If you’re looking for someone to write for you – whether that’s blogs, a landing page or some social media posts – do you know what to search for?
Copywriter or content writer? What’s the difference?
Copywriters and content writers both deal with words, but their skills and objectives are as different as chocolate and cheese.
Although some people dabble at being both (me included), most tend to specialise at being one or the other.
So it’s important to note that a copywriter and content writer aren’t always the same person, and you could be left disappointed if you hire the wrong one.
It’s like asking a dog groomer to cut your hair. Sure, they could probably give it a good go, but wouldn’t you rather have a professional hairdresser who specialises in cutting human hair?
Here are some tips to help you distinguish between the two and know which one you need to hire for what.
What is a copywriter?
A copywriter is someone who writes compelling copy to sell products and services. They’re the masters of persuasion and are experts at designing copy that converts to bring in leads and/or make sales – usually with a killer call to action.
Their main gig? Crafting powerful words that sells like hotcakes (or like those irresistible cupcakes that always get snapped up first at the school bake sale).
Whether it’s a catchy tagline, a knockout product description, or a persuasive sales page, copywriters sprinkle their magic dust to captivate your audience and make them whip out their wallets faster than you can say “mumpreneur” (not that you should ever say that word!)
What is a content writer?
A content writer is someone who writes long-form, informative content. They’re the storytellers, the educators.
Their mission? To create valuable, engaging content that keeps your audience coming back for more – much like my 3-year-old daughter who insists on me reading the same bedtime story. Every. Single. Night!
From blog posts and articles to social media updates and newsletters, content writers are the architects of your brand’s narrative, building strong foundations and fostering lasting relationships with your audience.
Content writers tend to have more space in which to get their point across. But no matter how long a piece is, it still needs to be accessible, interesting and engaging. Otherwise no one will read it.
Do I need a copywriter or a content writer?
Which one you hire for your business depends on your goals and needs.
A very wise and knowledgeable person once told me:
Copywriting = buy now
Content writing = buy later
Put simply, there’s an urgency with copywriting. So it’s best used when you want to grab people’s attention and get them to take immediate action.
Content writing, on the other hand, is all about playing the long game and building a relationship with your audience.
So, if you’re launching a new product or service and need to whip up some irresistible sales copy, a copywriter is the one you need.
Examples of copywriting include:
Website copy
Paid ads
Product descriptions
Sales and landing pages
Brochures
Taglines
Promotional emails
Promotional social media posts
If you’re looking to establish your brand’s authority, connect with your audience on a deeper level, and provide them with valuable insights and information, then a content writer is the superhero you need in your corner.
Examples of content writing include:
Articles
Case studies
Newsletters
Social media posts
Scriptwriting for videos
Whitepapers
E-books
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and many businesses benefit from a combination of both copywriting and content writing. It’s all about finding the right balance to suit your brand personality and objectives.
How the Grammar Mamma can help
Although I do dabble in copywriting – I love writing product descriptions and web copy – I think of myself more as a content writer.
I’m in my comfort zone when I’m writing blogs because I enjoy building relationships and creating engaging, relatable content.
I’d love to have all the patter of a car salesman, but I can’t even persuade my 3-year-old to eat her broccoli 🥦