What’s the Difference Between Copywriting and Content Writing?

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve heard someone talk about content writing and copywriting. But what do these two terms mean? Is there a major difference between the two? You may find yourself wondering if it's just another way to charge more for someone's writing, but the answer is really pretty simple: the two categories have different purposes. So let’s break down the language and explain the distinction between content writing vs copywriting so when you choose one of the services for your business, you'll be confident you're making an informed choice.

Content Writing vs. Copywriting: The Basics

Content writing and copywriting are often confused for one another, because they both involve writing for a specific audience (your potential client), but their goals and approaches are different. The main ingredient that separates copy from content? Persuasion.

Content writing is focused on creating informative and valuable content that educates the reader on a particular topic. It’s often used for blog posts, social media updates, and articles. Cough* this blog post* cough.

When you're trying to build a relationship with your reader by giving them how-tos, informing them, or sharing about your product or experience, that's content. It's meant to entertain, educate, and lay a foundation for brand loyalty. That's that little marketing trick that means clients will come knocking on your door first when they finally have a need you can meet.

On the other hand, copywriting is the art of creating persuasive and compelling messages with the intent of selling a product or service.

You're continuously exposed to copywriting anywhere and everywhere you go. It's in your email inbox as newsletters, it's on any brand website, it's in your snail mailbox, and it's the basis for commercials. If something is being advertised to you, overtly or subtly, it started as a copywriting campaign. It's even in your product description when you're cruising Etsy or Amazon. Understanding the differences between these two types of writing is essential for businesses and marketers looking to create effective content strategies.

Content and Your Craft

Now that you know the difference, have you ever wondered how content writers come up with those engaging blog posts, website homepage descriptions, and other written pieces that grab our attention? Well, there's actually a lot that goes into it.

First and foremost, content writers need to truly understand their target audience and what topics they're interested in. I know you were made to write something in school that you did not care one wit about, and the end result was as boring as you felt about it. Content writers need to find things that are engaging, that audiences will like, or at least be able to put an entertaining spin on something that may be necessary if not interesting.

From there, they conduct thorough research, gather information and statistics that they can then use to craft their message, and begin to craft a story. Additionally, they need to have an understanding of SEO (search engine optimization) and how to incorporate keywords and phrases that will help their content rank higher on search engines like Google. It's truly a multi-faceted process, but when done well, it can result in some seriously top-notch written work.

Copywriting and Selling

Copywriters are also masterful wordsmiths, harnessing the power of language to seduce the minds and hearts of potential customers. Through the use of carefully crafted phrases, relatable examples, and engaging narratives, they create a persuasive tone of voice that resonates with prospects, enticing them to take action.

Whether it's by tapping into emotions, addressing pain points, or highlighting benefits, copywriters understand how to craft messages that capture attention and inspire action. They are true experts at transforming everyday words into compelling stories that leave a lasting impression, making them an indispensable asset for any brand or business looking to attract new customers.

Know Your Audience, and write for them

When it comes to creating content, it's essential to understand your target audience. Sure, you could write for anyone and everyone, but that approach often falls flat. It's like throwing spaghetti at a wall and seeing what sticks.

By understanding who you're writing for, you can tailor your content to their specific needs and interests. You'll be able to use the language they're familiar with, address the things that concern them, and offer solutions that resonate with them. It's like speaking directly to them, and that's precisely what you want to do. Remember, your content should aim to connect with your audience on a personal level, and understanding who they are is the first step in achieving that goal.

Small Business Owners need Return on Investment.

That’s why writing is so critical in small business. Entrepreneurs often find themselves stretched thin, trying to juggle multiple tasks at once. However, one key area that should not be overlooked is marketing.

While you may have a general understanding of what you want to communicate to your audience, crafting the perfect message is an art form.

That's where copywriters come in. By partnering with a professional copywriter, you can ensure that your message is clear, effective, and tailored to your specific target audience. Not only can this help increase your return on investment, but it can also save you time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere. So, if you're a small business owner looking to make the most out of your marketing efforts, it's definitely worth considering hiring a copywriter to take your messagigng to the next level.

Picking Your Scribe

So, if you're finally convinced that your business needs the help of a copy or content writer to boost your content game, you’re left with one quetion: how do you choose the right one for you?

It can be overwhelming, but I've got some tips to make things easier for you.

First off, take a look at their portfolio. Do their past works align with your brand's voice? It's also best to ask for references and testimonials from past clients. Another key factor to consider is their specialization. Do they have the expertise in the type of content you need help with?

Lastly, don't forget to communicate well. A good copywriter should be able to listen to your needs and understand your brand's vision, and collaboration is key to get the most out of your investment.

As a small business owner, it's important to understand the differences between content writing and copywriting so that you can make the best decision for your unique needs when it comes to creating written work. Both types of writing are key components for generating leads on digital platforms and can help increase the return on your investments.

Content writing typically involves developing educational articles, blog posts and social media, while copywriting emphasizes persuasion techniques to attract prospects. But at the end of the day, both should be created with target audience in mind. So next time you need help with writing content or improving communication goals, consider using the right writer, as they may be able to provide more personalized experiences for your customers.

Now that you know the difference, which one do you need?