You’ve probably heard these two writing terms thrown around a lot, and you’re here to figure out the difference… Copywriting and Content writing… What’s the difference?

Well, first of all, It’s awesome you’re even asking this. Because understanding the difference between copy and content will significantly impact your business’ marketing strategy. 

While both types of writing are essential for your business, they aren’t the same thing and knowing the difference gets you that much closer to a successful marketing plan.

We’ll uncover their differences, similarities, and why both copy and content writing are essential for businesses of every size– whether you’re a solopreneur or own a multimillion dollar corporation. 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of copywriting and content writing. 

What is copywriting?

Copywriting is the art of crafting persuasive and compelling messaging with the primary goal of driving action. It’s the words you see in websites, advertisements, sales pages, email campaigns, and product descriptions. It’s usually shorter-form writing and the goal is usually to get the reader to take an immediate action (click on a sales page, add an item to their cart, etc.)

Stellar copywriting grabs attention, evokes emotions, and ultimately persuades customers to take action. Trio Writing Studios offers copywriting services such as website copywriting and email marketing campaign copy. 

Types of Copywriting

Think of a catchy tagline that you can’t get out of your head, a persuasive sales page that convinces you to make a purchase, or an engaging email that prompts you to click through to a website. These are all examples of copywriting.

In comparison to content writing, copywriting tends to be shorter form content and is usually promotional.

Little Side Note: CopyWriting vs CopyRighting?

As a side note: I often get asked the difference between copywriting (spelled with “write”) and copyrighting (spelled with “right”). While copywriting involves writing persuasive words that sell, copyrighting (containing ‘right”) refers to the legal protection of intellectual property. So while a  copywriter crafts words to sell products or services, a copyright attorney helps protect original works from being copied or used without permission. Similar words but totally different things.  I’m the former and definitely not the latter (No law degree here!)

What is content writing?

Content writing, on the other hand, focuses on providing valuable information, entertaining stories, or educational material to your audience. It encompasses blog posts, email newsletters, social media posts, and any other messaging that’s not directly promotional. 

Content writing plays a vital role in building trust, authority, and brand loyalty. By providing valuable, relevant content to your audience, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field, attract organic traffic to your website, and nurture relationships with potential customers over time.

While the goal of copywriting is for customers to take immediate action, like make a purchase, content writing prioritizes providing information and nurturing relationships with potential buyers over time. 

Content writing is just as important to your businesses success as copywriting. It helps position you as an expert, shows your audience you’re consistent and reliable, and keeps you top of mind. If you want a brand with longevity, you need to employ content writing.

Types of Content Writing

Imagine an informative blog post that answers common questions in your industry, an engaging social media post that sparks conversation, or a comprehensive guide that educates your audience about a specific topic. These are all examples of content writing. 

So, what does email marketing fall under? 

The short answer: It depends. Email marketing, like several forms of written communication, blurs the line between copy and content writing. 

If the writing is focused on providing value, nurturing your relationship with your audience, or sharing a story, it’s likely content. 

If it’s about pitching a product or service you want your audience to buy, it’s likely copy.

The longer answer:

In email marketing, copywriting typically refers to the persuasive and compelling text used to encourage recipients to take a specific action. This could include writing attention-grabbing subject lines, crafting enticing sales pitches, or creating compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) that prompt recipients to click through to a website, make a purchase, or engage with the content further. Copywriting in email marketing focuses on driving conversions and achieving specific marketing objectives.

Example of copywriting in email marketing:

• A subject line that sparks curiosity and encourages recipients to open the email.
• A persuasive email body that highlights the benefits of a product or service and encourages recipients to make a purchase.
• A compelling CTA button prompting recipients to “Shop Now” or “Learn More.”

Content writing in email marketing involves providing valuable and relevant information to subscribers, often in the form of educational content, helpful tips, or engaging stories. Content writing aims to build trust, nurture relationships, and provide value to subscribers beyond simply promoting products or services. While content writing in email marketing may still include elements of persuasion, its primary focus is on delivering valuable content that resonates with the audience and keeps them engaged with the brand.

Example of content writing in email marketing:

• How-to guides related to interests or pain points that are relevant to your product or service
• Educational content that helps subscribers solve a problem or achieve a goal, without directly promoting a product or service.
• Snippets of content that link to full blog posts to learn more. 

Are the words on my website, copy or content?

Generally the words on your website are lumped under the “copywriting” category, because the goal is to get people to buy your product or schedule your service. But technically, the portions that pertain to providing information (your blog, about page, and FAQ, for example) would be content while things like compelling call to action buttons, sales pages, and product/package descriptions would be considered copywriting. 

To summarize: For the sake of simplicity, several writers (myself included) refer to website words as website copywriting, because the goal of websites is to get your audience to take prompt action. 

Is it copy or content?

Copywriting Short-form messaging that is aimed at getting an audience to take an immediate (usually profit-generating) action.	Content Writing Longer form messaging that educates, entertains, and informs your audience in regards to your product or service to form a lasting-impression over time.
Traditional Advertisements- billboards, radio ads, magazine ad, newspaper ad, etc.	Blog Posts
Email Campaigns	Value-Based Emails
Facebook or Insta (pay-per-click) Ads	Social Media Captions
Website CTAs (calls to action)	Articles
Product Descriptions	How-to Freebies/ Lead Magnets
Website Sales Pages	Website Content (FAQs, blog)
Direct Mail/ Flyers	E-books
Catalogs & Brochures	Video Scripts

So what’s the bottom line?

Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, both copywriting and content writing are essential components of a marketing strategy that helps you scale. 

Clear and concise copywriting is crucial for driving sales, conversions, and revenue. Compelling copy can capture attention, evoke emotions, and ultimately persuade customers to take action– whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or requesting more information. 

Content writing allows businesses of all sizes to connect with their audience on a deeper level, fostering long-term relationships and brand loyalty. By providing valuable, relevant content to your audience, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field, attract organic traffic to your website, and nurture relationships with potential customers over time. 

While copywriting drives immediate action and conversions, content writing builds trust, credibility, and brand affinity over time. 

What services does Trio Writing Studios offer? 

I’m BOTH a content writer and a copywriter. I’ve supported over 50 small businesses with their website messaging, blog content, social media writing, and email marketing. 

I can help your business stand out using clear and concise messaging that shows off your personality, forms a genuine connection, and gets your audience ready to take action.

Whether you need persuasive website or sales page copy, informative blog posts, or click-worthy email campaigns, I’ve got you covered.

Wanna see what writing support would look like for your business? Learn more about copy and content writing services >>>