Content writer, copywriter really sounds like the same thing right? Many people think they are interchangeable, but actually, there is a difference between the two.
A content writer is someone who creates and edits structured or semi-structured content for generally online purposes. The content is usually text-based and not very specific, and it can be used to spice up a website or blog in order to attract traffic to that site.
A copywriter, on the other hand, is a more specialized form of content writer. Copywriters are skilled in taking the words right out of their content writers’ mouths and creating ads or sales pitches from them. Copywriters work with salespeople and other creatives who need help creating the words for their project, piece, or ad campaign.
What is content writing?
Content writing is something that you will have to do whether you hire out a copywriter or write the copy yourself. Putting some effort into your content is what makes it worth reading in the first place, and some people find it easier to do than others.
The most basic part of creating a post from scratch is thinking about what you want to say and finding the words for it. Sometimes this is even done before you start drafting your post. If you’re working on a post about a news item that happened recently that you want to comment on, it’s possible you did some research about the situation before sitting down to post.
There are several popular formulas for getting good content, which usually revolves around something like the 5 Ws: who, what, when, where and why. Once you have an idea of what your content is going to be about and get started writing, it’s really just a matter of arranging your sentences in an orderly way so that they make sense to read and still get your point across.
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is a more specialized type of writing that requires some training and experience. Copywriters are skilled in taking the words right out of their content writers’ mouths and creating ads or sales pitches from them in order to sell a product or service.
Copywriters work with salespeople and other creatives who need help creating the words for their project, piece, or ad campaign. Copywriters use the original content that they are given to create text that will catch a customer’s eye, get their attention and make them want to read more.
Copywriting main focus is about writing sentences in a way to capture the attention of reader and entertain them with effective and persuasive copy. Copywriting can be done to fill a need where a product, service or concept needs to be promoted by persuading people about its value.
Not quite sure if you need a copywriter or content writer
Copywriters tend to cost more than content writers as they have a special skills and need to take the words right out of their content writers’ mouths to create ads or sales pitches from them, whereas content writers can just write well and are free to use their own language in creating the words for a post. However, as there is a lot of overlap between copywriting and content writing, it is often easier for companies with only one writer to hire both: the cost effectiveness means that one person should be able to do both roles in fact.
Some questions you need to ask before choosing are:
- What is your objective? What is the outcome you are trying to achieve and what do you want people to know?
- What is your budget? If you are starting a new business or brand, you may need to consider all entry-level costs first, then build up from there. If you are currently using a content writer or doing it yourself, you may have to start with the monthly cost of hiring someone before deciding whether it is worth going through that stage.
- Do you want an agency or a freelancer? Freelances are much cheaper than agencies. You need to consider the length of the content and frequency. Are you doing it on a regular basis?
- What is your timeframe? Do you just need one post written, or do you need a whole year’s worth of posts written? Some freelancers are slower than agencies, but have more flexibility with deadlines and content length.
- How important is quality control? Do you need someone to proofread and edit your content once it’s written or do you want the writer to be responsible for everything?
- How long will the copy be needed? Is it a long-term project or one that will be used for a short time only? – If the copy is meant for something temporary, then of course there is no need for extensive research.
The wrap
Copywriting is very similar to content writing. The main difference between the two is that copywriters are skilled in taking the words right out of their content writers’ mouths and creating ads or sales pitches from them, whereas content writers can just write well and are free to use their own language in creating the words for a post.
If you feel like you need a copywriter or content writer, it is important to know what your objective for either position will be used for. Copywriters tend to cost more than content writers as they have special skills and need to take the words right out of their content writers’ mouths while editing them for ads or sales pitches, whereas content writers can just write well and are free to use their own language.
If you are starting a new business or brand, you may need to consider all entry-level costs first, then build up from there. If you are currently using a content writer or doing it yourself, you may have to start with the monthly cost of hiring someone before deciding whether it is worth going through that stage.
Another thing to consider is the time frame for both positions. Copywriters tend to take longer than content writers. Some freelancers are slower than agencies but have more flexibility with deadlines and content length.
Finally, you should consider how important quality control is for you. Some companies use a combination of content writing and copywriting, and some prefer to have one person do both roles, so you can save money on hiring two people.
