Content Writing vs Copywriting: What’s the Difference?

It is crucial to know what’s the difference between content writing and copywriting, especially if you are:

1. Transitioning to freelance writing;  
2. Looking to hire a writer but not quite sure whether to get a copywriter or a content writer. 

So here are five fundamental differences between the two:

Content Writing vs Copywriting

Purpose

The primary purpose of copywriting is to sell. 

Copywriters create a copy or sales copy, which is a form of written content that aims to influence or persuade someone to buy a product or service. A copy ends with a call-to-action. 

The goal of content writing is to inform, educate, or engage the audience. The best example of content writing is this blog post. 

As a freelance writer, it is essential to know your purpose:

• Do you want to write a copy and help a business make money? or 
• Do you want to focus on engaging their audience through providing content? 

The same goes if you’re searching for a freelance writer for your business: 

• Is your goal to sell? or 
• Do you want to provide information for your target audience’s needs?

Length

Copywriting usually involves writing short-form and psychological-based copy that grabs people’s attention and triggers their consumer behavior. 

Meanwhile, content writing is more on long-form content. Since your goal as a content writer is to inform, you must be able to write as detailed as possible. 

Structure

Content writing follows this structure:

• Title 
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

In copywriting, the structure of a copy varies but is usually consists of the following:

• Hook
• Tagline
• The product/service
• Information for credibility (i.e., testimonials)
• Call-to-action (CTA)

Skills

Copywriters can be content writers, but not all content writers can be copywriters. 

Although a sales copy is still a form of content because you’re giving information about the product, the goal is directly and clearly about selling. Which means, copywriting involves marketing with a mix of psychology. 

As a copywriter, you need to know about the psychological triggers to persuade your target market and convert them into customers. 

In contrast, content writing is more on researching and paraphrasing to create compelling content that will benefit your audience and keep them coming back for more. 

Storytelling skills play a vital role in making your content riveting.

Written Material

Copywriters create sales copy or marketing materials such as:

• Advertisements (Ads)
• Email newsletter
• Sales letter
• Product description
• Press release

Content writers create content such as:

• Blog posts
• Articles
• Ebooks 
• Website article
• Magazines

That’s it! I hope this blog helped you differentiate the two and decide which one to pursue or which one you need. 

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Recommended Online Course

If you’re an aspiring freelance writer and wanting to pursue content writing, check out our Content Writing Essentials course. You can view the details here https://bit.ly/contentwritingph.