17+ Content Writing Examples and Samples to Inspire Your Portfolio

Hey there! Are you a new writer trying to figure out what to put in your portfolio? Or maybe you’re a business owner wondering what “good” content even looks like. You’ve probably searched for “content writing samples” and “content writing examples” and felt a little confused.

Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly what people are looking for and give you over 17 real-world examples you can use for inspiration.

Content Writing Examples vs. Samples: What’s the Real Difference?

First things first, let’s clear this up.

For all practical purposes, there is no real difference.

When people search for either term, they have the same goal: they want to see finished pieces of writing. Think of it like a bakery. A baker might offer you a “sample” of a cookie, which is also an “example” of their baking skills. See? Same thing.

• A sample is often a piece from a writer’s portfolio.
• An example is often used to show what a type of content looks like.

But in the real world, clients and writers use these terms interchangeably. So, let’s stop worrying about the words and start looking at the content!

17 Detailed Content Writing Examples You Can Use

Here are different types of content writing examples, each with a goal, the actual example, and a quick breakdown of why it works.

1. Blog Post Sample (Listicle)

• The Goal: To create an easy-to-read, shareable article that solves a specific problem for the reader.
• The Example:
  Title: 5 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Office More Productive
  Your home office should be a place of focus, not frustration. If you’re struggling to get things done, a few small changes can make a huge difference. Here are five simple tips to boost your productivity.
  1. Let There Be Light: Working in a dark room can make you feel tired. Open up those blinds or invest in a good desk lamp to brighten your space and your mood.
  2. Declutter Your Desk: A messy desk leads to a messy mind. At the end of each day, take five minutes to organize papers and put things back where they belong.
• Why It Works: The headline is clear, the list is easy to scan, and the tone is friendly and helpful.

2. Product Description Example (E-commerce)

• The Goal: To persuade a customer to buy by focusing on benefits and emotions, not just features.
• The Example:
  Product: The Zenith Portable Coffee Maker
  Tired of bad office coffee? Say goodbye to bitter brews and hello to the perfect cup, wherever you are. The Zenith Portable Coffee Maker is your personal barista on the go. In just 90 seconds, it brews a rich, aromatic espresso that will elevate your entire day. Its lightweight, leak-proof design means you can toss it in your bag without a second thought. Stop settling. Start your day with Zenith.
• Why It Works: It addresses a pain point, uses emotional words (“elevate your day”), and focuses on the benefit (great coffee anywhere).

3. Social Media Post Sample (LinkedIn)

• The Goal: To share professional insights, tell a short story, and encourage engagement from peers.
• The Example:
  Feeling burned out is not a sign of failure; it’s a sign you’ve been pushing too hard for too long.
  This week, I started blocking out two 15-minute “Do Nothing” slots in my calendar. No emails, no calls. The result? My afternoon focus has skyrocketed.
  What’s one small thing you do to avoid burnout? #Productivity #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance
• Why It Works: The first line is a relatable hook, it tells a personal story, and it ends with a question to get comments.

4. Instagram Post Sample (Caption)

• The Goal: To build a brand’s personality and connect with followers visually and emotionally.
• The Example:
  (Imagine a photo of a cozy-looking candle on a rainy day)
  Caption: Sunday plans: 1. Light our new ‘Autumn Woods’ candle. 2. Grab a good book. 3. Forget the rest of the world exists. 🍂 What’s your favorite way to relax on a Sunday? #SundayVibes #CozyHome #CandleLover
• Why It Works: The caption is short and matches the visual, uses emojis for personality, and asks a question to engage the audience.

5. Email Newsletter Example

• The Goal: To provide genuine value to your subscribers to build trust and keep your brand top-of-mind.
• The Example:
  Subject: 3 Mistakes Even Smart People Make with Their Money
  Hey [First Name],
  I get it, managing money can feel complicated. But sometimes, the biggest financial wins come from avoiding simple mistakes. Here are three common traps:
  1. Not Automating Savings…
  2. …
     Ready to take control? Check out our free budget planner.
     [Download Your Free Planner]
• Why It Works: The subject line creates curiosity, it’s personalized, it provides real value (the tips), and has a clear call-to-action (CTA).

6. Website Copy Sample (Homepage Hero)

• The Goal: To grab a visitor’s attention in 3 seconds and clearly explain what you do and for whom.
• The Example:
  (Headline): Stop Guessing. Start Growing.
  (Sub-headline): We provide small businesses with easy-to-understand marketing data so you can make smarter decisions and get real results.
  (Button): See How It Works
• Why It Works: The headline is short and powerful, the sub-headline clearly explains the service, and the button is a clear next step.

7. About Us Page Sample

• The Goal: To tell a brand’s story and build a human connection and trust with the audience.
• The Example:
  It all started with a simple problem: our dog, Buster, had sensitive skin. We were tired of reading confusing ingredient lists full of things we couldn’t pronounce. So, we decided to make our own. From our kitchen in Austin, Texas, “Buster’s Bites” was born. We’re on a mission to make simple, healthy treats for dogs everywhere.
• Why It Works: It tells a relatable origin story, establishes a clear mission, and has a warm, personal tone.

8. How-To Guide Sample

• The Goal: To provide detailed, step-by-step instructions that help a reader accomplish a task from start to finish.
• The Example:
  How to Brew the Perfect Pour-Over Coffee
  Step 1: Boil Your Water. Bring about 20oz of water to a boil, then let it sit for 30 seconds. The ideal temperature is around 200°F (93°C).
  Step 2: Grind Your Beans. Use a medium-fine grind, about the consistency of table salt. You’ll need about 25 grams of coffee for a 12oz cup.
  Step 3: …
• Why It Works: It breaks a complex process into simple, numbered steps, and the language is clear and direct.

