This is one of those topics that I initially discarded because I thought it was apparent. Until I realized that I didn’t know the difference between the two enough to define it. Oops! So, today, let’s educate ourselves on the difference between content writing and copywriting. Spoiler alert: it was a bit different from what I originally thought, so I’m happy I double-clicked on this topic!

What is content writing?

This kind of professional writing is content that is written to educate and entertain readers on a specific topic.  That topic could be a brand, product, or idea. Or all three in the same profile.

Content writing is used for situations where brands want to make contact with potential clients or buyers but without using a sales approach. Professional content writers will introduce ideas to readers in a way that draws their attention and educates them on the topic.

Readers will enjoy what they’re reading and feel compelled to follow up later for more information or entertainment. The most common content-writing examples include blog posts, articles, and eBooks.

What is copywriting?

This is another popular type of professional writing with a slightly different angle. This kind of content is more commercial, focusing on driving readers to engage with the brand or product. While there is still a need to educate and entertain, the critical focus of this professional content is to get new subscriptions, encourage the purchase of a product, etc.

Professional copywriters will mostly be speaking with potential buyers who are already familiar with the brand, product, or idea. They have done their own research already and are closer to being ready to buy the product or subscribe to the brand, etc.

There are a lot of different types of copywriting, as you can imagine. The most popular ones include product descriptions, web pages, and newsletters.

Is one type of writing better than the other for freelance writers?

This is a really interesting question, and I’ll admit that it’s one that I bounced back and forth with for quite some time while planning this blog post. In my opinion, as a professional freelance writer, both types of writing are great choices for freelance writers.

If you love to research, content writing is a great way to blend writing with research and entertainment. Copywriting can be a great choice if you are a proud shopper and planner. Sometimes, copywriting gets a bad reputation (which I will discuss in another post). Still, ethical copywriting is a very real, valuable, and needed skill for today’s businesses and brands!

Some professional writers offer only content writing or only copywriting, but many modern freelance writers can and do offer both. I am one of them since I spend much of my time writing blog posts and articles, yet I specialize in product description writing. Having experience in both sectors of professional writing makes my writing stronger, better, and more attuned to what modern clients need!

What about you? Are any content writers and/or copywriters out there who want to chime in? Feel free to do so!