If you’ve been itching to embark on a copywriting career but feel unsure about investing in a pricey paid copywriting course, you’re in the right place. Over time, I’ve watched countless aspiring writers search for affordable ways to sharpen their copywriting skills, and the good news is that there are plenty of high-quality free resources out there. Today, I’d love to introduce you to five of the best online copywriting courses, all completely free, that will give you the knowledge you need to write persuasive, engaging copy.
I’ve personally explored a wide range of copywriting training programmes, from bite-sized offerings to full-blown boot camps, and these standouts will help you develop key competencies like writing effective website copy, optimising your prose for SEO, and understanding the psychology of your target audience. Let’s jump straight in.
Why Free Copywriting Courses Can Work Wonders
Some people are sceptical about the idea of a free copywriting course, worrying it might be a watered-down marketing ploy. In my experience, that’s not always the case. These free offerings can truly give you a strong grounding in crucial copywriting techniques, and they allow you to test the waters without spending a penny. Below are a few reasons why a free course might be all you need to get started.
Comprehensive Course Content
You might be surprised by how thorough some free courses can be, covering landing pages, blog posts, product descriptions, social media posts and even direct response copywriting tactics. Often, these platforms treat their free modules as a way to showcase their expertise so the quality can be genuinely impressive. It’s a fantastic way to dip your toes into everything from SEO copywriting to advanced marketing strategies.
Perfect for Freelance Writers and Newbies
If you’re completely new to the world of copywriting, taking a free course relieves financial pressure. You can learn the basics, practise writing in a range of styles, and start building your copywriting business without fear of wasting money. If your goal is to become a freelance copywriter or content writer, these courses can help you get a taste of the work before you commit full throttle.
Solid Building Blocks for a Copywriting Career
A well-structured free course often includes practical exercises, quizzes, and case studies, helping you develop real-world examples for your portfolio. You’ll come away with a clearer sense of how to research a target audience, craft compelling calls to action, and produce effective copy that resonates with readers. All of this is gold dust if you plan to show potential clients that you can hit the ground running.
Gateway to Paid or Advanced Courses
If you discover that copywriting is indeed your calling, these free courses can be a brilliant stepping stone to an accelerated programme or even a paid copywriting course with advanced modules, one-to-one mentorship, or private forums for peer support. That way, you only invest in a premium course once you know you enjoy the craft and want to take it further.
Top 5 Best Online Copywriting Courses for Free
With that in mind, let’s look at five free online courses that will help you build your copywriting skills from the ground up. Each one focuses on different aspects of the writing craft, making them equally worthwhile for new writers, small business owners, or even seasoned marketing professionals keen to bolster their skill set.
1. HubSpot Academy’s Free Copywriting Course
Why It Stands Out
HubSpot Academy offers top-tier online training for various digital marketing topics, and its copywriting course is no exception. HubSpot’s teaching style is easy to follow, from understanding content creation to nailing effective copy. The platform is well-known for its thorough approach, so you can expect a structured syllabus rather than a hodgepodge of random tips.
What to Expect
- Comprehensive Training: You’ll delve into understanding SEO copywriting, blog posts, web content and more, ensuring you gain a well-rounded skill set.
- Target Audience Research: HubSpot emphasises getting to know your readers, so you’ll learn to create copy that taps into a specific audience’s needs.
- Quizzes and Certification: By the end of the course, you can sit quizzes to earn a HubSpot certificate, which looks great on LinkedIn or your personal website.
Ideal For
Marketers, freelance writers, and anyone aiming to shore up their copywriting skills. This course can be particularly useful if you’re keen on growing a copywriting business or freelancing career in less time, as you’ll understand how to tailor your writing to different audiences.
2. Copyblogger’s Free Membership and Resources
Overview
Copyblogger has been a go-to resource for years, supplying all manner of free copywriting advice and insights. Once you sign up for their free membership, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of tutorials, ebooks, and blog posts that cover everything from direct mail style tactics to advanced SEO.
Key Takeaways
- Effective Copy Techniques: Copyblogger focuses heavily on direct response copywriting, helping you master landing pages, email sequences and calls to action.
- Practical Exercises: You’ll find tips for creating compelling blog posts, web pages, social media posts and more, often illustrated with real-life case studies.
- Building Your Copywriting Career: Their focus on freelancers gives you tools to kickstart a genuine business, from finding clients to setting your rates.
Why It’s Worth It
The massive library of free content will keep you learning at your own pace. And since Copyblogger’s roots run deep in the copywriting industry, you can trust the advice is tried and tested.
