In the world of marketing, two terms are often used interchangeably: content writing and copywriting. Although both involve writing, the two terms refer to different things. People have often got the misconception that a writer does everything. But there are clearly a lot of different writing styles to consider. Which is better though, is often a heated debate among writers. That is why writers are constantly seeing which skill, content writing vs copywriting would do better.
Let’s find out!
Content writing and copywriting are two important components of digital marketing. With more businesses transitioning online, the need for digital marketing has been more relevant than its ever been. Both forms of writing are essential in promoting a brand and attracting potential customers. While some people use the terms interchangeably, they refer to two different types of writing. Content writing is more informational and educative, whereas copywriting is more persuasive and aims to convince the audience to take a particular action.
What is Content Writing?
Content writing is the process of creating written content that informs or educates an audience about a particular topic. Content writing can take many forms, including blog posts, articles, whitepapers, e-books, and social media posts. The primary goal of content writing is to provide valuable information to the reader, rather than persuade them to take a specific action.
The freelancing world blew up thanks to content writing. back in 2010, no one had ever requested for content writing services online. Now in 2023, it’s a common business tactic to hire expert freelance content writers who don’t mind paying a premium instead of hiring a full-time one. It’s quite easy to earn over $2,000 a month freelancing on many different freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, or even Linkedin.
Thanks to the rise of these freelancing platforms, there are now more 6-figure freelancers than ever. That’s why content writing may be the most profitable side gig out there.
Types of Content Writing
Here are 5 most common types of content writing(many more but these are the basic ones) that you probably heard of:
Blog Posts
Blog posts are a common type of content writing. They are typically long-form articles that provide in-depth information on a particular topic. Blog posts are an excellent way to drive traffic to a website. They help to improve search engine rankings and establish a brand’s authority in a particular field.
Social Media Posts
Social media posts are a more concise form of content writing. They can be used to promote a brand, engage with followers, and share valuable information or insights. Social media posts should be short and to the point. The best way they can do that is to include images or videos to make them more engaging.
Whitepapers
Whitepapers are longer, more in-depth reports that provide detailed information on a particular topic. They are often used to establish a brand’s authority in a particular industry or field. Whitepapers can be an effective lead generation tool, as they require readers to provide contact information in exchange for access to the report.
E-books
E-books are longer-form content pieces that provide comprehensive information on a particular topic. They can be used as lead magnets or as a way to establish a brand’s authority in a particular field. E-books can also be sold as a product.
Newsletters
Newsletters are regular emails that provide subscribers with updates, news, and insights on a particular topic. They can be used to promote a brand, engage with subscribers, and provide valuable information.
What is Copywriting?
Copywriting is the process of creating written content that aims to persuade the reader to take a particular action. Copywriting can take many forms, including advertising copy, sales copy, direct mail copy, website copy, and email copy. The primary goal of copywriting is to get the reader to take a specific action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a form.
There are a number of successful stories of copywriters making over 6 figures. Most notably Kelly a freelancer that made over $168,000 part-time as a copywriter in 2022. If you would like to learn more about copywriting, here are 30 of the greatest copywriter the Internet has to offer.
Types of Copywriting
There are more than 10 types of copywriting; yeah it’s a lot! Here is a more in-depth version of what copywriting is and what it takes to turn it into a business. But if I were to pick which are the more commonly known ones, here are the top 5 copywriting jobs out there.
Advertising Copywriting
Advertising copywriting is used in print, radio, and television advertisements. The goal of advertising copy is to persuade the audience to take a particular action, such as making a purchase.
Sales Copywriting
Sales copywriting is used in sales pages, landing pages, and product descriptions. The goal of sales copy is to persuade the reader to make a purchase by highlighting the benefits of the product or service.
Direct Mail Copywriting
Direct mail copywriting is used in direct mail campaigns. The goal of direct mail copy is to persuade the reader to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form.
Website Copywriting
Website copywriting refers to the content that appears on a website’s various pages, such as the homepage, about page, and product or service pages. Active voice should be used to convey this information clearly and effectively. The goal of website copy is to persuade the reader to take a specific action, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or signing up for a newsletter.
Email Copywriting
Email copywriting is used in email marketing campaigns. The goal of email copy is to persuade the reader to take a specific action, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or visiting a website.
Key Differences Between Content Writing and Copywriting
While both content writing and copywriting involve writing, there are some significant differences between the two.
- Primary goal: Content writing aims to educate or inform the audience while copywriting aims to persuade the audience to take a specific action.
- Tone: Content writing is typically more informative and conversational in tone, while copywriting is more persuasive and often uses a more direct and forceful tone.
- Length: Content writing can be longer and more detailed while copywriting is typically shorter and more focused.
- Structure: Content writing is more structured and organized while copywriting often employs more creative or unexpected structures.
- SEO: Content writing often focuses on incorporating keywords and optimizing for search engines, while copywriting focuses on writing compelling headlines and calls to action.
When to Use Content Writing vs Copywriting
Both content writing and copywriting have their place in digital marketing, and the choice of which to use depends on the marketing goal.
Use content writing when the goal is to educate or inform the audience, such as in a blog post or social media post. Content writing can also be used to establish a brand’s authority in a particular field, as in a whitepaper or e-book.
Use copywriting when the goal is to persuade the audience to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form. Copywriting is commonly used in advertising, sales pages, and email marketing campaigns.
Importance of Content Writing and Copywriting
Both content writing and copywriting are essential components of digital marketing. Content writing helps establish a brand’s authority in a particular field, drive traffic to a website, and improve search engine rankings. Copywriting, on the other hand, helps persuade the audience to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form.
Without content writing, a brand may struggle to establish itself as an authority in its industry or field. Without copywriting, a brand may struggle to convert website visitors into customers.
Conclusion
To sum up, I would say that copywriting is definitely more profitable since it has more sales talk involved in the writing. But content writing can be profitable as well depending on which type you are writing. Many people don’t actually know that one of the most profitable content-writing businesses out there is SEO writing.
FAQs
Can the same writer do both content writing and copywriting?
Yes, a writer can do both content writing and copywriting, but it’s important to understand the differences between the two and adjust the writing style accordingly.
Is one type of writing more important than the other?
No, both content writing and copywriting are important in digital marketing, as they serve different purposes and goals.
Is SEO important for both content writing and copywriting?
Yes, SEO is important for both types of writing. Content writing focuses on incorporating keywords and optimizing for search engines, while copywriting focuses on writing compelling headlines and calls to action that can also benefit from SEO optimization.
How can a brand balance between content writing and copywriting?
A brand can balance content writing and copywriting by understanding its marketing goals and creating a content calendar that includes both types of writing. It’s important to have a mix of informative and persuasive content to engage the audience and achieve the desired outcome.
