Start by creating 5–8 writing samples that show you understand how content serves business goals. Write blog posts on topics you know well, publish them on Medium or a simple WordPress site, and optimize each one for a realistic keyword using Yoast or Rank Math. Include at least one piece that walks through a problem-solution framework and one that compares two options, since these formats dominate B2B content. If you have no live samples, draft them in Google Docs and build a simple portfolio site with Carrd or Webflow. Learn enough SEO to be dangerous. Take the free Ahrefs Academy course and HubSpot's content marketing certification. Understand keyword research, search intent, on-page optimization, and how to read Google Search Console. You don't need to be technical, but you must know why a 1,200-word guide on "best CRM for small business" beats a 300-word fluff piece. Apply strategically. Target junior content writer, content coordinator, or copywriter roles at SaaS companies, digital agencies, and e-commerce brands. Agencies like Ottawa SEO Inc. hire for hustle and learning speed over degrees. Tailor every application: reference a recent blog post from the company, suggest a topic they haven't covered, or critique one of their existing pieces (politely). Cold outreach works—email 20 agencies in your city offering to write one free piece in exchange for a byline and feedback. Expect starting salaries around $40K–$50K CAD for junior roles in Ottawa or Montreal, $45K–$55K in Toronto. Remote roles may pay USD equivalents. Build leverage by tracking results: if your article ranks on page one or drives 200+ monthly visits, screenshot it. After 12–18 months and a results portfolio, you can freelance at $75–$150 per hour or move into strategy roles. The barrier to entry is low, but only the top 20% who treat it like a craft rather than a writing hobby make real money.