Copywriting or Content Writing | Which One To Hire?

Apr 27, 2024

The question of copywriting or content writing and which one to hire for your Business is more relevant than ever.

Businesses face the challenge of standing out in an oversaturated market, where the right words can make all the difference.

In fact, brands worldwide constantly publish varied forms of content on different social media platforms.

The problem arises in distinguishing between copywriting and content writing.

What is the difference between Copywriting and content writing?

Content writing and copywriting are often mistakenly interchanged. However, they are two distinct art forms in marketing.

Copywriting is about writing persuasive, action-driven content that compels readers to buy, subscribe, or take another action using short form copy.

This form of writing is integral to a marketing strategy, focusing on advertising, brand awareness, and influencing the reader to take action.

It frequently appears in advertising, product descriptions, and sales or landing pages, and it’s measured by its conversion rate.

As a result, copywriting is often tied to a specific campaign to sell a product …

And focuses on an immediate goal-oriented action from the target audience.

On the other hand …

Content Writing involves creating longer form content of valuable, educational, and engaging narratives to indoctrinate the reader …

Helping to convey a brand’s message and purpose through comprehensive marketing plans.

It’s typically seen in blogs, articles, and other educational platforms where the primary purpose is to provide value.

So, in the age of digital dominance, words can make or break your brand. The skilful arrangement of words conveys your message, prompts action, evokes emotions, and drives sales.

However, businesses grapple with which approach will best supercharge their brand and build a rapport with their audience.

The Solution lies in understanding the unique advantages of each and making an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

In this comprehensive guide, I will dissect the differences and help you choose the right form of writing for your campaigns.

Which is Better for Your Business: Copywriting or Content Writing?

Decision Making

The choice to hire a content writer or a copywriter depends on your business objectives and the customer awareness stage.

If cultivating long-term brand loyalty and trust is your goal, investing in content writing that educates and engages is the way to go.

For short-form content, such as advertising campaigns aiming for sales or some type of conversion, copywriting is what you need.

For this reason, start by defining what you want to achieve with your marketing effort …

Either educate or persuade …

Then, you can decide between a copywriter and a content writer.

Often, a combination of the two is the most effective approach within a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Businesses must create short-form content that sells or provokes a desired action, such as clicking on a lead magnet …

And long-form content that informs and is focused on building customer relationships …

Ensuring both play pivotal roles in achieving the overarching goals of the marketing strategy.

Hire a copywriter vs a content writer?

The ultimate decision hen opting for copy vs content comes down to your marketing goals …

So, consider the following:

  • A content writer is a necessity if you want to boost your organic search traffic and provide in-depth information to your audience.
  • A copywriter is crucial if your primary focus is increasing conversion rates on your website or creating marketing materials with high engagement.

However, if your marketing campaigns demand a mix of engaging content and compelling copy, a blend of both might be the most effective solution.

Do Small Businesses Need Copywriters?

Small Business

Small businesses stand to gain significantly from employing copywriters. In the competitive market landscape, where every detail counts, the role of a copywriter is not just recommended …

It’s indispensable.

Copywriters can transform your brand’s values, products, and services into compelling narratives that resonate deeply with your target audience.

They craft messages that not only grab attention but also encourage action …

Be it making a purchase, subscribing to a newsletter or engaging with your brand on social media.

For a small business, this can mean the difference between being overlooked and standing out.

Effective copywriting amplifies your voice, ensuring it’s heard in a crowded marketplace. It’s an investment that pays dividends by building brand awareness, engaging potential customers, and driving conversions.

Thus, prioritising funds for professional copywriting can yield substantial returns even on a tight budget, positioning your small business for success.

Recognising the importance of copywriting in digital marketing strategies is crucial, as it significantly impacts conversion rates, customer retention, and overall brand reputation.

Integrating Copywriting and Content Writing for Marketing

Marketing Plan

Using the strengths of both content writers and copywriters in marketing is a strategic masterstroke.

It’s about creating a cohesive messaging strategy where content educates and establishes expertise and authority …

While copy delivers persuasive messages designed to evoke a specific response.

For example, you might use content to attract a reader through a blog post, and once they’re hooked, use copy to direct them towards a product or service within the content or at the end through a CTA.

Similarly, in email marketing, copywriters come up with compelling concepts for email campaigns that are complemented by informative content, effectively engaging the audience and guiding them towards a desired action.

Read this blog post “Why is Copywriting Important In Marketing” to know more.

Can A Content Writer Become A Copywriter?

Although a content writer and a copywriter share the fundamental skill of writing effectively, their purposes and focuses are pretty distinct.

However, in the modern marketing landscape, it’s common for a professional writer to do both copywriting and content writing.

But remember …

While a copywriter can adjust their style to create content, the two types of writing require different mindsets and skills.

Many writers are versatile and capable of adapting to your needs, but their strengths might lie in one form or another.

The Skills Behind Content Writing vs Copywriting

Writing Skills

While both content writers and copywriters should be proficient in grammar and storytelling, the specific skills they rely on are different.

Content writers require extensive research skills …

As well as an understanding of search engine optimisation (SEO) so that the content performs well with Google and its search results.

