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Sharp communication skills are imperative if you want to succeed in the business world. But verbal communication is only part of the equation. You’ll also need to learn how to write effectively. And what better way to do so than by taking an online business writing course?
Quick Look: Best Business Writing Courses
- Business Writing by Univesity of Colorado Boulder
- Business Communication Skills: Business Writing and Grammar by Udemy
- Better Business Writing in English by the Georgia Institute of Technology
- Tips for Better Business Writing by LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
- Storytelling in the Workplace by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
- Business Writing Strategies by LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
- High-Impact Business Writing by University of California Irvine Division of Continuing Education
- Master Business Writing and Editing by Udemy
- Write Like a Boss: Master Your Business Writing by Udemy
What Makes a Business Writing Course Great?
But don’t just close your eyes and pick one. Look for a few other key elements before you launch into the right business writing course for you.
Look for Foundational Elements
Has it been a while since you’ve taken a writing course? Maybe you need a refresher on the basics. For this reason, the course should start with the foundational elements of business writing and dive into more tailored strategies by content type as the course progresses.
Comprehensive
Does the course share strategies to help you sharpen your business writing skills and apply them to different types of business content?
Make sure the course covers exactly what you want to get out of it. For example, maybe you want to learn how to write winning proposals. A course that only covers emails and internal memos won’t serve you well. Be sure you’re analyzing all topics so they’re closely aligned with what you’re learning more about.
Some courses also cover other strategies for effective business communication beyond writing, which is a significant plus.
Experienced Instructor
Be mindful of the instructor’s credentials as you review business writing courses. Does the instructor have a college-level education? Is he or she experienced in the workforce or have certifications or specializations related to business communication?
You also want to confirm that an instructor’s teaching style is both engaging and effective. This comes with experience, and you’ll be able to make this determination by analyzing reviews from past students. Look for instructors with proven results through former student reviews.
Our Top Picks
A quick online search of the best business writing courses can be enough to make your head spin. We’ve taken the guesswork out of your search by selecting the best options available.
Our top picks, from Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, are organized by level. We’ve found courses for any level — beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. We’ve also included the price points so you can quickly identify opportunities within your budget.
Business Writing Courses for Beginners
Are you new to business writing and are searching for a class that lays the framework for success? Check out these foundational courses.
1. Business Writing by University of Colorado Boulder
- Who it’s for: Beginners
- Price: Free
Business Writing, which is a part of the Effective Communication Series from the University of Colorado Boulder, introduces students to 10 principles of good business writing. You will also develop the skills necessary to organize, structure and revise your work to deliver a polished product.
This class is taught by Dr. Quentin McAndrew, a professor in the English department, and was rated 4.8 stars by past students who have benefited from the class. Some have started new careers using these newly-acquired skills. Others have used the information learned in the course to take their careers to the next level.
It’s free to enroll and should take you 13 hours to complete.
2. Business Communication Skills: Business Writing and Grammar by Udemy
A bestseller on Udemy, this beginner course on business communication skills is best for entry-level employees, entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to boost their writing skills. It’s also voted by past students as one of the best communication courses on the web.
This course introduces you to the foundational elements needed to communicate effectively in the business world through chats, business letters, cold email pitches and emails. You’ll also learn the basics of English grammar necessary for effective business writing.
You’ll receive a complimentary 15-minute coaching call from the instructor when you enroll, along with an invitation to join a supportive Facebook community.
Instructor Alex Genadinkis has taught over 120 courses on Udemy. He’s a 3-time bestselling Amazon author and has books in use at several high schools and universities throughout the United States.
3. Better Business Writing in English by the Georgia Institute of Technology
- Who it’s for: Beginners
- Price: Free
This 19-hour course is designed for the student or professional who wants to write more effectively in English. Not only will you develop business writing skills, but you will also learn specific techniques that can be applied to different types of business writing.
Business documents covered in this course include cover letters, instructional guides, mission statements and reports. You’ll also have access to supplementary resources, including quizzes, to help retain and apply the knowledge learned in the lectures.
This course is taught by Amalia B. Stephens, a lecturer at the Georgia Tech Language Institute. Enrollment is free and you should have a solid grasp of the mechanics of basic English before taking the class.
Intermediate Business Writing Courses
If you have experience with business writing and want to enhance your skills, these courses are ideal.
