The Good and the Ugly: DIY Free Training for Aspiring Writers
The pros and cons of “figuring it out” on your own. What writers need to know about balancing cost savings and the ability to actually learn the skills you need to succeed in a competitive writing field.
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Biggest Pros of Free SEO Training: Initial cost savings and ability to niche your services into whatever areas you choose.
Biggest Cons of Free SEO Training: Subpar skills development and inability to land jobs amongst other SEO industry experts.
A DIY Writer’s Biggest Challenge: Securing high-paying writing jobs quickly, especially without structured training and/or a community of connections within the industry.
5 steps to build the best SEO writer training for yourself.
The allure of free Do-It-Yourself (DIY) training is undeniable. With a plethora of online resources, blogs, courses and self-help guides available at no cost, aspiring writers often find themselves tempted to take the self-guided route to develop their skills – whether that’s learning SEO writing, copywriting, ghostwriting – whatever specialty!
While the prospect of saving money is undoubtedly appealing, it's crucial to examine the trade-offs.
In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of free DIY training for writers. We’ll cover cost savings versus time cost versus error potential and more. Plus, we’ll discuss the likelihood of landing high-paying clients if you rely just on DIY free training alone.
Are you considering purchasing a writing training course but have hesitations? This post will help you weigh your options: DIY versus a writing course investment.
The Pros of DIY Free Training for Aspiring Writers
If you’re a self-starter, you might be drawn to DIY learning. Luckily there are tons of resources for writers who want to learn how to cold pitch, how to create a portfolio site that rocks and more.
Pro #1 Cost Savings
The most apparent advantage of free DIY training is the cost savings. Aspiring writers can access a vast array of resources without spending a dime. And in today’s digital world, there’s no need to leave home to unlock a library of resources!
From online articles and forums to instructional videos and podcasts, the wealth of information available at no cost makes DIY training an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
Pro #2 Flexibility and Self-Paced Learning
DIY training provides writers with the flexibility to learn at their own pace (although, many courses allow for this as well).
This is particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer a more leisurely approach to acquiring new skills. Plus, if you’re not totally convinced that you want to pursue a writing career or writing specialty, DIY training lets you to dip your toes in and see if you like it.
With no rigid schedules or deadlines, writers can tailor their learning to fit their “readiness” to start a writing career (or not).
Pro #3 Diverse Learning Resources
The internet is a treasure trove of information, and free DIY training allows writers to explore a wide range of learning resources.
Blogs, webinars, eBooks, influencers, podcasts and video tutorials cover an extensive array of writing topics, offering a diverse and often eclectic mix of insights and advice.
You no longer have to purchase an online textbook or handbook if that’s not your learning style. Instead, you can opt for video or auditory learning materials.
Pro #4 Unlimited Access to Topics of Interest
Writers have the freedom to choose and explore topics that align with their specific interests, previous experience and goals.
Whether it's delving into the intricacies of a particular writing style, mastering a specific niche or understanding the nuances of digital marketing for writers, the breadth of free resources allows for unlimited exploration.
Many writers have very diverse backgrounds — and they often go to college for something other than writing because they’re told “you can’t make money as a writer.” Since DIY training can be completely customized, you can leverage existing skill sets and add onto them with new training.
The Cons of DIY Free Training for Aspiring Writers
Now, let’s look at the cons of DIY training. We’ll compare this to investing in a comprehensive, structured writing course from industry experts.
Con #1 Time-Sucking Learning Curve
While the DIY approach may save money upfront, it often results in a significantly longer learning curve to get you up to speed and land paid work.
Without a structured curriculum or guidance, many writers struggle to navigate the vast sea of information available online. They don’t know where to start, and they don’t even know what they should know to forge their new career path.
This can lead to a protracted period of trial and error as they attempt to piece together a comprehensive understanding of writing principles. For months, they learn rudimentary writing skills and fail to produce professional, high-performing work – let alone land high-quality clients!
Con #2 Far Greater Likelihood of Error
The absence of expert guidance and oversight increases the likelihood of errors, which wastes time and money for writers who need to start making a livable income (fast).
DIY learners may inadvertently adopt incorrect writing practices, misconceptions or outdated techniques. Without the corrective feedback that structured training provides, these errors can become ingrained habits, hindering a writer's progress.
Con #3 Lack of Accountability
DIY training often lacks the built-in accountability that comes with formal courses.
With no deadlines, assignments or instructors monitoring progress, writers find it challenging to stay motivated and disciplined in their learning journey. This can be the number one reason why so many people say they want to get into freelance writing, but never “make it.”
The absence of external accountability can result in procrastination and a lack of consistent effort. Maybe you’re fed up with your 9-5 job. Maybe you want extra income on the side to finally put you ahead. Maybe you’re devoid of enjoyment and passion in your work.
If you are absolutely serious about growing your writing career, the accountability (and investment) of structured courses will ensure that you see yourself through to a thriving business.
