How I Became a Copywriter Without a Writing Degree
"You don't need permission to start writing. Just put your skills to use."
If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be making money writing words for brands, websites, and businesses without any English degree or journalism background I would’ve laughed. I wasn’t a literature major. I didn’t have connections in media. I didn’t even know what copywriting was but here I am working as a copywriter, creating persuasive content that drives results, and loving every bit of it.
So how did I get here? Let me walk you through it.
1. I Didn’t Wait for a Degree I Built Skills
You don't need a formal writing degree to start copywriting. What you do need is the ability to write clearly, persuasively, and with purpose.
I started by:
Reading blogs and articles from Copy blogger, HubSpot, and Neil Patel.
Watching free YouTube tutorials on copywriting techniques and sales psychology.
Studying ads, emails, and websites to understand how copy works in the real world.
2. I Practiced Relentlessly
At first, I wrote a lot of bad copy. But each piece got a little better.
I created mock projects (fake ads), landing pages, and product descriptions for made-up companies. I rewrote real ads I saw online to make them better. I challenged myself to write headlines that grab attention or emails that sell. I treated it like a gym workout: write every day, revise often, repeat.
3. I Took Free (and Cheap) Courses
There are amazing online resources for aspiring copywriters. I took advantage of:
Free course for month under Edoofa program and got certified
Free courses on Coursera and HubSpot Academy
Inexpensive classes on Udemy and Skill share
Podcasts like The Copywriter Club and Marketing Over Coffee
Here I got to learn a better tone, structure, and how to write for different platforms like email, websites, and ads.
4. I Created a Simple Portfolio
When I started applying for gigs, I didn’t have client work. But I did have:
A few samples landing pages
A made-up product with a sales email
Rewritten versions of real website copy
5. I Started Freelancing on Small Platforms
I wasn’t picky. My first gig paid $15 for a product description but it gave me:
A real client
Feedback
A testimonial
I built my experience on platforms like:
Upwork
Fiverr
PeoplePerHour
Facebook groups and Reddit forums
Slowly, I built a reputation. Small projects led to bigger ones. Clients started referring me to others.
6. I Learned Marketing (Not Just Writing)
Copywriting is more than just writing pretty words but also about selling, persuading, and connecting.
So, I studied:
Buyer behavior
SEO and content strategy
Email funnels and landing pages
I became a hybrid — not just a writer, but a thinker. That made me more valuable.
7. I Networked (Even as an Introvert)
I engaged with other copywriters on Twitter (now X), LinkedIn, and niche communities. I joined copywriting Facebook groups, posted my work, asked questions, and helped others.
This led to:
Referrals
Freelance gigs
Mentors and collaborators
I didn’t need to be loud — just consistent and genuine.
8. I Never Faked It — But I Was Always Learning
I didn’t pretend to be an expert. When I landed clients, I was honest about my experience but confident in my ability to learn and deliver. That transparency-built trust and it paid off.
You Can Start from anywhere
You don’t need a writing degree.
You don’t need industry connections.
You don’t need to wait.
What you do need is curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to improve.
If you're a student trying to earn on the side, or a 9-to-5 worker dreaming of a creative shift, copywriting could be your door. And just like I did — you can open it without a degree.
Want to start? Here’s what I’d recommend:
Pick one type of copy to learn (emails, ads, blogs).
Write every day, even if it’s just for yourself.
Study real examples, what works and why?
Create samples and build a portfolio.
Start pitching. Even if you're nervous.
Never stop learning.
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