fbpx

Can I Be an SEO Specialist Without a Degree?

Yes, it’s possible to become an SEO specialist without a degree. Many SEO professionals enter the field through on-the-job experience or by taking online SEO training courses and learning through experience. However, having a formal education in a related field, such as marketing, computer science, or communications, can help understand the broader context of SEO and digital marketing. Additionally, obtaining certifications or continuing education in SEO can also demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the field.

But here’s the truth:

I’ve been doing SEO since 2011 and have worked on 100s of successful campaigns. Here’s the funny part: I have a bachelor’s degree in political science, which isn’t relevant to SEO.

However, getting this degree had some indirect benefits that correlate well with SEO. For example, we had to write a ton to earn this degree. That writing experience is invaluable because copywriting is a significant component of SEO.

But don’t worry if you’re not a great writer because countless tools can help you now, like the Hemingway Editor app, which helps you produce compelling copy without the fluff.

You can run that exact copy through Grammarly (like I’m doing now). Grammarly will act as your editor.

Lastly, if you’re struggling with content or coding, you can use ChatGPT.

You can use commands like:

  • “Give me 10 topics related to {KEYWORD}:”
  • “Write a detailed article outline for the keyword {YOUR KEYWORD}”
  • “Create HTML, CSS, and Javascript for {INSERT TOOL YOU WANT TO CREATE}

So to conclude:

You don’t need a degree to be an SEO specialist. However, there are many skills you’ll need to acquire to be successful. I recommend studying the following: copywriting, persuasion, psychology, negotiation, and coding. Each of these skills will give you a solid base for the intricacies of SEO.

If you want to start an SEO career, then here are some resources to get going:

Photo of author

Nathan Gotch

Nathan Gotch is an SEO consultant and entrepreneur, best known for founding the highly successful Gotch SEO and the #1 SEO training program, Gotch SEO Academy. With a decade of experience, Nathan has a proven track record of leading hundreds of successful SEO campaigns across competitive industries like healthcare, B2B, legal, and SaaS. His expert advice has been featured in renowned publications such as Semrush, Ahrefs, Hubspot, and Huffington Post. Additionally, Nathan's SEO strategies shared via YouTube, his blog, and social media platforms reach over two million users annually.