Although it seems that a copywriter and an SEO content editor are interchangeable, there is a big difference between the two, and a specialist is needed for each one. In this article, I will go into more detail about the similarities and differences between these two disciplines.
If you are the owner of a small business or company, you have probably heard people discuss the differences between copywriting and content writing. What is the main difference between the two?
For many, the two are synonymous with writing persuasive copy that encourages customers to buy. But they are two different things, and the two jobs require very different skills.
If you want to get better at creating content, you must learn to write compelling content that informs, engages, and converts. And if you want to be a good copywriter, you have to learn how to craft persuasive messages that convince people to buy from you.
What is an SEO content writer?
SEO content writing or SEO copywriting is a process of creating and publishing high-quality, informative articles that are optimized for search engines. It is one of the most important pieces of growing a business, as it helps generate traffic from organic searches.
Today, where digital publishing is at the forefront, copywriters need to be aware of SEO. How does it work? It works by writing SEO-optimized content for search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. The advantage is that SEO content writing and SEO correction help improve the position of websites.
What is copywriting?
Copywriting is the art of creating compelling messages that convince people to make a decision. In other words, it's about getting users to do what you want them to do. When done right, a copy can generate interested customers and increase sales.
Copywriters focus on immediate, direct sales, while content writers play the long game. Content writers understand that not everyone wants to buy right now, so they plan for the long term when creating content.
Copywriter vs. Content Writer
Copywriters are champions at getting customers to buy what sells. Content writers do more than write conversion-focused copy; they solve problems, provide information, and educate readers on topics that interest them.
However, both copywriting and content writing have similar goals: to attract new clients. Copywriters use email, sales, and advertising copy to achieve their goals. Content writers do this with blog posts, videos, social media posts, white papers, and much more, depending on the content marketing strategy.
What is the difference between copywriting and content writing?
The goal of copywriting is one way: to sell things. Instead, the goal of content writing can vary, such as educating people, solving problems, engaging, inspiring, telling your brand story, increasing organic traffic, and convincing. Content creation is guided by the content strategy to influence the public.
Typically, copywriting focuses on the last part of the buyer's journey, while content writing spans the entire marketing funnel.
Content writers should have a good knowledge of SEO content writing while copywriting is not necessary.
Copywriting is usually in the form of sales messages, landing pages, sales videos, and sales emails. Content writing includes different types of writing such as blog posts, social media posts, infographics, videos, podcasts, white papers, email newsletters, video scripts, and much more.
Copywriting and SEO content writing require very different approaches in terms of research and writing. SEO content writing involves SERP (search engine results page) and competitor analysis (in addition to customer research). Copywriting is about digging deep into customer motivations, goals, and pain points, not the SERP landscape.
As a content writer, you work closely with the SEO editor, content strategist, editorial team, project managers, content marketing managers, and product department. On the other hand, as a copywriter, you work with the sales team, the product team, the design team, and the customer service team.
The content is oriented to searches and keywords, while the copywriter is usually oriented to psychology.
Copywriting vs. Content Writing: How Are They Similar?
While there is no magic formula for creating valuable content, there are some proven writing patterns. And good content writers use copywriting formulas to maximize the conversion rate. Copywriting is more than just words on a page; it is an art, a science, and a business strategy. Good content marketers and copywriters take advantage of these fundamentals to write great headlines and craft powerful calls to action.
Good content writers and copywriters use narrative to sell.
Both the content and the text must follow the voice of the brand and be consistent with its message.
Both jobs require creativity, investigative skills, precision, and excellent communication skills.
Both roles require a good understanding of the buyer.
Conclusion
Both copywriting and content writing are fundamental parts of digital marketing. Although there are similarities, there are notable differences between copywriting and content marketing. But ultimately, both are aimed at attracting more customers.
In the end, it's not about which is better; it is about what you need for your company right now. The lines blur depending on the company and the editor that is hired. So make sure you understand each feature well before you jump right into it.