Recently I presented a webinar on 5 basic steps of copywriting. You can listen to the audio portion here.
One question from the audience was, “What’s the difference between content writing and copywriting?”
I have to admit I was stopped cold for a moment. As a copywriter, I write almost everything my clients need to create a successful online presence: websites, sales letters, video scripts, FB bios, even the “10 questions” set for being a teleseminar guest. Was I copywriting or just creating content?
Well, I said, I believe every time you create content for an audience you are copywriting. When your prospect sees what you write, after all, you are trying to make a sale. You aren’t writing just to educate, inform or inspire (although it’s nice if you accomplish those goals). And if you do want to educate your readers, you’re hoping they’ll be motivated to work with you in future, inspired by the quality of your content.
Therefore, everything you write is copy: ebooks, class learning guides, blog posts. social marketing posts … everything!
Copyblogger’s blog (which usually has gems that deserve attention) seems to be agreeing with me. They came right out and said:
CONTENT WITHOUT COPYWRITING IS A WASTE OF GOOD CONTENT.
I say – yes!
Of course, they go on to say:
COPYWRITING WITHOUT CONTENT IS A WASTE OF GOOD COPY.
Also true: readers want to get value from your message, not just a hard sell. Who likes to read ad copy? Just people who write ad copy.
If you’d like to talk about creating content under the influence of copywriting, let’s talk!
Start with the Laser Marketing Makeover.