Copywriting vs Content Writing

What’s the Difference Between Copywriting and Content Writing?

Are you writing copy or creating content? We get it – it probably sounds like we are splitting hairs here. The truth is, copywriting and content writing are two totally separate things. If you’ve been having trouble finding the right way to grab your customers’ attention and keep them around, you’re probably missing the mark. This could mean anything from high bounce rates, low conversions on ads or quick abandonment on landing pages. If you’re ready to tighten up your writing, this blog goes over exactly why it is important for you to be copywriting, why you should be content writing and why you should be doing both at the same time.

Understanding Copywriting

Copywriting is getting the reader to make a specific action. It is very direct, sales-y and isn’t beating around the bush at all. It’s asking the reader to sign up for an email newsletter, it’s the sales page that they see and it is the ads they see on social media. Beyond digital marketing, copywriting is on billboards, direct mail, and newspapers.

Understanding Content Writing

Content writing is creating valuable – and often free – pieces of content for your audience. Think of content writing as blogs, email marketing, webinars, infographics, and other downloads. It’s the value that you give away to your customers so that they remember you, like you, and attach to your brand.

Why Copywriting and Content Writing Go Together

When it comes to good marketing, you can’t have good copywriting without good content writing, and vice versa. Both of them go hand-in-hand, and when put together, they equal one great marketing piece.

Your Attention Grabber Might Be Horrible

Let’s face it: you’ve got to get your reader to open that email, to click on your blog and to capture their attention to your ad. If you’re only doing simple copywriting, it might be too stark and boring. Too much content writing will make it too clever and kitschy for them to understand. Finding the perfect balance – or a writer who can do both – will create the recipe for a perfect attention grabber.

You’re Not Explaining the Benefit

Your content has to give value to the reader and keep them coming back for more. Essentially, you have to reward them with something for clicking on your particular ad, blog or piece of content. If your copywriting is too dull and doesn’t explain any benefit, they won’t enjoy it. Create content that is enjoyable, shareable and valuable.

You’re Not Guiding Your Reader

Once you have captured your audience’s attention, it’s time to guide them along the sales process. Selling without being sales-y is the essence of great content writing, but you have to give your audience a clear action to perform at some point. That’s where great copywriting comes in.

If you’re ready to discover the difference between copywriting vs content writing for your business, let us know. We can help!