Have you ever wondered what sets copywriting and content writing apart? Despite having some similarities, these two writing styles serve distinct purposes. Let’s explore the big difference between copywriting and content writing.
A while ago, one of my mentees and I were in deep conversation about the world of writing services. As we discussed all sorts of writing styles, like content writing, copywriting, and storytelling, my mentee dropped a bombshell.
Brace yourselves – he actually thought that copywriting and content writing were the same! Can you believe it?
He couldn’t be more wrong.
It’s becoming increasingly popular for people to mix copywriting with content writing. They’re getting mixed up between the two as if they’re twins or something! But believe me when I say they’re as different as night and day!
Copywriting and content writing are two different approaches to writing with distinct goals and purposes. While both involve creating written content, they differ in terms of their intended audience, format, tone, and objectives.
Imagine a company that sells luxury watches. The company wants to create written material to promote its products and generate sales. They hire two writers: a copywriter and a content writer.
While both writers may work on the same topic, their approaches and objectives differ.
So, to all my business pals there, ensuring your writing hits the bullseye and resonates with your audience requires understanding the difference between copywriting and content writing. If you don’t have this knowledge, your material might be a bomb, and that’s the last thing you want.
As a copywriter, I am here to decode the secret and clarify the difference for all of you.
Difference between copywriting and content writing
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is persuasive writing and is generally applied when the person or company tries to get a person to take action: leave your email, place an order, make a purchase, etc.
The copywriter’s job is to create persuasive, compelling, action-oriented content to drive sales. They may write headlines, taglines, product descriptions, sales pages, and other marketing material that aim to convince the reader to purchase.
Their tone is often sales-driven and focused on highlighting the benefits and unique features of the product.
Example of Copywriting
- Website copy
- SEO landing pages
- Advertising copy
- Sales emails
- Direct mail
- online ads or social ads
- Taglines
- Brochures
What is content writing
Content writing (writing and creating content) is the most used in content marketing.
The content writer’s job is to create informative, educational, and engaging content to attract and retain the reader’s attention. They may write blog posts, articles, social media updates, and other types of content that aim to inform, entertain, or educate the reader. Their tone is often conversational and focused on providing value and building a relationship with the reader.
Example of Content writing:
- Blogs
- social media posts
- E-books
- Advertorials
- Case studies
Does content writing encompass copywriting?
Consider an email newsletter, an excellent example of how content writing and copywriting can work together.
The body of the email might be packed with engaging and informative content that resonates with the reader. At the same time, the call-to-action at the end of the email can be cleverly crafted copywriting that persuades the reader to take the desired action, like clicking on a link, filling out a form, or making a purchase. It’s all about finding the right balance between valuable content and persuasive writing to keep the reader engaged and interested.
Whenever email marketing is executed proficiently, and the email format is appropriately arranged, it appears like the following:
- Attention-grabbing call,
- A storytelling section that builds a connection with the audience,
- An informative or educational section, and finally,
- A clear call to action.
The design of this structure contributes to increased rates of email opens and clicks.
Why you should use content writing and copywriting in your marketing strategy
There are no black-and-white answers or absolute facts in marketing, as in other fields. The same applies to explaining the difference between copywriting and content writing.
It is essential that you carry out your evaluations and incorporate your unique identity and approach into the business.
It is important to note that the use of both copywriting and content writing can be complemented by each other in your marketing strategy. Your audience can be educated and informed through content writing, providing them with the necessary background to take the desired action when applying copywriting.
It’s essential to have a well-thought-out content plan that is both relevant and high-quality. Copywriting is the key to prompting customers to take the desired action, and it’s important to be clear about the customer journey and the action you want them to take in the funnel.
Conclusion: Which one is better?
Can anyone use copywriting without content writing, despite their differences?
Yes, It’s possible.
Creating valuable content can stand alone without copywriting since it can establish you as an authority in your field. However, monetizing that content may be more challenging without copywriting.
Alternatively, copywriting can thrive independently as it can still inform and convince even with less information than content writing.
Copywriting and content writing fusion can yield even more favourable results.
