It’s a curated collection of your best work, crafted to spotlight your unique voice and accomplishments as a writer, reporter or editor. It doesn’t just show what you’ve done; it tells the story of who you are as a journalist.

Creating a professional portfolio is easier than you might think. Today, most portfolios have moved online, becoming dynamic websites that house everything from published articles to essays and multimedia projects. Many website builders even offer portfolio templates to help you get started quickly. “Your portfolio website is like your handshake in the journalism world,” says Sharon. “It’s the first impression people get of your style, versatility and professionalism.”

But a great portfolio is more than just an online repository of work samples. It’s about combining your creativity with your credentials to create something unforgettable. “The secret to an impactful portfolio is blending your personality with your professionalism,” Sharon adds. “This is what truly leaves your audience wanting to know more.”

Building your journalism portfolio might feel like a big project, but trust me, it’s totally doable. Take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have a polished, professional portfolio that’s truly your own. Here’s how you can get started:

The first step is pulling together the pieces you’re most proud of—whether that’s published articles, blog posts, videos or even academic essays if you’re starting out. Try to curate a balanced collection that shows off your talent, creativity and range. “Think of your portfolio as a reflection of your adaptability,” says Sharon. Include examples that showcase your storytelling, attention to detail and ability to connect with different audiences.

If you’re still building your body of work, don’t stress. Many professionals kick things off with writing samples or mock projects, like crafting a hypothetical news article or a personal essay. “What matters most is the quality and thought behind your work,” Sharon explains. Even unpublished pieces can display your potential and drive, helping you build a portfolio you’re proud to share. 

Once you’ve picked your best work, it’s time to tailor your portfolio to match your career aspirations. Think of it as creating a roadmap for your dream job. Your portfolio should reflect where you’re headed, not just where you’ve been. If investigative journalism is your focus, highlight articles that show your talent for digging deep, uncovering facts and presenting insights with impact. If opinion writing is your goal, lean into pieces that showcase your ability to persuade, entertain and spark conversation.

This step keeps your portfolio from feeling too scattered or generic. Instead, it becomes a tool that sends a clear message about your professional direction. And here’s a pro tip for those building a personal website for their portfolio: staying focused can pave the way for monetizing your website in the future. Tailor your selections to match not only your goals but also the tone and focus of any role or publication you’re applying to. Adding short descriptions for each piece can provide valuable context, helping readers understand your creative process and the effort behind your work.

Your domain name is like your calling card. Keep it professional, simple and easy to remember. A classic choice is your name, which feels personal and polished. If your ideal domain is taken, don’t panic—use a domain name search or a domain name generator to brainstorm variations. A great domain name not only makes you easier to find but also solidifies your professional brand.

When it comes to hosting your portfolio, choosing the right type of hosting is key. Start by considering what is website hosting and how it can impact your site’s performance. If you’re on a budget, free website hosting might sound tempting, but using a reliable service with fast loading times, robust website security and minimal downtime will leave a better impression. “A secure, speedy site can build immediate trust with your audience,” Sharon notes. If you’re unsure how to host a website, many platforms offer guided setups to make the process smooth. After all, your portfolio deserves a strong, reliable home online.

Designing your portfolio doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, especially when using an intuitive tool. The best website builders for writers, freelancers and creatives provide all the features you need to make a professional, personalized site. Wix, for example, has a wide selection of customizable website templates that are perfect for journalism portfolios. “With pre-designed layouts, you can create something stunning without sweating the technical details,” says Sharon.

When picking your template, focus on clean navigation that lets visitors explore your work without confusion. Skip overly flashy designs and prioritize layouts that are simple and polished, keeping attention on your content and achievements.

Learning how to make your website mobile friendly is important, too. Many people will view your site on their phones or tablets, so make sure your journalism portfolio works great on all devices. Search engines love mobile-friendly websites, which means better visibility for your portfolio.

Explore Wix’s free journalism templates:

Find the best website builder for your portfolio:

Your homepage is the first chance to grab attention, so make it count. Start with a professional photo that reflects your brand, whether it’s a polished headshot or an action shot of you in your element. Pair it with a brief introduction about who you are and what you do. A concise tagline, like “Bringing stories to life through investigative reporting,” adds clarity and makes your site memorable.

Keep it clean and inviting. Use high-quality visuals, sleek typography and a simple color palette that aligns with your personal style. “Your homepage should draw visitors in and give them a taste of what’s to come,” notes Sharon. Avoid clutter and leave room for curiosity. Want inspiration? Browse web design portfolios and the best UX portfolios to see what web design is all about and how others elevate their homepages.

How you organize your portfolio says a lot about your professionalism. Make it easy to browse by categorizing your work into sections like reportage, features, opinions or multimedia. This kind of structure not only improves website management but also helps visitors quickly find what interests them.

Each piece deserves its own space, with bold and descriptive headlines that capture its essence. Instead of “Article 1,” for example, try something like “How Small Businesses Survived the Pandemic.” Sharon suggests, “Clear organization makes your portfolio approachable and impactful.” Include links to published work where possible or share formatted PDFs for unpublished pieces. This is your chance to highlight your skills in research, storytelling and beyond.

Every piece in your portfolio tells a story, and a little context can make that story shine. Add a short description to each project explaining what it’s about and your role in its creation. For instance, instead of simply listing an article, you could say, “This feature dives into how small businesses adapted during the pandemic. I conducted five interviews, blended narrative with data and met a tight publication deadline.”

