What’s the Difference Between Copywriting and Content Writing?

The terms “copywriting” and “content writing” are often used interchangeably, even by freelance writers. However, while copywriting and content writing are both essential components of an effective marketing strategy, they are actually two distinct services. In this post, we’ll discuss the merits of both, how they’re different, and how Knowadays can help you kickstart a freelance career as a copywriter or content writer. We’ll cover:

1. The difference between copywriting and content writing.
2. What a copywriter does.
3. What a content writer does.
4. Content writing and copywriting as marketing strategies.
5. How Knowadays’ courses can help you polish your writing skills and launch your freelance business.

Keep reading to learn more about the difference between copywriting and content writing. 

Copywriting Versus Content Writing

Businesses can use both copywriting and content writing to achieve their marketing goals and boost website traffic, but each form of writing has its own distinct purpose and style.

Essentially, the goal of content writing is to deliver important information to the reader, solve a problem, or address a pain point. Its tone is educational and informative rather than salesy, as the ultimate goal is to generate interest and engage with the audience.

On the other hand, the objective of copywriting is to encourage the reader to take an action that benefits the business, such as making a purchase or signing up for an email list.

What Does a Copywriter Do?

A copywriter creates persuasive marketing content, usually for a business or organization, known as “copy.” They use consumer psychology and SEO strategies paired with humor and creativity to craft influential content that plays a key role in the advertising and marketing strategy of a business. Marketing copy often includes a “call to action” that conveys a sense of urgency, such as “Buy Now” or “Limited Time Deal,” to encourage immediate action from the reader, with a clickable link that takes them to the desired page. Copywriters produce a wide range of content, such as:

• Advertisements
• Slogans
• Taglines
• Social media posts
• Email campaigns

Copywriters are also expected to stick to a business’s specific brand voice and personality and write with their target audience in mind.

What Does a Content Writer Do?

Content writers, like copywriters, write copy for businesses; however, unlike copywriting, the objective of the content is not sales. The goal of content writing is to inform the reader and provide them with valuable, factual, well-researched information. Writers can produce content for a variety of industries and organizations, such as:

• Blog posts
• White papers
• Case studies
• E-books
• Articles
• Press releases

These are just a few examples of the type of text that content writers can produce – there are as many different forms of online written content as there are topics and industries. 

Content Writing and Copywriting as Marketing Strategies

Although content writing and copywriting have different objectives on the surface, they can both be used for marketing purposes. Content writers and copywriters can implement SEO techniques, such as keyword targeting and internal and external linking, to bring potential customers to a website and encourage them to stay on the page. Content writing and copywriting can also be adapted to different platforms and communication channels that businesses use, such as websites, social media, emails, and print materials, to broaden a company’s advertising reach.

Both forms of writing also complement each other – for example, high-quality content, such as articles or blog posts, can generate leads and bring potential consumers to a business’s page, where the marketing copy can then influence them to explore the products and even make a purchase.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Do you want to learn more about the difference between content writing and copywriting? Perhaps you’re even interested in a potential career as a freelance writer? Then check out our comprehensive Becoming a Freelance Writer course. It teaches you everything you need to know about writing for businesses, from sticking to a brand voice to common SEO strategies. Try a free trial and see for yourself today.