Most people think that a Content Writer and a Copywriter is the same person. The job of these professionals is to write content used in online and offline publishing.
But, the truth is that they both are two different professionals with different skill sets. Their work is also very different in nature and context. In this post, we will discuss the difference between a Content Writer and Copywriter.
The primary task of both these professionals is to write words or content of some kind. But, there is a huge difference in what they write and how they write.
Let’s explore…
What is a Content Writer?
In simple words, content writers are people who write content mostly for websites, and blogs.
Content Writers create a range of different content types using the written words; usually long-form, rich-content that is optimised for the search engines.
Content writers take into consideration the keywords on which they want to write content.
They use those keywords in a natural way in their content which makes the keywords relevant to the content and doesn’t look forced insertion.
They use relevant links, meta tags, etc., to make the content relevant and consumable for both search engines and users.
So, technically content writers usually write long-form content for websites, blogs, magazines, whitepapers, etc.
Usually, the content writers are journalistic in nature, and they write content with longer word counts and very intricate details.
The detailed and relevant content works better on the search engines because of the reference links it contains.
Also, it is very good and informative for consumers who consume that content.
So, this is what the content writers are and what they do for their work.
For a more detailed post on content writing, you can read What is Content Writing?
Now, let’s see who are copywriter, and what they write, and how is it different from the writing of the content writers.
What is a Copywriter?
As mentioned earlier a Copywriter also writes content and that content is called copy. Now, what is copy?
The straplines, headlines, press ads, even sometimes online ads.
Mostly the short-form content is called copy. So, in essence, the copywriters are used as advertising vehicles.
So, does it mean that copywriters don’t write long-form content or long-form copy?
No, the copywriters also sometimes do write long-form content, but not as long and detailed as the content writers write.
In fact, nowadays there is a trend of the transition of copywriters becoming web writers or content writers.
They do write online marketing copies, copies for display ads, and copies for ads of all forms. So, in the long-run these copywriters who are transitioning into web writers might become content writers and create more detailed and informative content for the web.
Copywriters use the most creative ways to create their copies which persuades the target audience to think and act.
The copies they write evokes emotion and builds a personal connection with the audience.
Since they write very few words to explain a lot, typos and brevity don’t have a place in their work.
How Do Content Writers and Copywriters Work?
Now as you understood the roles and responsibilities of both content writers and copywriters, let’s see how do they work.
One major difference between the content writers and copywriters is that both have to produce their work in a certain period of time.
Where content writers have a good amount of time with them to meet their deadlines by planning the content, researching, using content calendars, road maps, etc., copywriters are mostly called in at the last minute to quickly and creatively write a short copy for something, like an Ad.
Content writers can plan their work and produce content in a certain period of time.
But, copywriters are mostly agile and reactive and have very little time to think and create creative copies.
Content writers sometimes get the extension of time for more research and write more detailed content.
But copywriters are always short on time and they don’t have the luxury of time extension.
Copywriters are also sometimes called the magicians of the words. They create great copies for the ads which connect with the human being.
Do you remember any ad or any tag line of a brand, or any headline in a magazine which catches your eyes? If yes, then there is a copywriter behind that who wrote the copy of that ad.
Copywriters and content writers in their own ways try to build relationships with the consumer and customers and help build a strong brand.
Check out this list of famous copywriters and try finding out their work which made lasting impressions on the whole world.
Copywriters mostly work in ad agencies whereas the content writers work mostly in publishing, web content writing, magazines, and blogs.
Do not confuse content writers with scriptwriters or story writers. They are different people with different mindset and skillsets.
How Much a Content Writer and Copywriter Earn?
Copywriters are mostly salaried employees of the ad agency. On average they earn between $48,000 – 92,000. Though the earnings depend largely on the agency they work with and years of experience they have into copywriting.
Content writers work both as salaried employees and freelancers. The in-house content writers earn an average of $45,000 – $70,000 a year.
Again their earnings depend on the years of experience they possess and the industry they work in.
Many freelance content writers charge their clients by the Cost Per Word or a lump sum depending on the length of the content.
Conclusion
For most of the world, there is no difference between a content writer and copywriter, but you see that there is quite an evident difference between both.
There is a difference in terms of the type of work they do, their working style, the complexity of work, and the creativity of their minds and thoughts.
If you are thinking to choose a career as a copywriter or content writer I hope this post will help you choose the right career for you.