Sharon notes, “Sharing the story behind your work shows your thought process and skills in action.” If available, include outcomes like reader engagement or awards to further illustrate your impact. Context not only brings your projects to life but also helps potential employers or collaborators see the value you bring to the table.

Pro tip: Learning how to create a blog for your portfolio is optional but highly valuable. With the Wix Blog Maker, you have all the tools to create, design and grow your blog from the ground up.

Your about page is where visitors truly connect with you. Keep it concise and personal by sharing your background, passions and what drives your work. Use it to showcase your unique perspective and leave a lasting impression that invites people to learn more about what you bring to the table.

Your contact page should be simple, clear and easy to use. Include your email, social media handles and even a contact form for convenience. Sharon says, “An accessible contact page turns interest into opportunity.” Make connecting with you effortless, so opportunities don’t slip away.

Think of your social media as part of your portfolio. Regular posts, thoughtful engagement and curated content help create a social media portfolio that reflects your voice and work. Sharon shares, “Active social media presence helps you stay top-of-mind and opens doors for collaboration.” Use these platforms to showcase your expertise, build connections and amplify your reach.

Keep track of what’s working with tools like Wix Analytics, so you can fine-tune your approach and attract even more visitors. SEO isn’t just a tool; it’s your ticket to growing your audience and getting noticed.

Your portfolio isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. It’s a living, evolving project that deserves regular attention. Add new projects, revise outdated work and make sure everything still reflects your goals. Treat it like a website launch checklist—review your content, update visuals and ensure your site looks fresh and relevant. Keeping your portfolio updated doesn’t just impress visitors; it reminds you how far you’ve come and keeps you motivated for what’s next.

If you’re serious about journalism, a portfolio is a must. It’s your calling card, a one-stop-shop for editors, potential employers and collaborators to see exactly what you bring to the table.

Here’s why a journalism portfolio is non-negotiable:

• Showcase your work: A portfolio puts your bylines, features and investigative pieces front and center, all in one place.

• Demonstrate your versatility: It’s a chance to prove you can pivot from hard news to an evocative human-interest story. Editors will notice your range and reliability.

• Build credibility: Nobody’s going to take your word for it that you’re a great writer. With a portfolio, you’re letting the work speak for itself. “Editors only have one question while hiring,” reminds Sharon, “Can you do the job? A solid portfolio gives a big yes.”

• Make networking easier: Share your portfolio link at conferences, in emails or even in casual conversations to strengthen your connections and leave a lasting impression.

• Keep your progression in sight: Your portfolio isn’t just for others; it’s for you, too. It reflects your growth and helps you honestly assess your career trajectory.

Invest in putting together a portfolio that’s polished, current and true to who you are as a journalist. After all, it’s not just about getting hired; it’s about celebrating where you’ve been and where you’re heading.

To get you inspired, I’ve rounded up some standout journalism portfolios built on Wix. Whether you’re a seasoned journalist or just starting out, these examples will give you plenty to think about for crafting a portfolio that fits your style and story.

Karine Hafuta’s portfolio shines with its combination of legal knowledge and journalism expertise. Her bold description of blending these fields to report on law, politics and crime makes her approach truly unique. The site features her resume, reel and writing samples in an organized, professional layout.

The key takeaway? Showcase your niche and how your diverse skill sets make your reporting impactful.

Ken Aragaki’s portfolio captivates with visually rich content including videos and images that demonstrate his storytelling abilities. From features on cultural music preservation to Olympic stories, his work spans a wide array of topics with global appeal.

The takeaway for readers is clear: use multimedia to highlight the depth and versatility of your storytelling skills.

Riley Farrell’s minimalist portfolio proves that less is more. The site focuses on her writing portfolio and notable interviews, organized in a clear, scrollable format. By keeping the design simple, she directs attention entirely to her work.

The lesson here is that an uncluttered approach can allow your journalism to take center stage.

Annie Heilbrunn’s ​journalist portfolio serves as an exemplary example of how to present diverse media work, including print articles, videos and a professional resume. The ‘About’ section effectively highlights her career achievements, such as her five Emmy awards and roles across various media platforms, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of her expertise. 

Key takeaways include the importance of a well-organized portfolio that showcases a range of work, the value of a personal narrative in establishing professional identity and the effectiveness of incorporating multimedia elements to engage and inform potential employers or collaborators.​

Zana Kennedy’s portfolio stands out with a heartfelt introduction to how she discovered journalism. She ties her passion to her growth as an editor and multimedia journalist, giving her portfolio a personal touch.

The takeaway here? Don’t shy away from weaving your personal narrative into your portfolio to connect with readers and editors alike.

Masha Udensiva-Brenner’s portfolio is straight to the point, showcasing her skills as a multimedia journalist, audio producer and editor. The site’s clean and focused layout makes it easy for visitors to grasp her expertise at a glance.

The lesson? Sometimes clarity and brevity are all you need to create a strong impression.

Alexandra Limon’s portfolio content wasn’t accessible, but as a bilingual news reporter, her site likely exemplifies the importance of reaching diverse audiences. For bilingual journalists, highlighting multilingual abilities and showcasing work in multiple languages can be a strong tool for connecting to broader markets.