Being able to set your hours and work from anywhere worldwide so long as you have decent WiFi access seems like a dream job, but what qualifications do you need to be a freelance writer?
The answer varies depending on the kind of writing you intend to pursue, but at the end of the day, what matters is your writing skills. So, what qualifications matter when it comes to freelance writing and making money online in Canada?
What kinds of writing require qualifications?
While there is no technical qualification barrier to entry for freelance writing, having certain qualifications can make a writer stand out from the competition, especially when competing for jobs in certain fields.
For example, a freelance writer who is trying to enter a medical writing niche or an engineering niche would benefit from having some form of background within the scientific or health fields, as this will make it easier for them to understand the material they are writing about and more authoritatively write about it. These qualifications will also make it easier for the freelance writer to sell their skills to prospective clients and stand out from the competition. On the other hand, if the niche in question is more hobby-related, like gardening, having qualifications might not be as relevant as having samples of your work.
Essential skills for freelance writers
While not all freelance writing jobs require qualifications, these skills are essential for launching a successful freelancing career. Having a strong understanding of SEO, content strategy, research, and copywriting are essential skills for any freelance writer. Luckily, if you need to brush up on your skills in any of these areas, there are plenty of online courses that you can take to brush up your skills or even obtain qualifications in these areas.
Some additional skills for making money from home in Canada that freelancers should have include setting firm boundaries. As a freelance writer, you set your own schedule, so you must also remember to set time aside for yourself to avoid burnout and not overpromise on timelines. Freelance writers also need the courage to be their own advocate; sometimes, you may need to negotiate contracts, chase clients for payment or pitch your work to prospective clients; as a freelancer, you will wear many hats, including accounts receivable and sales.
Of course, curiosity is one of the main skills every freelancing writer needs; having a curiosity to learn about the client, their target audience and the topic you are writing about. If you are not interested in what you are writing, how can you expect your readers to find your content engaging? Having a curiosity to learn and a passion for writing are the two primary qualifications that any freelance writer needs; all other skills or qualifications can be learned later on, which is why it is possible to become a freelance writer without a degree.
Freelance business skills and qualifications
While not directly related to landing freelance writing work, having these business skills will set you up for long-term success. When you conduct any freelance work, you are essentially starting your own business; you need to find clients, manage payments, and market your services. With that in mind, having the skills in the following topics or taking some courses to build those skills will set you up for success as a freelance writer.
Having a basic understanding of accounting is essential for tracking your expenses and income, and setting money aside for taxes is crucial if you do not want an unexpected bill come tax season. It is also essential to manage your time and have a basic understanding of business management; setting time aside for tasks like marketing your services, researching for different freelance projects or conducting meetings with clients is vital if you want to meet all of your deadlines, building and maintaining a schedule and strict organization method is vital for long term success as a freelance writer in Canada.
As a freelance writer, you must also market yourself to current and potential customers. It is essential to be able to speak about your skill set persuasively. Likewise, dedicating time to networking is essential for finding potential work. Finally, clear communication with clients is vital for your long-term success; you need to be able to set clear timelines and communicate both verbally and in written formats clearly and professionally.
Launch your freelance writing career
No matter your written qualifications, so long as you have skills in copywriting and have a curiosity to learn and write about different topics, you can start a freelance writing career. Wondering how to make money from home in Canada without finding clients or worrying about marketing yourself? Words of Worth is looking for Canadian freelance writers to join our team; we handle finding and managing clients while you can focus on writing; apply today.