No. You don’t need a degree to be a copywriter.
I actually dropped out of college and became a successful copywriter turned Ghostwriting agency owner.
Nice degree, very impressive.
— Dakota Robertson (@WrongsToWrite) March 15, 2023
Now show me your results. pic.twitter.com/ebldCyLNlS
What businesses care the most about in this world are results.
Many accomplished copywriters either don't have a degree or simply choose not to flaunt it.
If you can provide results with or without a degree, you will become a successful copywriter.
What really matters here is mastering the basics, practicing relentlessly, and honing your skills until they're razor-sharp. It's about being able to craft clear, persuasive messages that resonate with readers and make sales.
The quality of your writing shows when you either make your clients more money or get them more followers.
The name of the university you attended or the degree you earned does not reflect your skills as a writer.
You can still apply.
I think most companies care about the quality of the work.
Contrary to popular belief, finding good writers is difficult.
If you're a skilled writer without that piece of paper, it might feel like you're at a disadvantage.
But don't let that stop you.
You could reach out directly to the company's marketing team. This approach might seem bold but it could work in your favor.
It shows you’re a self starter – qualities any employer would appreciate. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to showcase your communication skills firsthand.
Another strategy is to look for referrals in your network.
You can use social media platforms like:
But if you ask me, I’d start with learning everything you can about writing copy.
Then transition into doing freelance gigs for some quick cash.
Eventually, you want to end up building a brand and attracting clients via social media.
Is it possible?
100%.
I actually coach people how to do it.
Pull up a chair, grab your coffee.
As I mentioned, credentials don’t matter as much as you think.
We’re not extracting people’s teeth or doing brain surgery here, we’re turning words into dollars for clients.
If you want to break into the world of copywriting and make money doing it, the traditional path is not the way.
The average in-house copywriter makes $X per year.
You can make much more.
Here’s what I’d do if I had to start from scratch without a degree.
In the world of copy, there are several niches:
Research each copywriting specialization and just pick one you want to go all in on.
Once you practice and feel comfortable about everything you’ve learned, you need a market.
What defines a great market?
These 4 things:
Find a couple markets which check those boxes and then start pitching some free work in the DMs on Twitter.
All you need is one person in that market to say yes.
Next, you’re going to work for free until you get results.
After you get results, you’ve got your first case study.
Create a video testimonial and leverage that case study to get paying clients.
Boom. You’re on your way to becoming a high paid copywriter.
Now go read this article on how long it takes to become a copywriter.
I show you how to build a high-paying creative business without doing work you hate.
