Copywriting vs. Content Writing: Writers Are Like Lawyers
Table of Contents
- Uhh, Where Are You Going With This…?
- First, a Bad Joke
- Content Writer = Copywriter?
- K…What Is a Copywriter?
- Who’s Better: Copywriter vs. Content Writer?
- Best Resources for Learning Copywriting & Content Writing
- Bottom Line: Who Do You Hire?
- Call 1-800-SCRIBE NOW!
- KEY TAKEAWAYS
TL;DR
As a small business owner, you’ve probably heard of copywriters and content writers. In this blog post, we explain the difference between the two and whom you should hire based on your goals, budget, audience and other criteria.
You’ve started a business or are looking to rekindle an existing one.
You’re all in on sales. You want to hire a writer to craft your message and generate buzz online.
We have a solution.
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Uhh, Where Are You Going With This…?
Writers are like lawyers.
We’re specialized.
There are personal injury attorneys and tax attorneys…
With online writing, there are content writers and copywriters.
What’s the difference and what’s best for your business?
Let’s find out!
First, a Bad Joke…
Q: How do you know a writer is good?
A: They practice the Bar…
Apologies for that 😬
In all seriousness, copywriting is focused on persuading and driving immediate action from the audience.
Content writing provides valuable information and engages the audience in a more informative and educational manner.
Both forms of writing have their unique roles and are essential for different aspects of marketing and communication.
Are you starting to pick up which writing strategy could help your business goals?
Let’s dig a bit more into these disciplines.
Content Writer = Copywriter?
No, while both roles involve writing, they serve different purposes and have different outcomes.
Content writers primarily create content that is informational, educational or entertaining.
They often target a broader audience, aiming to inform or entertain readers without necessarily persuading them to take immediate action.
Content writers focus on providing in-depth information, answering questions and offering insights on a particular topic.
Here are some examples of the content they focus on:
- Blog posts
- Articles
- News pieces
- How-to guides
- eBooks
- Social media posts (excluding direct advertisements)
K…What Is a Copywriter?
Copywriters specialize in creating persuasive and promotional content. Their main goal is to persuade the reader or viewer to take a specific action such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or clicking on a link.
They often target a specific audience segment, trying to trigger an emotional response. The goal is to convince the reader to act in a particular way.
They focus on delivering a clear and compelling message in a limited space.
Techniques such as creating a sense of urgency and highlighting the benefits of a product or service are common in copywriting.
Here are some examples of the content copywriters focus on:
- Advertisements
- Product descriptions
- Sales letters
- Landing and sales pages
- Email marketing campaigns
- Slogans
Who’s Better: Copywriter vs. Content Writer?
Many businesses benefit from a combination of both copywriting and content writing.
Content can attract and educate your audience, while copywriting can convert interested readers into customers.
The choice between a copywriter and a content writer ultimately depends on your specific marketing and business objectives.
It’s often advantageous to have a comprehensive content strategy that includes both types of writing to achieve a well-rounded online presence.
If you need writers skilled in both content and copywriting, check out Content with Teeth. We don’t believe the guy on talk radio who says if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have one.
Throw us the ball, Coach.
Best Resources for Learning Copywriting & Content Writing
In case your business doesn’t have the budget to invest in a copywriter or content writer, there are many resources on and offline that could help you understand the basics.
Learning copywriting and content writing involves a combination of studying theory, practical application and continuous improvement.
Fortunately, there are many resources out there to help you develop and refine your online writing skills.
Copywriting Resources
Books
- The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert Bly
- Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This: The Classic Guide to Creating Great Ads by Luke Sullivan
- Cashvertising by Drew Eric Whitman
Online Courses & Platforms
Offers various copywriting courses, including “Copywriting Secrets: How to Write Copy That Sells” and “The Copywriting Masterclass: Content Writing for Beginners.”
Look for courses like “Copywriting: Fundamentals” offered by the University of California, Davis.
Websites and Blogs
A valuable resource with articles, courses, and eBooks on copywriting and content marketing.
Neil Patel, a prominent marketer, shares insights and tips on copywriting and digital marketing.
Provides in-depth articles and resources on copywriting techniques.
Books on Persuasion & Psychology
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
- Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
For Content Writing
Books
- Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley
- Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age by Jonah Berger (focuses on creating shareable content)
Online Courses and Platforms
- Coursera
Look for courses like “Content Strategy for Professionals” offered by Northwestern University.
Offers free courses on content marketing, including “Content Marketing” and “Inbound Marketing.”
Websites and Blogs
Provides a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars and a magazine, focused on content marketing.
- Copyblogger (also covers content writing)
Offers insights and tips on creating compelling content.
Writing Communities
Join writing communities on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with other writers, share experiences and seek advice.
Bottom Line: Who Do You Hire?
In case you still have questions on the type of writer you need, here are three scenarios to help.
- If you’re aiming to get an immediate response from your customers and increase sales, a copywriter most certainly laser focuses on short and eye-catching text to persuade your audience.
- If you want to educate your audience about your products and services, get exposure and engage with your audience, you should get help from a content writer.
- If you want to increase sales and provide value, you should seek to get a writer skilled in both content and copywriting.
Choosing between hiring a copywriter or a content writer for a small business also depends on:
- Your Budget:
Consider your budget for writing services. Copywriters often charge higher rates than content writers due to the persuasive and results-oriented nature of their work.
- Identifying Your Target Audience
Understand your target audience and their needs. Are they looking for informative content or do they need persuasive messages to make a purchase decision?
- Evaluating Your Existing Content
Review your current content and assess whether it’s meeting your objectives. Identify any gaps or areas where specialized writing expertise is needed.
- Determining the Type of Writing Needed
Based on your goals and audience, decide whether you require persuasive copy for advertisements, product descriptions, landing pages (copywriting) or informative blog posts, articles, or guides (content writing).
- Considering Your Industry or Niche
Some industries or niches may require specialized knowledge.
If your business operates in a complex or highly regulated field, such as healthcare or finance, you may benefit from hiring a writer with expertise in that area.
- Reviewing Portfolios and samples
When considering writers, ask to see their portfolios or writing samples. This will help you assess their style, skills and the quality of their work.
- Conducting Interviews
Interview potential writers to discuss your project, goals and expectations. This will also allow you to assess their communication skills and compatibility with your team.
- Considering a Hybrid Approach
Depending on your needs, you might decide to hire both a copywriter and a content writer, each focusing on their respective strengths. This can be especially effective for businesses looking to balance sales-driven content with informative content.
- Starting with a Trial Project
If you’re uncertain about the fit of a writer, consider starting with a smaller, trial project to evaluate their performance and suitability for your business.
Ultimately, the choice between hiring a copywriter or a content writer should align with your business objectives, target audience and available resources.
Some businesses may benefit from a combination of both, while others may find that one type of writer suits their needs best.
Call 1-800-SCRIBE NOW!
We will take your case because writers are specialized like lawyers, doctors and most professions.
If you need solid writers who can handle both content and copywriting to gin up sales for your business, please get in touch.
💡KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Choosing between hiring a copywriter or a content writer for a small business depends on your goals, budget, audience, writing needs and other factors.
- Copywriting is focused on persuading and driving immediate action from the audience.
- Content writing provides valuable information and engages the audience in a more informative and educational manner.
