The greatest distinction between content writing vs copywriting lies in its purpose. Will look into details about that later. But, for now, in this day and age, the success of a brand lies in the stories it has to tell. In literature, stories can vary in writing styles, therefore producing different reactions among readers.
In addition, they have varied audiences and purposes. To be a successful storyteller in business means to determine what kind of response you aim to achieve. Do you want to focus on immediate, short-term goals, or are you willing to play the long game? This is where content writing and copywriting come into play.
Talking about content writing vs copywriting, these are two terms that are often interchanged even by pro writers themselves. But, in this blog article, I am going to elaborate further so that you get a better understanding (beginners and pros alike).
How Is Content Writing Vs Copywriting Different?
Moving forward, it’s true that these two terms are closely related. However, in the real sense, both copywriters and content writers provide their clients with appropriate content. But, their roles are completely different.
To clarify the confusion and help you choose the right person to tell your brand’s story, here are the most notable differences between content writing and copywriting. So, as I mentioned, the greatest difference between Content Writing vs Copywriting lies in its purpose.
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Whereby, Copywriting is selling your personas on your brand. While Content Writing is subtly telling them about it while delivering valuable content. In other words, Copywriting is the art of selling people on an idea, brand, or ideology.
As you can see, they are most definitely not the same. It’s not exactly the difference between apples and oranges — more like oranges and tangerines — but close enough. For young writers looking for work, it’s incredibly important to know the differences between the two.
Uniquely, each presents a clear set of challenges and skills to do well. Below, let’s pinpoint the major differences between copywriting and content writing.
1. Primary Purpose
The most notable difference between the two is their primary purpose. Every piece of text is written with a specific goal in mind. Determining that goal beforehand will help you choose between copywriting and content writing.
Copywriting is the kind of writing whose main purpose is marketing and generating sales. Skilled copywriting involves attracting and persuading the target audience to purchase your product.
For the branding process to be successful, copywriters blend what the product offers with the brand’s philosophy. The right copywriting agency will help you create a fresh perspective on your product.
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They’ll even accentuate the best product features, and make it all the more appealing to your target audience. Content writing, on the other hand, has a slightly different purpose. Its main strength does not lie in direct marketing but in subtlety.
Equally, its main goal is to inform, educate, and entertain the reader. While simultaneously, building long-term trust between the reader and the brand. Any professional content-writing business will be more than capable of creating authentic content.
Particularly, for your brand. Whilst making sure it’s original, accurate, and appealing to wide audiences. Sometimes covertness is a strength, and experienced content writers know how to capitalize on it.
2. Writing Styles
Due to their different purposes, it’s not wrong to assume that the writing styles of content writing and copywriting will be contrasting. Copywriting is writing with a clear goal and purpose in mind. Henceforth, the writing style itself will be pretty linear and straightforward.
As an example, skilled copywriters can create compelling titles and help a brand make a permanent online presence. Skilled copies sound friendly and inviting but not forceful. Consequently, their call to action will not enrage the consumer but convince them to buy the product.
The texts are usually short, captivating, and to the point. Every single sentence is carefully measured and written with a sole purpose — to sell. On the other hand, content writing is not linear but multi-directional.
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The writing style is rich and nuanced, akin to having a pleasant conversation with an old friend. Not only will a content writer create a connection with the audience, but they will bring that audience closer to your brand. Content writing is about generating ideas.
The more unique and genuine they are, the larger the audience you will attract. Engaging the audience is extremely important in these types of texts. An adept content writer is a master storyteller. With the power to intrigue and attract the audience.
More so, without even mentioning your brand in the first couple of posts. Content writers also need to have a firm handle on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) too. In order to make sure their articles are being read.
3. Engagement Goals
Another key difference between content writing and copywriting is the goal behind these texts. Oftentimes, you’ll consider either their engagement goals as either long-term or short-term.
As you know, in marketing, building a reputation takes time. Fortunately, if you are looking forward to building long-lasting brand awareness, content writing is more suitable. Not to mention, it’ll lay the groundwork for any possible future sales.
However, if you’re looking for immediate results, copywriting is a more suitable choice. Copywriters will increase the immediate value of your brand with short, engaging texts.
4. Writing Methods
Forthwith, there are numerous types of writing concepts to consider as well. While also, bearing in mind, copywriters and content writers can work on different types of texts. Normally, such content copywriters may even participate in the creation of web pages.
So, how do these copywriters help in the creation of these web-based pages? They present the brand in the best light. Brochures are also excellent examples of copywriting as they are short, informative, and to the point.
Copywriters can also write copy for ads, slogans, catalogs, and various social media platforms. Alternatively, content writers can focus on informing and entertaining their readers too. And as such, the texts they work on are normally on the lengthier side.
On one side, such online content includes elements like blogs and articles that answer questions, provide tips, and help solve problems. While, on the other side, eBooks and Podcasts are also a good way to turn your audience into customers.
5. Copywriters Strength
In reality, both copywriting and content writing require different sets of skills. Meaning, that various copywriters and content writers often possess unique and different strengths. Thus, there’s more to an experienced copywriter than a beginner.
For instance, experienced copywriters can employ language to create content that inspires confidence in the brand. As well as the one that connects with their target readers. Plus, they clearly understand marketing goals.
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As a result, this allows them to compose a compelling piece of text and attract readers from the very start. On the other hand, many pro-content writers also make use of additional keywords in their web content.
They do so in order to increase such articles’ visibility on Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs) such as Google or Bing. By the same token, they create texts that are easy to read. Not forgetting, their language skills are very impressive too.
Consequently, they can come up with fresh ideas and keep the readers engaged. And then, in addition, they use research to their advantage to create appealing content. They also have a skill set that helps strengthen the bond between the audience and the brand.
Takeaway;
Finally, from the above content writing vs copywriting guide, we can easily notice that there are a few notable differences between the two. However, we cannot deny the fact that the two tend to overlap in some respects. Of course, we could even say that they are two-sided coins.
But, the truth is; by effectively combining them, we can help boost any brand’s image. It’s also clear to note, that as a professional copywriter, your main job is dedicated to producing copy. And all this comes in many forms.
Basically, the general idea is that a copywriter writes marketing material for a living. It is their trade, craft, skill — whatever you want to call it. And by all means, a content writer can be anyone. They are not necessarily a professional writer, but someone who produces content.
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All thanks to the democratization of the Internet — anyone can now write any web-based content copies. Including professionals, executives, authors, bloggers, software engineers, CEOs, brands, etc. The bottom line is that copywriters are professionals who write web-based marketing copies.
And, in general, some of the best content writers often understand the craft of content writing —but it may not be their trade. That said, do you have the needed skills? In order to write web content & get paid (learn more) for your copies? Especially, by the best-paying websites for freelance content writers as of today? Well, as such, you can Contact Us with your offer.
In return, we’ll let you know how you can start almost immediately. And also, for any additional opinions thoughts, suggestions, recommendations, or even questions that demand our answers, feel free to share them below.
