Content writing and copywriting are the two most important components of digital marketing today. Many businesses leverage these two techniques to further drive traffic and ultimately make sales.
Since content writing and copywriting both represent the art of writing, many tend to use the two terms interchangeably but frankly, there is a disparity between the two.
When you want to create information that’s relevant and useful to a particular audience, you get a content writer but, when it comes to a marketing copy for your brand, you turn to a copywriter. We call one a tangerine and the other an orange.
Taking into consideration the differences between content writing and copywriting will help you to easily identify which one you have a knack for and stick to it. That said, let’s dive into the major differences between these two terms.
What is Content Writing?
Content writing is the art of creating web content primarily for marketing purposes. Content writing marketing strategy relies on written or visual material such as blog posts, video scripts, articles, email newsletters, infographics, social media posts, and videos to demonstrate a brand’s authority.
The following are examples of content writing.
- Advertorials are often placed in magazines or on websites
- Blogs post
- Website articles created to inform or entertain a reader
- E-books
- Social media posts work to generate leads for a targeted audience
A person who writes content is a content writer. If you want to be a content writer, you’ll need the following set of skills:
- Gain mastery of different writing styles
- Avoid picking random subjects
- Create only original content
- Understand SEO, HTML, CSS, and WordPress
- Must be a social media specialist
What is Copywriting
Copywriting is selling an idea, brand, or ideology to a target audience. The goal is to increase brand awareness through short and engaging pieces of text.
Effective copywriting immediately grabs the reader’s attention, clearly promotes the product or idea, and convinces the reader to take action, such as clicking a link or making a purchase.
Examples of copywriting are:
- Website funnels created to turn potential customers into paying customers
- A paid Facebook ad that appears in a user’s feed
- Sales emails crafted to entice the recipient to click on a link that will take them to a product or information page
- Direct mail encompassing sales fliers, postcards, and sales letters
- Brochures with the intent of selling a product
- Taglines
- Text on a call-to-action button
Difference Between Copywriting and Content Writing
According to experts, the key differences between copywriting and content writing are:
- The Purpose of the Writings
- The length of The Writings
- Skillset
- The Job
#1. The Purpose of the Writing
The greatest disparity between copywriting and content writing lies in their primary goal. Copywriting focuses on engaging texts to generate sales. In contrast, content writing aims at either informing, educating, or entertaining the audience
#2. The Length of The Writing
Another key difference between copywriters and content writers is the length of their writings. On one hand, copywriting content is short with eye-catching headlines that grab your attention instantly.
Copywriters write copy for:
- Ads, online and off
- Slogans and taglines
- Web page content
- Email campaigns
- Video scripts
- Catalogues
- Billboards
- Postcards
- Sales letters
- Direct mail letters
On the other hand, content writing creates well-researched long, and informative pieces of content that increase customer engagement.
- Blog
- Email newsletters
- E-books
- Books
- Print magazines
- Podcasts
- Television
- Film
- Article
#3. Skillset
While content writing seeks to build an engaged audience, copywriting ensures readers take immediate action by downloading something, signing up for a newsletter, or purchasing a product.
#4. The Job
Content writers are SEO experts hired to drive organic traffic while copywriters turn that traffic into leads.
According to Jessica Foster, “While SEO experts and business owners would love to get the best of both worlds – content that’s made to attract organic traffic and get a high conversion rate – the reality is that SEO content is best at driving traffic and sales copy is best at selling,”.
The table below summarizes the differences between copywriting and content writing.
| Copy Writing | Content Writing |
|---|---|
| Short and convincing writing | Long and informative content |
| Main goal is to persuade | The main goal is to inform |
| Meant for branding | Meant for marketing |
| Write marketing material | Write content |
| Effective is usually measured in the short-term | Has a long-term strategy |
| Turns traffic into leads | Drive organic traffic |
Are there Similarities between Content Writing and Copy Writing?
Although there are some clear differences between content writing and copywriting, they are somewhat interconnected. This explains why the difference appears to be pinpointed. They work together for a greater goal which is to create a strong and successful business identity.
To run a successful online business, you need both copywriters and content writers. A content writer will create SEO content for your blog or website, educating people about your brand. A copywriter will create SEO pitches that attract new visitors.
Below are the few things copywriting and content writing share in common
- Copywriting and content writing are written in a conversational style
- Both use the language of the target audience
- Both are written with a goal in mind
- Copywriting and content writing are both very valuable skills in today’s world
- They are both very much in demand in the online world.
- Both are skills you need to learn and develop to get the desired results.
- They are both learnable skills
To become an expert at writing sales copy, Here are copywriting mistakes to avoid
Wrap Up
What you should know is that businesses of all kinds need marketing copy and content to drive traffic and sell their brands, so there are tons of opportunities for professional copywriters and content writers.
If you want to earn money as a content writer or copywriter, you have to work with companies that value your work, and that is where Writersgig comes in.
Writersgig is a huge freelance marketplace where writers with in-depth knowledge and the skill to compose well-written copy, scripts, effective SEO pages, blog posts, and other digital content.
Imagine if your copy or content is great, and you earn weekly for writing content or sales copy for a company on Writergig. You’ve found a long-term partnership and that means a constant income stream. Isn’t that a huge breakthrough for you? Remember, the better you get, the higher your earning potential.
Do you love to write but have no idea of how to turn your passion into money? Here is an opportunity for you to learn How To Become A Freelance Writer With No Experience.
FAQs On the Difference Between Copywriting And Content Writing
Copywriting is focused on persuading the audience to take a specific action, such as making a purchase, while content writing aims to inform, educate, or entertain without necessarily driving a direct action.
The purpose of copywriting is to sell or convince, often using compelling language and a call to action. Content writing, on the other hand, aims to provide valuable information, answer questions, or engage the audience without necessarily prompting an immediate action.
Yes, the end goal for a copywriter is typically to drive a specific action, such as a purchase or sign-up. Content writers aim to engage, inform, or entertain the audience without necessarily pushing for immediate action.