Is a certificate in freelance writing worth it?
Alright, let's talk about these freelance writing certificates. You see them advertised everywhere, right? The question is, are they actually worth your time and money, especially now when things feel a bit shaky?
Think of it like learning to ride a motorcycle. You can read all the manuals, even get a certificate from a basic riding course. That piece of paper says you know the theory, how the clutch works, where the brakes are. It might even give you a bit of confidence and maybe impress someone who doesn't ride.
But does it mean you can handle rush hour traffic or a tricky corner on a wet road? Not really.
That comes from actual time on the bike, learning how it feels, making mistakes (hopefully small ones!), and getting comfortable. It’s kind of the same with writing certificates.
When That Piece of Paper Might Help
If you're completely new, like switching careers and feeling lost, a structured course can give you a map. It's like that basic rider course – it shows you the controls, the absolute must-knows to avoid immediate disaster.
Some courses teach you how to find clients, how to pitch – the business stuff that can feel awkward at first. In my experience, getting those foundational blocks can save you some fumbling around.
For some clients, maybe, a certificate signals you've invested in yourself. It could help you stand out if you have zero experience to show otherwise. It's like putting 'certified rider' on your resume – might catch an eye, but it's not the main thing.
Now, if you're diving into something specific like medical writing or super technical SEO, a relevant certificate can carry more weight. It tells clients you speak their language. That’s less about general writing and more about proving specialized knowledge.
When It's Probably Just Expensive Wallpaper
Honestly, if you've been writing for a while, have a portfolio that shows what you can do, and testimonials from happy clients? A certificate isn't likely to move the needle. Clients care about results.
They want to see you can actually write for them, not that you passed a course. When I hire writers for my team, I look at their work, their process, not their certificates.
Some of these courses aren't cheap. You've got to ask yourself: could that money be better spent elsewhere? Maybe on a better website, attending a niche conference (virtual or real), or even just giving you buffer time to find good clients rather than taking low-paying gigs out of desperation? There are tons of free resources out there too.
You don't always have to pay to learn. Let's be real, most of us learned to write well by, well, writing. We wrote for ourselves, maybe took on some low-paying projects early on, got feedback, and figured it out. That 'on-the-job' training is often more valuable than any course. It's like getting good at riding – you gotta ride.
So, What's My Take?
Look, I'm not saying certificates are useless for everyone. If you're starting from absolute zero, a cost-effective course focused on practical skills (like finding clients and writing basics) might give you a needed jumpstart. If you're changing careers, it can provide structure.
But don't think it's a magic bullet. It's not going to replace a strong portfolio, real-world experience, or the ability to actually deliver what a client needs.
In my view, focusing on building that portfolio, getting real feedback, and maybe specializing in something clients truly value is usually a better use of your energy and resources.
Ultimately, you know your situation best. Just be honest with yourself about why you want the certificate and what you expect it to do for you.
Don't just chase the paper; focus on becoming the writer clients can't replace, certificate or not.