Messy Mom began with content writing and has since progressed by incorporating both.
Hi, I’m Anjali, a copywriter, and a content writer, weaving words into stories that give voice to your brand.
Shoot me a Dm instead of writing the copy yourself.
Check this out if you want to monetize your blog.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.
I have tried once a small copy writing job and I must say content writting and copy writting are really very different to each others. Both require knowledge, patience and some sort of understanding to start with. Loved this insightful post.
This is a confusion many people have. If you tell them you are a content writer, they think you are a copywriter. A useful post that clarifies many doubts.
I really like the way you have explained the difference between the two. I find copy writing very tough as you have get people to act with just a few words. That’s isn’t easy.
I knew the difference but the elaborate version tru ur blog did give more information to the little that I had
I have never tried my hands on copy writing and frankly up until reading your post even I was confused in the difference between the two. Your article clears the doubts on the difference between the two. Makes me more clear that I am a content writer.
This is an informative post Anjali. I knew the two were totally different but I didn’t know what copywriting actually meant. Now its clear. Thank you for that.
Content writing is more fluid, I feel. It gives you freedom to express yourself and experiment with your work, while copy writing is more focussed and driven. Both are quite different but a good fusion would work best for a brand.
Anjali I cannot thank you enough for this content. Very recently I had a verbal conflict with a Junior budding entrepreneur was teaching me copywriting and what she was showing was a content writing piece. I was unable to explain her what’s the difference between the two as was not having some writing content on the subject Content writing Vs Copy writing. Now your post came as a saviour for me… Thank you so much will share with her.
Copywriter is powerful I guess. I know content writing only and stick to that. Thank you for throwing light on both. I am 59, Anjali and started blogging very late in life. I write well I guess but I dunno how to market myself or monetize it well. Could you guide me please?
Hello Maam, Thanks for stopping by. You can check my post
How to make money with your blog. ( https://messymom.co/how-to-make-money-with-your-blog/ )
Very informative post. Even I was confused. I know both are different but what is actually copy writing that confusing most of the times. Thank you for clarifying my doubts.
I knew both of them were different but thank you for explaining it in more detail. I feel each has its place although copywriting is more difficult.
The difference between content and copywriting is explained in such lucid terms, that it for sure hits the nail. I am a content writer and book reviewer, who sometimes adds linkies for promoting certain products or books in my blogs. Copywriting is extremely extensive and requires a lot of in the business knowledge and updations.
Loved the way you brought out the difference between content and copy writing. Super 👌 copy writing could be a part of content writing.
Very well researched article- I think this differentiation is so important especially as a marketer myself . Thanks for sharing
Very informative post. Even creative writing is sometimes confused with content writing. While there is always an overlap, each also has very distinct features based on the objectives with which they are created.
People tend to use copywriting and content writing interchangeably. Although they are both often used together, there is quite a difference. Thanks for explaining it so well, Anjali.
I wasn’t very sure of the difference before but now I do, thanks to your informative post. I am a content writer. Copywriting is not my cup of tea.
Now that’s one eye opener for someone who blogs like me. haha..Believe me, I wouldn’t know the difference before reading this article. There’s always much more to learn in every aspect of life. Appreciate you making this kind of writing.
I think this kind of post was long overdue. There are so many misconceptions with reference to words like copy writing, content writing, content management, etc. You have nicely and comprehensively distinguished between copywriting and content writing here.
Many people are unaware of the difference between copywriter and content writers and this post is quite educative. I am a content creators and understand the difference you have pointed out.
I have to admit that you have enhanced my knowledge with this valuable post. Most people can’t tell the difference between copywriting and content writing.
That was an eye opener post that explains the difference in simple terms and is much helpful. Glad I read this. Thanks for sharing this.
I knew they were different, but today learned the in-depth knowledge of these two aspects of creative writing so well. Thank you for sharing this information.
You have nicely highlighted the differences in this post.
Mostly people use the terms copy righting interchangeably. You have explained this in detail. After reading your post there won’t be any confusion about the terms
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