5 of the Best Free Freelance Writing Courses

If you’re searching for a cost-effective way to broaden your skills and develop professionally as a writer, a free freelance writing course could be just what you’re looking for. Besides being budget-friendly, many free courses provide valuable training and opportunities that can help you get ahead as a freelance writer.

In this post, we’ll explore five of the best free freelance writing courses available and discuss the benefits of enrolling. Keep reading to get started!

Who Are Free Freelance Writing Courses For?

Free freelance writing courses are ideal for writers looking to explore different niches and writing styles without committing to paid training. The courses are especially beneficial for new freelancers or people interested in pursuing a career as a freelancer in the future. These individuals may want to learn on their own time, build on their existing writing skills, and add to their resumes. Even though the courses are free of charge, they can provide a good professional knowledge foundation, and they offer a low-risk way to discover the types of writing jobs you enjoy and excel at without requiring you to invest in more comprehensive programs.

Free writing courses aren’t just for beginners looking to start a freelance writing side hustle – if you’re an experienced writer, they can be an ideal way to upskill, learn about a new genre, and demonstrate to your clients that you’re serious about your craft.

The 5 Best Free Freelance Writing Courses

Have we sparked your interest in free writing courses? If so, see our list below for five of the best free freelance writing courses we could find and the information you need before you enroll in one.

1. Udemy: Introduction into Copywriting, Content Writing & Persuasion

Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses on various subjects, including writing. The Introduction into Copywriting, Content Writing & Persuasion course teaches you the fundamentals of copywriting and content writing, so it’s a great place to start if you’re interested in a career as an SEO content writer. The course also covers the use of social media techniques – an essential aspect of marketing as a content writer – to further your copywriting business. This course is delivered as video content and includes additional downloadable resources (MP3s, documents, and PDFs). It includes 13 lectures and takes approximately two hours to complete; it does not include a certificate of completion.

2. HubSpot Academy: Business Writing

HubSpot, a client relationship management software company, offers a variety of short courses and lessons in business and marketing – all free! HubSpot’s course on business writing is especially good for freelance content writers or copywriters who want to improve their prewriting and outlining strategies, with the end goal being to make an impact on audiences. This course consists of three lessons in the form of 12 videos and takes approximately an hour and a half to complete. The course offers the following benefits: a section on editing and proofreading your writing and a certificate of completion. However, it does not include assignments or personalized interaction with an instructor.

3. Coursera: The Strategy of Content Marketing

Coursera is another option for high-quality free freelance writing courses. Coursera’s Strategy of Content Marketing, offered by the University of California, Davis, is great for freelancers looking to build their professional brand, develop a content marketing strategy, and learn about the content “ecosystem.” The course consists of five self-paced modules with assessments and takes about 20 hours to complete. Before enrolling, you should note that some previous professional experience is recommended and that the free version of the course does not include a certificate.

4. Class Central: The Secrets of Copywriting – How to Make Money With Copy and Marketing

This copywriting and marketing course offered by Class Central is another great free option for freelance writers looking to expand their services. It includes a series of video lectures that discuss the essential aspects of profitable copywriting, such as product research and the different types of clients to expect. This short, self-paced course takes about five hours to complete and does not offer an assessment or a certificate. It’s best for freelance writers who already have writing experience but are looking to explore copywriting as an additional service (or writing niche) and find more clients.

5. LinkedIn: Writing with Impact

LinkedIn’s writing course, called Writing with Impact, is perfect for freelancers looking to sharpen their foundational writing skills, such as writing clearly and concisely. The free version of the course is designed as a series of videos and includes an exam. Additional exercises and a certificate are available with a full purchase or a subscription to LinkedIn Learning. Even though this course is brief and does not include instructional support, its videos cover several important freelance writing topics, such as how to grab and keep a reader’s attention. The course has also received many positive reviews from previous learners, all prominently displayed on the main course page.

Are Free Freelance Writing Courses Worth It?

In addition to being cost-effective, a free freelance writing course offers several benefits, such as:

• Flexibility
• A low-risk, no-pressure learning environment
• Course content in manageable chunks (usually in the form of video lectures)
• Valuable insights from established industry professionals
• Upskilling opportunities
• Professional certification to display on your website or portfolio

Although free courses offer advantages that shouldn’t be overlooked, there are also some drawbacks. For example, free courses often lack depth and personalized feedback compared with paid programs. Many also touch on surface-level topics only and don’t include the written assessments or supplementary materials used to enrich the learning experience in paid courses. Essentially, although free courses can be a great introduction to the world of freelance writing, it’s best to invest in a paid course with a range of comprehensive tools and support if you’re serious about pursuing this craft as a career.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Ready to take your freelance writing journey to the next level? Check out our comprehensive Becoming A Freelance Writer course. It teaches you everything you need to know to launch and grow your freelance career. It includes expert advice, practical tools, and hands-on experience for freelance writers of all experience levels. Claim your free lessons and start learning today!