9. Case Study Sample

• The Goal: To prove your value by telling a success story about a past client, using the Problem-Solution-Result format.
• The Example:
  The Client: Fresh Bakes, a local bakery.
  The Problem: They had a great website but were getting almost no online orders.
  The Solution: We rewrote their product descriptions with SEO in mind and ran a targeted Facebook ad campaign.
  The Result: In just 3 months, Fresh Bakes saw a 300% increase in online orders and a 50% increase in website traffic.
• Why It Works: It’s easy to follow, focuses on the client, and uses a hard number (300%) to show a clear, impressive result.

10. Promotional Email Sample (Sales)

• The Goal: To drive an immediate sale by creating a sense of urgency or highlighting a special offer.
• The Example:
  Subject: Last Chance! 40% Off Ends at Midnight
  Hey [Name],
  Don’t miss out! This is your final reminder that our biggest sale of the season is ending tonight.
  If you’ve had your eye on something, now is the time to grab it. Use code SAVE40 at checkout.
  [Shop the Sale Now]
• Why It Works: The subject line creates urgency, the message is short and direct, and the CTA button is impossible to miss.

11. Twitter (X) Thread Sample

• The Goal: To share a valuable, multi-part idea on a platform designed for short messages.
• The Example:
  1/ I’ve been a freelance writer for 5 years. Here are 5 things I wish I knew when I started. A thread… 🧵
  2/ Your network is everything. Don’t just apply for jobs. Build relationships. Talk to people. Most of my best work has come from referrals, not job boards.
  3/ … (and so on)
• Why It Works: The first tweet is a strong hook, the numbering makes it easy to follow, and it promises clear value to the reader.

12. Google Ad Copy Sample

• The Goal: To get a click from a user with a very specific, high-intent search query.
• The Example:
  Headline: Local Plumber in Miami | 24/7
  Description: Fast & Reliable Emergency Service. Clogged Drains, Leaks & More. Call Now for a Free, No-Obligation Quote!
• Why It Works: It matches the user’s search query (“plumber in Miami”), addresses an immediate need (24/7, emergency), and has a strong CTA (“Call Now”).

13. Facebook Ad Copy Sample

• The Goal: To stop a user from scrolling by connecting with them emotionally and presenting a solution to a problem they may have.
• The Example:
  Remember what it felt like to have energy all day? That mid-afternoon slump doesn’t have to be your normal. Our new ‘Boost’ vitamin blend is made from clean, plant-based ingredients to give you sustained energy, without the crash. Ready to feel like yourself again? Learn more.
• Why It Works: It starts with a relatable, emotional question, clearly presents the solution, and has a low-pressure CTA (“Learn more”).

14. Landing Page Copy Sample

• The Goal: To convince a visitor to take one single, specific action (like downloading a free guide).
• The Example:
  (Headline): Get Your Free Ebook: 10 Healthy Recipes in 10 Minutes
  (Body): Tired of expensive takeout? Want to eat healthy but don’t have the time? Enter your email below to get our free recipe book, packed with 10 delicious meals you can make in 10 minutes or less.
  • Save time and money
  • Feel more energetic
  • Finally stick to your health goals
    (Form Field): Enter your email address
    (Button): Get My Free Ebook!
• Why It Works: It has a single, clear goal, a benefit-driven headline, and scannable bullet points that overcome objections.

15. White Paper Introduction Sample

• The Goal: To establish authority and introduce a complex, data-driven topic to a professional audience.
• The Example:
  The State of Remote Work in 2025: A Report on Productivity and Team Culture
  In the past five years, remote work has evolved from a niche perk to a global standard. But its rapid adoption has left many companies asking critical questions: How does it truly impact productivity? And what is its long-term effect on team culture? This report analyzes data from over 5,000 companies to provide clear answers.
• Why It Works: The tone is professional and authoritative, it clearly states the problem, and it promises a data-backed solution.

16. Video Script Intro Sample (YouTube)

• The Goal: To hook the viewer in the first 15 seconds and convince them to keep watching.
• The Example:
  “What’s the one thing that separates professional photographers from amateurs? It’s not their camera. It’s not their lens. It’s a simple secret about light that I’m going to share with you in this video. If you can master this, your photos will instantly look 10 times better. Let’s get into it.”
• Why It Works: It creates a curiosity gap (“the one thing”), busts a common myth (“it’s not their camera”), and makes a clear promise of value.

17. Press Release Sample

• The Goal: To provide an official, newsworthy announcement to journalists and the media in a standardized format.
• The Example:
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  Sparkle Clean Inc. Launches New Eco-Friendly Cleaning Line
  MIAMI, FL – September 30, 2025 – Sparkle Clean Inc., a leader in home cleaning solutions, today announced the launch of its new ‘Evergreen’ product line. Made entirely from plant-derived ingredients, the Evergreen line offers a powerful clean without harsh chemicals, marking a major step forward for sustainable home care.
• Why It Works: It follows the standard press release format, gets straight to the point (the “who, what, where, when, why”), and is written in a formal, objective tone.

How to Create Your Own Awesome Content Writing Samples

• You Don’t Need a Client: Just invent one! Pick an industry you love (like fitness or pets) and create a sample piece for an imaginary company.
• Show Your Range: Create 3-5 different types of samples from the list above. A blog post, a product description, and some social media copy are a great start.
• Publish Your Work: Put your samples on a simple portfolio website, write them as articles on LinkedIn, or publish them on a site like Medium.