Difference between copywriter and content writer?

Hiya,

This is a great question. A great way to figure out the difference is by dropping a general article on writing in the copywriting forum. You'll be amazed at how many people jump in to help crucify you. Trust me. LOL. Look at literally anything I've posted on this site. Hahaha.

Another thing is someone posted on this topic so someone might bring that up and act bothered that you asked a simple question or decided to make a post. I know you probably had no intentions on sounding like a broken record here but some of these people act like they have a rusty knife up their you-know-what.

Here is a recent thread where people discuss the topic: http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...nt-writer.html

Folks will argue back and forth about the topic but I generally I think that copywriters write content that is intended to be used for forms of marketing. Things like sales material, product descriptions, sales pages and whatnot. Whereas content writers write blogs and articles.

I think the confusion comes from there almost no intersection when speaking on content writing and copywriting. Let's say someone writes an article that's intended to be used to lure people into making a purchase. Is that person now a copywriter? I think the definition can be sort of complex but I think most people agree that a content writer merely writes articles and blogs and things.

Hellor gpacx,

What trips up most, coming into copy writing, is the assumption it mirrors or is in some way the same as content writing.

Content writing = Informing Writing Platform.
Purpose is to inform any type of reader about a product or service. But no action on the reader's part is required except to read the content at their leisure.

Copy writing = Advertising Writing Platform.
Purpose is to target a specific type of reader and persuade them to take immediate action i.e. request more information or buy a specific product or service.

Both platforms serve a purpose.

The most important part about copy writing, because its sole purpose is to sell to the public, is that the Federal Trade Commission monitors this type of writing, very closely.

This is why you will see the wording, "ADVERTISEMENT" or "PAID ADVERTISEMENT" at the top or the bottom of a copy written advertorial piece in a magazine and many instances at websites.

With Copy Writing there are some very serious legal issues that can land a copy writer in prison with their persuasive writing. Which is why you most know the difference.

Chinchilla

To put it most simply, copywriting is sales copy. The purpose is to make someone take action, whether that action is to click "buy now," request more information, sign up for a newsletter, etc.

Content writing is pretty much everything else, other than books, screenplays, and technical manuals. A product description would be content, not copy.

I call myself a "technical content writer" because I write articles, blogs, and occasional sales copy in the IT industry, primarily for cyber security companies. This is distinct from a "technical writer" because technical writers write product manuals.

All that said, in the common vernacular, people often interchange "copywriter" with "content writer." I recently did a small job where I wrote a press release for a big data firm. He called me a "copywriter." I didn't argue with him about it; I just did the job.

A press release belongs in the copywriting category because its purpose is to persuade - although in the disguise of being content.

A press release that appears good from a content point of view but doesn't pitch the client's product properly - i.e. doesn't persuade - is not a successful press release.

Marcia Yudkin

Put simply, they both write content. Although there must be more to them than that, surely? Well, yes, Content Writers create a range of different content types using written word usually long-form, rich-content that is search engine optimised.

When a Content Writer creates a piece of content they are most likely considering the use of keywords.
Content Writers are quite journalistic in nature, with editorial copy tightly in their remit, generally writing pieces of content with longer word counts and intricate details these authoritative pieces perform better when being shared online too.

A Copywriter is of a similar vein in that they also write copy. However, Copywriters are usually used as advertising vehicles, typically specialising in short-form copy, such as straplines, headlines or press ads.

In fact what we're seeing is a transition of Copywriters to web writers in marketing, such as display advertising, creating an even stronger online presence. Over time, these will naturally migrate to Content Writers.

Copywriters are praised for the creation and ideation of words in campaigns, where the marketing material is used to persuade a person or a group to think or act a particular way. This is generally achieved in short-form copy or storytelling, evoking emotion and a personal connection with the audience; it also lends itself to a humorous or jovial tone perfect for straplines or headers. In fact, for a Copywriter, brevity is vital.

That being said, there is a cross over in remits.hope this was highly helpful

They both write words used in online and offline content
They both act as a cornerstone for the other; think of them as two different sides of the same coin, as although there are similarities in the two skill sets, there are also some clear differences, too.
A Copywriter is of a similar vein in that they also write copy. However, Copywriters are usually used as advertising vehicles, typically specialising in short-form copy, such as straplines, headlines or press ads.
Content Writers write content. They create a range of different content types using written word; usually long-form, rich-content that is search engine optimised.

Thanks everyone, I'm really impressed with the quantity and quality of responses in this forum. I haven't been around Warrior Forum for too long and I've already noticed that copywriters are very particular about the difference between copy writing and content writing.

I feel like I'm an effective content writer, but I don't know if I would be an effective copywriter at all. I understand that the goal is to write text that advertises a product, but is this really the best way to persuade someone? I really believe in content marketing, releasing material slowly, positioning myself as an authority and hoping that people will buy from me on that basis.

That being said, I've definitely been persuaded by sales copy in the past and purchased some probably pretty questionable products because the sales process was pretty strong and the copy was convincing. Is everyone just following the same formula for selling in copywriting or are these different methods?

Could anyone point me to a resource where I could learn more?

Content Writers are quite journalistic in nature, with editorial copy tightly in their remit, generally writing pieces of content with longer word counts and intricate details – these authoritative pieces perform better when being shared online too.
Copywriters are praised for the creation and ideation of words in campaigns, where the marketing material is used to persuade a person or a group to think or act a particular way. This is generally achieved in short-form copy or storytelling, evoking emotion and a personal connection with the audience; it also lends itself to a humorous or jovial tone – perfect for straplines or headers. In fact, for a Copywriter, brevity is vital.

Content writing

1) Content writing is a advising platform.In this we engaged to reader with ideas,tips or other informative stuff.

2) Content writing include Blog posts,Articles,Web page contents etc.

3) Its main aim to get intentions and earn trust readers.

Copy writing

1) Copy writing is Advertising or Marketing Platform.

2) Copy writing include Sales letters like direct mail,Sales letters,Print ads,Press release or many more.

3) Its main aim to get direct sale or lead for business.

Content writing service providers create a variety of content, usually with more word counts.which is optimized for search engines.While creating the content, content writers ensure that relavent keywords are included in their writing to attract the target users online.They create content for blogs,articles,news paper articles and magazines.
Copy writer service provider usually writes for advertising vehicles,and they typically write short form copy such as,headlines,press advertisements.