This includes creating optimised content to rank for specific keywords, performing keyword research, understanding search intent, and incorporating on-page SEO techniques.

Content writers should possess knowledge of SEO best practices to deliver valuable content for building relationships with the target audience and helping businesses gain relevance in search engines.

Copywriters, on the other hand, need to understand human psychology to master the art of persuasion concisely.

They’re often measured by how effectively they can convert readers into customers or potential customers, making a solid call to action a staple of their work.

Why Hire a Writing Professional

The investment in professional content or copywriting services can pay huge dividends.

An expert eye can help turn your marketing campaigns from average to incredible.

When looking to hire, always ask for a portfolio or work samples and consider the writer’s expertise and experience.

Copywriter vs content writer | The Final Verdict

Businessman Making A Decision

Both content writing and copywriting are indispensable in the world of marketing, and the best strategy often includes a thoughtful mix of both.

By understanding the nuanced differences between content writing and copywriting, you can make more informed decisions about your marketing efforts and who you need to bring those efforts to life.

Whether you’re looking to educate, engage, inform, or influence, the power of the written word is irrefutable.

Knowing when and how to use it is key to unlocking your business’s full potential in the digital age.

Creating valuable content through both content writing and copywriting is essential for engaging, informing, educating, and building relationships with your audience, ultimately building trust and credibility.

When to Use Copywriting

Use copywriting when you need to:

  • Create persuasive sales copy for products or services
  • Craft impactful advertising or marketing messages
  • Write compelling landing pages for your website
  • Develop engaging email campaigns
  • Create calls-to-action that prompt immediate response

Will AI Replace Copywriters?

A humanoid robot works in an office on a laptop

The question of whether AI will replace copywriters has become a popular one for many in the industry.

While AI and machine learning technologies have made significant strides in generating content, the nuanced skills of a seasoned copywriter are irreplaceable.

AI can certainly enhance productivity, assist in generating ideas, and even help in drafting initial content. However, the creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking required to produce compelling copy that resonates with a human audience are uniquely human traits.

These elements are crucial in crafting messages that reach and touch readers’ hearts and minds, influencing their decisions and actions.

In the foreseeable future, AI will serve as a powerful tool in a copywriter’s arsenal rather than a replacement. It offers the potential to streamline workflows and make data-driven decisions faster.

Yet, the art of persuasive writing thrives on empathy, context, and the human experience …

Which is where AI still lags.

Professional copywriters equipped with AI tools will likely become more efficient and innovative, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in marketing and advertising.

The symbiosis between human creativity and AI’s capabilities will define the new frontier in copywriting, ensuring that the profession not only survives but flourishes in an AI-augmented landscape.

How Much Do Content Writers Charge?

How Much Does it Cost

Determining how much content writers charge is an exercise in understanding the value of unique, high-quality content.

Several factors can influence the rates, including:

  • The writer’s experience
  • Specialisation
  • The complexity of the subject matter
  • The type of content required

Procopywriter.co.uk found that the average rate per day is £433 …

Although senior copywriters generally charge between £800 £2000+ per day, junior copywriters charge around £250 per day.

For a breakdown of prices per project …

American Writer & Artists Institute provides a guide on how much copywriters should charge, with the following recommendations:

ServicePrice
Landing Page$500 – $1,500
Online Sales Page$3,500 – $25,000
Blog Post $250 – $800
Homepae Content$1,500 – $3,000
Category Page Update$259 – $1,000

Seasoned copywriters, particularly those with a track record in driving sales, may charge higher rates.

Ultimately, the fee for a content writer is not merely for the number of words penned but for the value they bring in understanding the audience …

Conveying the brand’s voice and engaging readers in a way that drives results.

Why Do Copywriters Cost More Than Content Writers?

The distinction in pricing between copywriters and content writers stems from their work’s specific roles and objectives.

Copywriters often command higher rates due to their specialised skills in crafting content that directly persuades and converts readers into customers.

A copywriter needs to have an understanding of human psychology and posses the ability to evoke action through words. The impact of a copywriter’s work is measurable in direct sales and conversions, making their contribution critical to a company’s bottom line.

Furthermore, copywriting entails creating compelling narratives for diverse mediums …

From advertising and email campaigns to landing pages and social media …

Each has its unique set of challenges and requirements.

This versatility and the high stakes involved justify the premium on copywriting services. A proficient copywriter articulates the value of a product or service and aligns this message with the brand’s voice …

Ensuring consistency and authenticity across all platforms.

In contrast, content writing focuses more on informative and engaging material that aims to educate, entertain, or inform the audience …

Often with a longer-term strategy of building brand awareness and loyalty.

While this is undeniably valuable, the immediate commercial impact may not be as directly quantifiable as copywriting …

Which in turn influences the pricing structure for these services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SEO content writer?

An SEO content writer specialises in creating readable content for humans and is optimised for search engines. They are skilled at incorporating relevant keywords into their writing without sacrificing the natural flow or readability of the content.

The keyword research and on page SEO integration mean a writer can create optimised articles that rank highly on Google.

What is a content creator?

A content creator is a professional who designs, develops, and produces a wide array of content tailored to engage an audience.

This can be written content, like articles and blog posts, or visual content, such as videos and infographics.

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