Who prefers Content Writing over Copywriting?

The Copywriting Forum

Welcome to the WF!

I think you're being too particular about semantics by making a big deal over content writing vs. copywriting. Yes, there are certainly differences if you want to talk specifics, but my guess is that 95% of the folks here believe the two are synonymous. So any distinction you make, while technically correct, may be more than most marketers care to acknowledge.

I think if you're just getting started in IM, you might be smart to speak the language of your audience and go with what they ask for even though you know there's a difference.

Good luck to you,

Steve

Nice post, OP. I definitely would like it if there was a specific content writing and/or content creation sub-forums here at WF!

I assure you that the people in the copywriting section of the forum know the difference.

Currently, I concentrate on writing eBooks which falls under content writing.

But when writing webpages the line does blur somewhat.

The trickiest thing to deal with is this: you will often be asked to write copy at the price of content. Copywriting requires a lot of extra work and a different skill set (if done correctly).

If you're going to do both it's best to set-up two different websites or at least have very clear prices for each type of work.

Rose

I prefer content writing because you can be original and create some really high-quality, juicy stuff.

I've dabbled in the field of copywriting as I had to create the stuff on some business websites I've previously worked with.

I like being creative. I like having to dig around for ideas. I love content writing a lot.

And yes, it does seem appropriate to split these services. Content writing covers a wider field than copywriting, although the pricing scheme for both does seem to fall under the same range.

I dont know, I think that when you are "content writing" you are still looking to "sell" something to your visitor, even if it is not actually selling a product as you should always be looking to monetize your traffic. In the instance of content writing, you should be trying to move the traffic to your sales pages or onto your email list so that you can sell to them and earn money... so it may not be as clear cut as you seem to be making it out to be.

Sorry for being off topic, as to the question... Id say that I enjoy writing content more, it is in my opinion more unique than copy writing ad you are really trying to add value to the visitors in order to bring them back to your site.

Me. I can do sales, and am well educated in the subconscious aspects of language. I prefer, however, to write informational stuff. It's just less of a pain in the patoot.

The knack would come after you have the inclination to get into it. I don't really feel like doing that.

I prefer being useful, interesting, or artistic. That goes with content writing, but it's at the 'difficult to monetize' end of the scale.

Nice pen name, ParkerArrow

Content writers focus on a business model of page view journalism or per word pay.

Copywriters get off on persuasion, closing deals and seeing orders come in.

Most content writers are not sales people, and that is certainly fine. But if you ask me the income of a copywriter has much greater potential.

Aside from writing blockbuster novels.

Imo.

I want to thank you all for your great replies, and the warm welcome!

I've already learned so much and figured some things out. It seems to me that:

Both content and copywriting cross over no matter which you focus on, so you'd better understand both.

It's better to market one or the other aspect so you can set the pricing accordingly: per word for content, per project for copywriting.

Content writing is better with a pen name and specialized topic samples. And lots of writing for lots of people. Calling businesses as a kind of supplier.

Copywriting is better with personal branding and Big Brand Logos portfolio. Personal Flagship blog, syndicated guest blogging, social media, and calling businesses as a specialized consultant.

Branding yourself online as a Content writer benefits from value marketing and efficient quantity production. More projects, lower price.

Branding yourself as a Copywriter uses exclusive marketing and custom tailoring. Fewer projects, higher price.

Both have to guard against any hint of substandard product.

Both are devalued by the ready availability of cheap spam, so both take careful selling and helping people see the real value.

Gosh, it makes so much sense to split these services and market them separately! They both have totally different marketing needs. Wow, you guys blew my mind. But then in the end, we remember they are two sides of the same coin.

What do others think?

I think you are not seeing this for what it is worth.

Remember this, CONTENT is what gets you your traffic.

COPYWRITING is what converts that traffic.

We are in several niches this works for, and Even use content in the newsletters we send out. As some people would not have seen it before, so you can recycle and get more traffic and keep your paying members happy at the same time. Its win win. STill Copywriting is a good skill to have.

I am only now starting to learn the art of copywriting, but I have to say that content writing does need less work. I've been writing content for a while now and find it not at all as tricky as copywriting. Content writing is intended to convey information and get the reader interested, while copywriting is all-on sales and promotion. I have to say, I'm still not so good at the latter, but I am trying to learn it because it can be a very profitable skill to have as a writer.

Perfect, Celente. Just perfect!

Asha91, I feel your struggle with copy. Me too!

I tend to write for knowledge and information. This is more factual.

But with copywriting, I struggle to shift mental gears from information to emotional benefit from the buyer's (or client's) point of view.

Like today; I rewrote a line from "Ranges from A to B" to "Adapts to your entire range of needs."

Trips me up every time!

Ha, good luck.