Hi everyone! I’ve been an online ESL tutor for almost 4 years and I realized I have a passion for teaching and writing. I’d like to ask how do I build a portfolio and find clients for my services?
I’d like to focus on copywriting or SEO but I don’t know what my strengths are.
Here’s a link to my substack for criticisms and suggestions to improve: https://nrxto.substack.com/
Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi @lukasspeaks! I’m Sean. First of all, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! 
I love how you already know what you want. Tbh, getting there is just a matter of consistency, grit, and patience. 
That said, I’ve got a bit of experience in the field (I do copy and content writing!), and here are some hard truths I wish I knew before diving head-first into this world:
3 Hard Truths No One Tells Beginners If you’ve ever applied for writing jobs online, you’ve probably experienced being ignored or rejected. Not always because you’re not good, but because you’re competing with hundreds or even thousands of others. Without a portfolio or track record, it’s easy to get overlooked.
Tools like ChatGPT can already write “decent enough” content. Many companies will just use AI, especially if they want to cut costs. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s real. You need to show why a human like you is the better choice.
Lots of writers love to write. That’s not rare. What’s rare is someone who can write in a way that sells, converts, or drives action. That’s what clients are really looking for. If you don’t know how to do that yet, that’s your next step.
Now that we’ve gotten the tough parts out of the way, here’s the good news:
Once you understand the game and give yourself time to build your skills, you’re already ahead of most beginners.
So here are the steps that helped me get better and stay sane:
7 Practical Steps to Work Around Those Hard Truths When I started, I quit my job to go full-time into writing. It gave me more time, sure, but it also came with a ton of pressure. Without income, I got desperate and ended up chasing low-paying gigs I didn’t like and wasn’t ready for. That made me question if I even liked writing. Please keep your stable job while building your writing career!
If you can spare even 1–2 hours a day, use it to learn by doing. Don’t just read, watch, or consume content. Actually produce something. Offer to write for a friend’s business, find a gig in a Facebook group, or help a small brand fix their landing page.
Always remember: time producing > time consuming. Always
Writing in isolation slows you down. You need to know what’s working and what’s not. You can get feedback from mentors, internships, paid gigs, or even AI. The sooner you get feedback, the faster you’ll grow.
A Notion page, Google Drive folder, or blog is all you need to get started. Put your work there, even if they’re self-made or volunteer pieces. Just start. You can polish it later.
AI tools like ChatGPT can help you format copy, give suggestions, or analyze what works in writing. It’s like having a writing buddy. But don’t use it for your first draft. Always start with your own brain. Use AI to revise, not replace your effort.
Even if you feel unqualified, apply anyway. You’ll learn what employers are looking for, what tests are like, and how to improve your application. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to learn.
Yes, this sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Write as much as you can. The main difference between you and an experienced writer is reps and feedback. So close that gap. Keep writing.
Bonus: Two Unsexy but Useful Tips If you’re starting from zero, try roles that still involve writing or marketing. This could be social media, content creation, community management, or virtual assistance with a writing angle. These roles give you experience, feedback, and portfolio pieces. That’s how I got my start.
Some businesses have great products but terrible copy. Help them. Reach out, offer a sample rewrite, or feature them on your socials. Less competition means more chances to stand out.
For example, I once helped a small baking business with their social media copy. Not “sexy” or flashy by any means, but it helped me improve fast.
I know this can feel overwhelming at first. But if there’s one thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: keep doing the work, get feedback, and build real experience.
Do this consistently for just 3–6 months, and I genuinely believe you’ll land the role you want.
Wishing you all the best, Mary! If you need more advice or feedback, I’m happy to help!
Hi Sean!
I absolutely appreciate the comprehensive tricks on how to start and gain experience. I completely forgot that I can focus more on underserved niches.
I feel like my question has already been answered and I can’t thank you enough. I’ll start to be more resourceful to launch this career now. Wishing the team the absolute best!