How Does ISO 9001 Certification Affect Freelance Writers?

No doubt, when you look for freelance writing jobs – as a blogger, content creator, or copywriter – you’ve come across the label ISO 9001. Many companies advertise that they have ISO 9001 Certification.

iso 9001 certification

Source

What are the implications of this label for freelance writers? How does ISO 9001 affect you?

To start with, it’s better to clarify exactly what ISO 9001 means.

ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. As the name implies, the organization sets international standards for various companies across different sectors. If a company is ISO certified, then you know they meet certain standards such as the safety, reliability, and quality of products and services. The standards also help companies to access new markets, level the playing field for developing countries and facilitate free and fair global trade.

Additionally, the ISO standards help entities to minimize mistakes and having to do redo their work. It also increases efficiency and productivity, as well as increase profitability.

In order to keep up with changes, the ISO updates its standards when necessary. ISO 9001 refers to the most recent update, which was in 2008.

Also read: How Furthering Your Formal Education Can Help You as a Blogger

Again, what does this have to do with you?

See Also
Ghost Websites: Top 10

Two things:

  1. If you are applying for a gig at a company that has ISO 9001 certification, you know that they meet international standards. Now, that is not always a guarantee that everything will be fine and dandy for you, as the company does have to follow a process as set by the ISO. There may be times when, as a freelancer, you might not totally fit in with the processes.
  2. If you run your own content creation services, and you are ISO 9001 certified, then you have something to “brag” about. First, when hiring other freelance writers, you can explain the benefits of meeting international standards. Two, when you woo clients to take on your services, you can consider your certification as a plus.

What do you do to get ISO 9001 certified?

This is where you will have to do a little research as there are various certification bodies to choose from. On the surface, they may all seem the same, but as we all know, there are some things that we can’t take at face value. Some things you need to consider:

  • Make sure the certification body is truly accredited by the ISO. You can check with the appropriate trade and industry department/agency in your country regarding this.
  • Look at the certification body’s reputation. How long have they been in business? Do they have user testimonials? If so, what do they say?
  • Compare prices. The quotations will vary, so you’ll need to look at the different pricing packages, and look deeper into what is included in the package. Additionally, make sure from the get go that there are no surprise or hidden fees that will come up along the way.

As a freelance writer looking for a job, in addition to the usual “background checks” you do about the company that’s hiring, it’s worth a shot to check if it’s ISO 9001 certified. As a freelance service owner, you might want to get certified to add to your credentials.

View Comments (2)
  • This could be my personal opinion and others may disagree, but I think ISO standards is beneficial to only writers but other form of freelancers as well I have two friend of mine living in the U.K who are certified and they enjoy its benefit.

Scroll To Top