3. Alison’s Copywriting Courses
Why Alison
Alison is a massive online learning platform that covers many subjects, including digital marketing, SEO content, and of course, copywriting. They cater to beginners and advanced learners alike, so you can find something that suits your level of expertise.
Course Highlights
- Flexible Structure: Complete each lesson on your own timeline, which makes it easier to juggle your studies alongside work or family obligations.
- Certification Option: Although the content is free, you can choose to pay for an official certificate if you want tangible proof of completion.
- Broad Curriculum: Topics often include product descriptions, social media copy, email campaigns and more, giving you a diverse skill set.
Great For
New writers wanting an entry point into online copywriting courses, and also marketing professionals who want to brush up on fresh strategies. The platform’s user-friendly layout is another bonus if complicated course portals easily put you off.
4. SEMrush’s Content Marketing & Copywriting Course
What You’ll Learn
SEMrush is primarily known for its search engine optimisation tools, but the brand also offers educational programmes to help writers create well-optimised copy. This free course usually includes modules that break down how to write for SEO whilst still engaging readers.
Key Benefits
- SEO Focus: You’ll understand how keywords, backlinks, and analytics play into your copy’s performance, essential knowledge for a successful copywriter in today’s digital landscape.
- Practical Examples: Expect to see case studies from reputable brands, illustrating how well-structured copy can translate into higher conversions.
- Useful for Direct Response Copywriting: SEMrush also explains how to measure the success of your copy, which can be a major selling point for freelance copywriters pitching to clients.
Why It Matters
If you’re aiming to become a freelance copywriter or content creator, you need to know your way around SEO. Understanding how to strike the perfect balance between user-friendly copy and search engine best practices can truly set you apart.
5. The Creative Copywriter Academy’s Free Resources
What’s on Offer
The Creative Copywriter Academy, led by a team of professional copywriters, shares free resources on its website. From insightful blog posts to short guides, these materials often explore different types of copy, whether it’s social media posts, website content, or even ads.
Why You’ll Love It
- Industry Expertise: The team draws on years of experience handling projects for a range of brands. That means their tips aren’t just theory but thoroughly tested in the field.
- Resource Library: Alongside educational content, you’ll find practical exercises to help you refine your writing style and develop your own voice.
- Stepping Stone to Paid Options: If you fancy more in-depth mentoring, they do offer paid advanced courses, but the free resources are incredibly robust in their own right.
Who Should Check It Out
New writers who want a gentle introduction to different writing styles, as well as advanced learners seeking real-world examples from a team that’s got a genuine track record.
Extra Tips and Observations
Balancing Free and Paid Options
A free course is a great place to start, especially if you’re unsure whether you’ll enjoy copywriting or if you’re already juggling a busy schedule. However, if you find yourself really thriving and ready for more comprehensive training, you can explore a paid copywriting course. Options like Filthy Rich Writer or American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI) offer accelerated programmes that dive deeper into advanced strategies, practical exercises, and private support communities.
Showcasing Real-World Proof
Most free courses encourage you to produce tangible work that you can put in your portfolio. Don’t let these exercises gather virtual dust. Instead, showcase them when approaching clients or companies, as they demonstrate your ability to craft effective copy for a variety of formats, like landing pages, product descriptions, and newsletters.
Keep Building Your Network
Some courses, even free ones, have community features or forums where you can swap feedback and advice. Networking can help you find your first clients, collaborate with other creatives, or simply gain the moral support needed when you’re learning the ropes of a new craft.
Stay Committed
One tricky part about free courses is that there’s no financial incentive to finish them. Carve out time in your daily or weekly schedule for learning, and treat it as a genuine commitment. This approach will help you get the most out of whatever free resources you choose.
Closing Thoughts
Free online copywriting courses can be a lifesaver if you’re just starting out, or if you’re curious about whether a career in writing is right for you. The five courses highlighted here, offered by HubSpot Academy, Copyblogger, Alison, SEMrush, and The Creative Copywriter Academy, each bring something unique to the table. Whether you’re interested in SEO, direct response copywriting, or content strategy, these programmes will give you solid insights and practical tips to move forward.
I’d love to know if you’ve tried any of these courses before, or if you have other free copywriting resources that you swear by. Feel free to share your experiences and suggestions in the comments. If you found this roundup helpful, don’t hesitate to pass it along to friends or colleagues who might also benefit from free, high-quality training. There’s never been a better time to dive into copywriting, so why not seize the moment, give these free courses a go, and see how far your newfound skills can take you?