3 Differences Between Content Writing and Copywriting

Hey guys, it's Alex. And in this video, I'm going to share the three major differences between content writing and copywriting. So if you're a freelance writer looking to start a copywriting business, it is absolutely critical that you know the difference between these two art forms. So. So you best know how to present yourself and find new clients. On the flip side of that, if you're an entrepreneur or a business owner looking to hire a freelance writer, knowing the difference will make sure you hire a writer that suits your needs. And let me tell you, a copywriter is very different than a content writer. They often have different styles, tones, techniques, processes, and even personality types. So if you fall into either one of those categories, whether you're looking to start a copywriting business or scale your business through copywriting, make sure to hit subscribe for plenty more videos and copywriting basics coming your way. But before we dive into the three key differences between content writing and copywriting, I want to dispel one gigantic myth. And to be honest, it's kind of a crock of shit. I hear it all the time, Alex. I can't write my own copy. I've never been trained to write correctly. I didn't do well in English class, in school or in college, and I just, I just don't have that formal writing ability. I'll be honest with you, some of the best copy out there, copy that I've read, copy that I've written is actually super informal. It's fun, it's engaging. This might blow your mind a little, but there has been copy split tests that have proven copy written at a third grade level actually outperforms copy written at a college level. It just goes to show, we love information that's easy to consume, that's simple, and that gets the point across. Okay, so with that, here are the three key differences between content writing and copywriting. Okay. Okay. The first key difference between content writing and copywriting is the purpose. Copy is written with the purpose of creating a sale. So this might be a webinar script, a sales letter, a video sales letter, or a Facebook ad. Anything that's written with the purpose of creating a conversion or a sale. Content, on the other hand, is written with the purpose of creating engagement. So think blog posts, videos, like I'm recording now. Instagram posts, captions, images, graphics. These are all pieces of content that are used to create engagement. The second key difference between content writing and copywriting is direction. Copywriting is extremely one directional. It's linear, it's strategic, it's intentional. And it ends with a singular call to action, which is normally to buy or to opt in. A very good copywriter will write every single sentence in a way that entices the reader to read the next sentence. They'll guide them through a buying experience, with the end result of taking that most wanted response, whatever that might be. Content, on the other hand, is very multi directional. It's like a conversation between friends. There's tangents and sidebars and oh my God, did I tell you about this? And by the ways so think of a blog post and how it creates conversation and engagement. There's often links to multiple different sources and locations and multiple different questions and calls to action included in that blog post. So so the third and final key difference between content writing and copywriting is the goal. As I mentioned before, copy presents an offer. So the goal of a good copywriter should be to increase conversion rate and ultimately increase revenue. Content, on the other hand, creates engagement and builds brand loyalty. So the goal of a content writer should be to get more likes, shares, comments, and add goodwill and value to your business. Now, one isn't more important than the other. In fact, every business absolutely needs both. The more content and value you add, the more brand loyalty you create, the easier it is to sell. So a content writer really makes a copywriter's job a whole hell of a lot easier. My advice to you is whether you're a content writer or a copywriter, stay in your lane. Hone your craft. The more confident you are in what you do, the easier you'll be able to find clients and present your skills in a really powerful way. If you found this video helpful, please like and share. And in the comment section below, ask your number one most pressing copywriting question. If I pick your question to answer, I'll be sure to give you a shout out in my next video. Till then, I'm Alex. Ciao for now. My eyes keep watering. Why did that happen at the beginning? Kind of like so intense.