4. Tips for Better Business Writing by LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
- Who’s it for? Intermediate students
- Price: Included with a monthly membership
Do you want to create business documents that clearly communicate your message and stand out among the masses? This 4-module course from Natasha Terk, managing director of Adcom Designs, offers a solid opportunity.
As you work through the modules, you will learn how to compose more clear and concise business content, including emails, memos, reports and white papers. By the time you complete the modules, you will know how to map out and format your content so the key message is communicated clearly — plus, you’ll also know how to edit your content like a boss.
Enrollment is included with a monthly membership. You can give the course a test drive with a free 1-month trial.
5. Storytelling in the Workplace by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
- Who it’s for: Intermediate students
- Price: Free
Learn the tips and tricks to make your writing more persuasive with this free course so you can reach your target audience. This course also teaches you how to adjust your writing based on your point of view, structure, style and tone.
The course is led by Andrea Hickerson, director and associate professor of the School of Communication at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
You can enroll in the course for free and complete it in 3 weeks. You can also get a verified certificate to showcase your skills for only $49.
6. Business Writing Strategies by LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
- Who it’s for: Intermediate students
- Price: Included with a monthly membership
Business Writing Strategies includes 8 modules with over 2 hours of valuable content that can help you learn to write for a specific business purpose.
Whether it’s for a presentation, report, major announcement or solicitation of support, Judy Steiner-Williams shares fundamental business writing strategies. She is a senior lecturer at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and has over 30 years of experience teaching writing and business communication.
Access this course now for registering on LinkedIn Learning. Enrollment is free with a $29.99 per month membership. You can access the course for free with a 1-month trial membership.
Advanced Business Writing Courses
You’ll find these advanced business writing courses useful if you’re a corporate executive, manager, leader, seasoned journalist or entrepreneur.
7. High-Impact Business Writing by University of California Irvine Division of Continuing Education
- Who it’s for: Advanced students
- Price: Free
Prepare to be amazed by this class as you work through 4 weeks of content that will give you the skills and confidence needed to create any type of business communication or document.
You’ll begin with a primer on business writing, followed by detailed guidance on writing and editing and business communications. You’ll also learn how to write for global markets.
This course is led by Sue Robins, an instructor at the University of California, Irvine Extension, and includes supplementary reading and quizzes. Enrollment is free.
8. Master Business Writing and Editing by Udemy
Do you want to learn how to craft more compelling business emails, memos and letters? For $99.99, you can learn how to use advanced techniques and strategies to compose business communications that stand out among the masses. Master Business Writing and Editing contains 3 hours of videos, broken up into 28 informative lectures.
Core topics include writing styles, effective messaging, punctuation rules and road maps for business messages. This course ends with a primer on the 6 essential components of business writing.
Taught by Grant Hall, a business instructor and tutor, this course is ideal for corporate professionals, professors, journalists and bloggers who have mastered the basics of business writing and want to spruce up their skills.
9. Write Like a Boss: Master Your Business Writing by Udemy
Are you interested in learning how to appeal to different personalities in your writing? In this writing course, you’ll discover this information, the 3P writing process and a host of other invaluable information.
Write Like a Boss: Master Your Business Writing includes 22 lectures condensed into 1.5 hours of video, 1 article and 4 downloadable resources. It’s ideal if you’re a business leader, manager or creative searching for advanced business writing strategies and tactics to help you communicate more effectively.
This course is led by Elizabeth Goins, an accomplished writer who has completed projects for Fortune 500 companies, creatives, founders and managers across multiple industries.
Choose the Right Business Writing Course for You
Business writing courses can teach you the skills needed to communicate more effectively in an office setting. You might even land a promotion when you apply the strategies you learn to your everyday work.
Business writing courses can also help you bring clarity to your message if you’re an entrepreneur. You can reach your target audience, attract more prospects and boost your bottom line.
Regardless of your reason for taking a business writing course, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge without spending a fortune. You can work at your own pace, whether it’s for a few minutes during your lunch break, on the weekends or even on your commute.
Southern New Hampshire University Online
SNHU Online Offers:
- Flexible schedules
- Affordable tuition
- Online tutoring
- Access to electronic research materials
- Specialized academic advising
- Supportive online community