Difference Between Content Writer and Copy Writer

What is Copywriting?

Copy is written text that is designed to sell something, which means that copywriting is the practice of writing that text. When a reader encounters copy, he is clear from the onset that the goal of the page is to sell him a product or service. Here is a basic outline of a copywritten page; while it can work for print mediums as well (i.e. advertorials), it especially applies to copy delivered online.

The first paragraph introduces what is being sold.
The bulk of the copy discusses the advantages and highlights the benefits that the product or service offers.
The end is defined by a clear call to action aimed at the reader (“call now,” “schedule an appointment,” “ask us for a quote”).

However, the fact that it is designed to sell does not mean that copy cannot be engaging. It should be informative without being intimidating.

In copy writing and content writing, the two overlap. Some content may have certain elements of copy, like an effortless call to action at the end like in the case of blogs. Perhaps this is why many marketers have a hard time making a distinction between the two. It is fine to blur the lines between copywriting and content writing in moderation, as most businesses can benefit from generating equal parts of both.

The important thing for marketers is to understand where those lines are drawn, and be consistent across the platform you are using. For example, one strategy could be to make sure your blog always reads as content, your SEO landing pages always read as copy, and the pages on your main website are an even-handed combination of both. Understand what works best on each platform, and then deliver whichever is a better fit for the platform. Your business needs both copywriting and content writing to market itself effectively, so it is important to understand how each one can work in your favour.