Are you an aspiring freelance writer looking for opportunities in digital media, publishing, marketing or communications? Whether you want to start a writing business, side hustle, or develop your writing skills, this course is ideal for you.
The Certificate of Freelance Writing is a professional development course that will provide you with the skills to create engaging content and work as a professional freelance writer.
In this freelance writing course, you will explore ethical writing practices, originality, and how to craft clear, concise, and engaging content. You’ll also develop skills in research, interviewing, note-taking, and fact-checking, and explore how to write for digital platforms, including blogs, social media, email newsletters, and branded content.
You will discover how to identify writing niches, build a professional portfolio, and pitch ideas to publications and clients. You will also learn the business side of freelance writing, including pricing, contracts, client relationships and managing freelance work.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to pursue freelance writing opportunities across publishing, digital media, and content marketing.
Course Structure
Unit - Certificate of Freelance Writing
Unit 1: Foundations of Freelance Writing
- Overview of the freelance writing industry
- Writing genres and marketing opportunities
- Choosing your freelance writing path
- Developing a professional mindset
- Ethics and originality
Unit 2: Writing Craft and Style
- Writing clear, concise, and engaging content
- Structure and formatting
- Developing tone and voice
- Editing and proofreading
Unit 3: Research, Interviewing, and Fact-Checking
- Effective research strategies
- Conducting professional interviews
- Effective notetaking
- Fact checking and accuracy
Unit 4: Writing for Digital Platforms
- Scannability, SEO basics, and metadata
- Scannability
- SEO basics
- Content quality and user engagement
- Metadata
- Creating blog posts and articles
- Writing for social media
- Email newsletters
- Branded content
- Algorithms, engagement metrics, and online visibility
Unit 5: Niche Development and Portfolio Building
- Personal strengths and writing markets
- Building specialist expertise
- Creating a professional portfolio
- Leveraging online platforms
Unit 6: The Business of Freelance Writing
- Setting up as a freelancer
- Time management and productivity
- Work-life balance
- Pricing strategies
- Introduction to contracts
- Negotiating terms
- Budgeting
- Superannuation
- Tax compliance
- Recordkeeping
Unit 7: Pitching, Networking, and Client Management
- Query letter sample
- Approaching publications and agencies
- Building long-term relationships
- Professional communication and feedback
- Handling feedback constructively
- Conflict resolution strategies
Unit 8: Career Development
- Exploring publishing pathways
- Traditional publishing
- Hybrid publishing
- Self-publishing
- New formats
- Building resilience and handling rejection
- Professional development
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Printed Materials – Free to Print
Course materials for this program are available to print at no extra cost.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for:
- Freelance writer
- Content writer
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