Frequently used interchangeably, copywriting and content writing as actually different roles. While both are jobs for writers, the formats and style are different. They may be considerable overlap between the two but they each after their separate goals within a business. This article will briefly explain the differences between these two professions.
The Difference between Copy Writers & Content Writers
The main difference between copywriting and content writing is the reason behind the writing. Copywriters generally are focused on sales and persuasive language. Content writing, on the other hand, is to disperse information to the audience. Copywriting’s primary objective is to convert traffic (or eyeballs if it’s a physical item like a brochure) into sales or at least leads. Content writing is focused on educating, entertaining and inspiring the audience, building trust and reassurance in a business. While this will also create leads and sales this is not the primary concern with content marketing.
There is some considerable overlap when it comes to writing content and copy. Some professionals can provide both services, while others have more focus on one. A case study, for example, can be a piece of content that educates an audience about the application of a product. But it can also be a persuasive, copywriting piece that shows the potential client how the business can improve their own business with the application of the product. If you are looking to hire a writer for marketing and sales purposes, it’s a good idea to think about what work you need from them and whether you need to focus on one role or a combination of both.
Copywriting Work
There’s a wide range of types of jobs copywriters do for clients and/or the business that hires them. They may provide copy for:
- Website- sales pages, case studies, company pages and general website copy
- Marketing Campaigns – Emails, Ad copy for Google or social ads, social media posts, e-books
- Sales Copy – Sales letters and landing pages, sale pitches
- Video scripts – For social media, website content or for sales pitches
- Paper advertising – Brochures, leaflets, advertisements and PR
A copywriter will help your business:
- Present quality content to your client.
- Give readers a sense of urgency and importance.
- Make your brand stand out and give your brand a unique style/voice that’s instantly recognisable.
- Promote a product and/or service in the right way.
Content Writing Roles
The kinds of jobs content writers do are:
- Digital Content – Blogs, Whitepapers, Social media posts, product descriptions, newsletters
- Physical & Digital Product Content – Magazines, newspapers, books, e-books, a course.
- Market Research – Industry research, articles,
- SEO focused – This could encompass all the above digital pieces of content.
A content writer will help:
- Present quality, valuable content to your target audience.
- Create trust, respect and understanding with your ideal clients.
- Draw more traffic and leads to your website.
- Build a brand culture around your business and create brand ambassadors.
SEO Content Writing & Copywriting.
Both content writers and copywriters can also specialise in SEO. While non SEO writers will be primarily focused on how the human audience reads and perceives the words and style uses, SEO writers will also consider how the language used will be interpreted by a search engine. If you are looking to hire a copywriter or content writer, it’s important to know whether they need SEO capabilities too. This will inform your decision on who to hire.
Hire an SEO Content & Copywriter
I provide freelance SEO, copywriting and content services for my clients. I am an experienced writer who can provide both persuasive and educational writing styles and I naturally write with SEO in mind. Content marketing & copywriting is a core service of Middleton Marketing that is frequently paired with SEO work to help grow your business. Get in touch today to arrange a consultation and discovery call. Let’s grow your business together.