Con #4 Subpar Skill Development
Free resources might cover the basics, but they often fall short in providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of specialty writing skills.
DIY learners – even the most meticulous – often miss out on crucial elements of their craft, limiting their ability to produce high-quality, impressive work.
This incomplete skill development can become a barrier when pursuing professional opportunities. For example, your resume won’t have the right experience for the job. Or, you’ll freeze up during an interview because you aren’t familiar with industry jargon, themes or developments.
Read this! 30 Super Common Writer Interview Questions You Need to Know
Con #5 Limited Networking and Community Support
One of the benefits of formal training is the opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded individuals and experienced professionals.
DIY learners, however, may miss out on the networking and community support that can be instrumental in their growth. They might miss out on industry hot topics. They might miss out on significant skills updates. Or, they simply won’t get advice when it comes to finding clients and landing work.
Building relationships within the writing community can open doors to collaborations, mentorship and job opportunities.
A DIY-er’s Biggest Challenge: Getting High-Paying Clients Quickly
At the Ambitious Writer Society, we come across a lot of writers! And, what we’ve found is that many writers can learn the writing skills, but they fail actually land work from their efforts. It’s a bummer!
In fact, we’ve seen it so much that we decided to nearly double the content in our Complete SEO Writer Roadmap Course to help students override this debilitating challenge. To learn more about this course, sign up to watch the free SEO writing training video.
Here, let’s look at why these writers might be facing this challenge.
Competitive Disadvantages
DIY learners may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when seeking high-paying clients.
Depending on the course, formal writing education not only equip writers with advanced skills but also provide a recognized credential that can enhance credibility.
Without this formal recognition, DIY learners may struggle to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace.
Delayed Professional Recognition
Securing high-paying clients often requires a level of expertise and a track record of success.
DIY learners – lacking the formal validation that comes with completing recognized courses – may face delays in gaining professional recognition. This delay can impact their ability to command higher rates and secure lucrative writing opportunities.
Limited Industry Insights
Structured, in-depth writing courses often include insights into the industry, providing a realistic understanding of market demands and client expectations.
DIY learners, without this curated knowledge, may find themselves ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of the professional writing landscape. This lack of industry insights can hinder their ability to attract high-paying clients who seek writers with a deep understanding of market trends.
A Step-by-Step Solution: Combining DIY Learning with Formal Training
While acknowledging the cons of free DIY training, it's essential to recognize that a balanced approach can be the key to success.
When you combine self-directed learning with structured expert training, you can enjoy the benefit of investing your money and time wisely – all while mitigating the major drawbacks associated with DIY learning.
Step 1: Identify Areas for Course Investments
Recognize the writing skills that are crucial to achieving your goals, and consider investing in these areas. These are often skills like:
How to successfully cold pitch
How to optimize your website for SEO
How to land work (and well-paid work preferably)
How to ace interviews and discovery calls
How to go from novice knowledge to expert knowledge
Investing in a structured course that aligns with your professional aspirations can provide the expertise and credentials needed to stand out in a competitive market. Plus, such courses can expedite your ability to land well-paid, exciting projects!
Step 2: Build a Well-Rounded Skill Set
Use DIY learning to explore diverse topics and broaden your understanding of being a professional writer. Dive into learning about profitable industries for writers. Explore how other writers are finding success. Compare your pricing rates to industry guides.
Supplement this with additional course investments to ensure a well-rounded skill set that encompasses both the fundamentals and the advanced techniques. This approach enhances your versatility as a writer and positions you as a valuable asset to clients.
Step 3: Seek Mentorship and Community Engagement
While DIY learning might lack formal networking structures, actively seek mentorship opportunities and engage with writing communities.
Online forums, social media groups and networking events can provide valuable insights, feedback and connections.
Building relationships within the writing community can enhance your professional development and create opportunities for collaboration. Not to mention, you might feel heard and validated by other writers who are facing the same challenges (and wins) as you.
Step 4: Stay Updated on Industry Trends
DIY learners can stay competitive by actively staying informed about industry trends. Regularly consume industry-related content, participate in webinars and follow influential figures in the writing community.
This self-directed effort ensures that you remain attuned to market demands and client expectations.
What’s Best for You?
The choice between free DIY training and formal education is not a binary one. While cost savings are attractive, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks pertaining to your time and earning potential.
The time-consuming learning curve, increased likelihood of errors and delayed access to high-paying clients are challenges that DIY learners must navigate (often on their own).
A balanced approach that combines the flexibility of DIY learning with writing course investments can be the key to individualized training with expert insights.
By strategically identifying areas for writing courses, building a well-rounded skill set, seeking mentorship and community engagement and staying updated on industry trends, writers can position themselves for a successful and fulfilling professional writing career.
Ultimately, the investment in both time and money can yield a more robust foundation, accelerate career growth and open doors to lucrative opportunities in the competitive field of professional writing.
