A content writer vs a copywriter – Do you know the difference?
Unless you are in the marketing industry you may not realize there is a difference between a content writer and a copywriter. I’m going to dive in so you can make an educated decision next time you are looking for someone to help you with content.
Hint: it will depend on what type of content you need.
Are you writing an article to share a point of view, educate your readers or writing up a review on an event you attended? A content writer can help you.
Are you creating content to attract clients, entice them to buy a product, invest in a service or create lead generators?
I would lean towards a copywriter.
WHY PEOPLE BUY: You need to give a reason for someone to buy something.
If you are waiting for that person or business to simply buy your product or service “just cause”, you’ll be waiting a long time. Unless of course you’re an established elite brand and all your followers sell for you.
Are you creating content for:
- Your website
- FB ads
- Google Ads
- Lead generators
Or did you hire someone to write it for you? What happened? Did you get leads from it? Fantastic.
No? You didn’t (or are not) getting leads, no one is sending you emails and your phone isn’t ringing? It could simply be the message on your website , or your offers are vague, your imagery doesn’t match your content and overall whatever you are saying is just not resonating with the people you want to serve.
You see, a content writer is a great writer. They are great at educating and entertaining their/your readers.
They can help you with blogs, newsletters, ebooks, articles, etc.
Writing for social media, websites, and lead magnets is a whole different ball game.
Social media, for example, is not all about selling. But, you do need to talk about what you solve. They are social platforms, though, that work best if you are social and not always pitching your thing. They should be about creating awareness, displaying your expertise through conversational content, educating your readers , giving them some entertainment value, because we all love to laugh and it makes us human and relatable.
You need a plan to persuade people to buy from you because you are potentially the solution they’ve been looking for – The guide they are so desperately seeking.
Here’s the thing I need you to know:
Not all content writers understand the reason people buy, they may not understand your market and unless you’ve told them, they don’t know the gap in the market you are addressing. (You need to know what gap you fill, especially if you are in a competitive environment)
Don’t hire a content writer if you want to promote something. You need a copywriter.
A copywriter’s purpose is to lead your reader to your product or service – they persuade (in a non sleazy way of course). I want you to Google this, at the end of this post.
This is absolutely essential for website copy and any and all promotional marketing you put out there.
Even when you are in awareness mode of your marketing, that part where you are putting yourself out their so people learn you exist and what you do for people, your end goal is still to make money. It is essential to understand what makes people buy.
Having the right person understand the intent with your content will certainly impact your sales opportunities.
I’m Nicole Gallant, CEO of SmartCat Marketing and certified through StoryBrand helping you use the proven 7 step framework that acts as a filter to clarify your message so clients listen.
