When it comes to marketing your business, one thing’s for sure – you need a boatload of copy. Copy for your website, ads, social media, blog posts, emails, and more. But here’s the twist: There are two different beasts in the world of marketing copy – copywriting and content writing. Join us on this journey as we dive deep into the differences and why they matter.

Is Copywriting Dead?

Let’s start by debunking a common myth: copywriting is very much alive and kicking. Despite the rise of AI writing tools and viral content, professional copywriting remains crucial. AI can’t replicate the human touch, the art of storytelling, and the power of genuine emotion. Crafting content that engages and converts is no simple task. Your business’s success hinges on the words you put out there. Great copy can skyrocket your leads and sales, while bad copy can lead to marketing disasters.

So, why is copywriting still relevant? Well, check out these enticing statistics:

• Copy has twice the impact on landing page conversions compared to design. (Source)
• Pages with poor grammar see up to 85% higher bounce rates.
• People are 70% less likely to click on a Google Ad with a typo.
• 80% of people only read headlines to get the gist.
• Longer, researched blog posts tend to rank higher and get more traffic.
• Personalized CTAs increase conversion likelihood by 202%.
• Articles over 3,000 words get 3x more traffic, 4x more shares, and 3.5x more backlinks.
• Websites with exceptional writers can get up to 7.8x more traffic.

As you can see, copywriting is very much alive and thriving!

What’s the Difference Between Content and Copy?

Now, let’s unravel the mystery. What sets content and copy apart?

In the realm of digital marketing, we have two key players:

• Content writing: Used in marketing, it educates, entertains, and attracts potential customers.
• Copywriting: Primarily used in advertising, it persuades and drives sales.

But here’s the kicker: all marketing copy is content, but not all content is copy. Confused yet? We’re just getting started.

What is Copy?

Copy is simply text. It’s the written information that businesses use to grab someone’s interest or convince them to take action. The key difference between copywriting and content writing lies in the purpose of the words.

What is Content?

Content, on the other hand, is information delivered to an audience for a specific purpose. It can be text, illustrations, photos, videos, sounds – you name it. Content serves various goals, from education to entertainment, and it should always have a purpose. Otherwise, it’s just adding to the noise on the internet.

Examples Speak Louder Than Words

Let’s make it crystal clear with some examples:

• Copywriting in Marketing: This art involves crafting powerful yet concise phrases to persuade people to take profitable actions. Think PPC ads, social media ads, landing page copy, and CTAs. Each word in copywriting is vital, and it requires a deep understanding of your audience and brand strategy.
• Content Writing: Content writing subtly educates or entertains an audience, aiming to build a pool of potential leads. It includes how-to articles, guides, reviews, and social media captions. The ROI for content writing is harder to prove, but it’s about nurturing an audience, not making immediate sales.

What About SEO Copywriting?

Hold on, what about SEO copywriting, you ask? Well, here’s the twist – there’s no such thing! The term has muddled its way into the mainstream, but it’s often used interchangeably with SEO content writing. In reality, content writers handle most SEO tasks like optimizing pages and posts for search engines.

Which is Best, Copywriting or Content Writing?

The best kind of writing depends on your content’s purpose. Are you aiming to make a sale or build your audience? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s a bit like asking, “What’s the best tool in a toolbox?” It depends on the job.

How to Get Great Website Copy

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, you might be wondering how to up your copy game. Fear not! Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, there are ways to create fantastic digital marketing copy.

Learn Content Writing Skills: You don’t need to be an English major to write compelling copy. Knowing your brand can compensate for any writing deficiencies. You can also take free online copy courses or subscribe to content marketing and SEO newsletters. Plus, using writing tools like Grammarly can help polish your work.

Hire a Professional: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want top-notch quality, consider hiring a professional. Many digital marketing agencies and freelancers specialize in writing. Remember, every piece of content your business puts out is an investment, and it should leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, copywriting and content writing are two sides of the same coin, each serving a unique purpose in the digital marketing landscape. The key is to understand when to use each and ensure your words align with your goals.