When it comes to hiring a copywriter vs content writer, do you know what the actual difference is?
If not, you’re not alone.
I mean, you Googled to find out and, lucky for you, you landed here – hurrah!
The terms’ copywriter‘ and ‘content writer‘ are tossed around like a pair of pants in a tumble dryer.
But are they the same thing?
Let’s find out.
Copywriter vs Content Writer – what’s the actual difference?
When it comes to Copywriting vs content writing, they’re not the same.
They’re similar but two separate things that complement each other.
Here’s what I mean:
Copywriting
A copywriter writes:
- Website pages
- Landing pages
- Sales pages
- Ads
- Email marketing campaigns
- Product descriptions
- Jingles
- Slogans
Content Writing
A content writer writes:
- Blog posts
- Articles
- White papers
- Case Studies
- How-to guides
- Social media posts
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Okay, so now you know what they write; what’s the actual difference between a copywriter and a content writer?
What does a copywriter do?
Copywriters write words designed to persuade customers to take action and sell products or services. If you see a witty slogan or advert that makes you buy whatever it’s selling, that’s been written by a copywriter.
The same goes for a website page; if it’s the homepage, about, services, etc., the main pages of a site (not including blog posts), that’s the work of a copywriter.
Or, if you’re persuaded to sign up for a newsletter – yep, copywriting.
Copywriters also have fewer words to use than content writers.
Their copy has to be sharp and to the point while still stirring emotions and desires.
For more on what a copywriter does, check out, Does a copywriter write blog posts?
What does a content writer do?
Content writers, on the other hand, are all about providing valuable information.
Their job is to educate, inform or entertain. They’re the folks who write all those articles you love to read, the blog posts that answer your burning questions and the social media content that keeps your index finger scrolling like a mad ferret.
They have to find ways to make content engaging, even if it’s dull.
They’ll also do a lot more research to make sure the topics they’re writing about are factual and correct.
Hang on a second, can a writer be both?
Absolutely!
A lot of copywriters do content writing and a lot of content writers do copywriting.
Yes, some writers only write copy, not content and vice versa, but the majority can turn their hand to both, so whatever you need a writer for, more often than not, you’ll only need one writer.
But not always.
How copywriters and content writers work together
The major project where you might use a separate copywriter and content writer is on your website.
A copywriter can be used for all the standard pages, while a content writer can handle your blog posts and case studies.
It happens; I write a client’s website copy, but another writer does the blog posts.
Copywriting is more of a trained skill because of how you have to persuade. Content writing, not so much, as it’s more informative than persuasive.
Using one writer will probably result in a more consistent tone of voice, too, but not always. So, if you’re worried about that, you’re better off finding one writer to do it all (to learn more about that, check out, What is tone of voice?)
One thing they should both be skilled at is SEO, but more so your content writer.
What’s really great is how they work in tandem.
A content writer should drive leads to your website; then, it’s the copywriter’s job to make the sale.
How do you choose between a content writer and a copywriter?
If you’re a business owner or a marketer trying to decide which type of writer to hire, think about your goals.
Need to boost sales or get sign-ups?
Use a copywriter.
Looking to educate your audience?
A content writer is for you.
Copywriter or a content writer – you choose!
Know who you need for your next writing project?
Great!
It might be one.
The other.
Or both.
One thing’s for sure: the next time you look at a brilliant ad or a dead-top blog post, you’ll know exactly who wrote which.
By the way, if you are ready to hire one or the other but need to check your budget first, check out my article, How much does a copywriter cost? Or you can cut right to the chase by seeing how much I cost on my Services and Pricing page.
Until next time
Matt
PS. Copywriter vs Content Writer — which am I? I call myself a copywriter, but I write both copy and content, so I’m both.
PPS. If you want to work with a copywriter other than me, no sweat, check out ProCopywriters.
