Discover multiple different types of freelance writings and what makes each one of them effective. If you are ready to initiate a career as a freelance for Content Writing. I welcome you to the party.
Being a writer is classy, and it is an inspiring career. However, you could work as a full-time content writer or freelancer as most writers prefer before jumping into the party. One of the first things to consider is what type of writer do you want to be?
There are two types of categories when you are planning to become a writer.
The first one is content writers and the second one is copywriters. However, if you are entering the online content writing world, it is important to know the difference.
You might have surfed the internet and come across multiple articles that tried explaining to you the difference between copywriting and content writing. However, most of those articles are feeding you the wrong information about Content and copy.
One of the key differences between the Content from copy is identifying the intent of the writing piece. For example, content writing informs the reader, whereas copywriting does the same, but the written Content is persuasive and compelling for the reader to act on it. Copywriting influences your decision to purchase a product. So, when you are planning to initiate your career as a writer, you need to know which side you would like to work on.
The copywriting uses research to acknowledge its readers. So, when you are first starting, it isn’t easy to differentiate the two types of writing. Becoming a freelancing writer is a dream career. As a writer myself, I want you to experience all the freedom that comes with it. I will clarify the difference between copywriting and content writing to help you decide which ones are right for you.
MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COPYWRITING AND CONTENT WRITING
Before we start talking about the key differences between copywriting and content writing, the one thing that you need to know is that both of these categories hold greater potential and value. The brands that offer helpful details for their audience through high-quality writing stand out.
However, copywriting and content writing are different from one another, differences these two include,
- INTENT: Copywriting attracts the readers to take further action. Whereas content writing only informs the reader. The copy leads the reader to respond to the CTA (Call To Action). It is most likely to sign up for an email list, schedule an appointment or buy the product.
- PURPOSE: Copywriting is the solution to the customers’ problem. It takes the readers to the same product, resource, and sales funnel that addresses their problem. The Content answers the questions through information; however, its purpose is not to lead the reader anywhere.
- STRATEGY: Effective copywriting uses psychology and persuasion as tactics to influence the readers. Learning the techniques which impact people’s decision-making is the key to becoming a copywriter.
The copywriting goes many steps further as Content by leading the readers to engage with the brand. It delivers a larger business influence than simply informing a product without persuasion. The copy brings the business outcomes. It tends to provide more value than Content. The more potential words your copy-holds, the more you can charge for it from the business.
There are also common misconceptions about the differences between content writing and copywriting. What are they? Let’s discuss this below.
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THE COPY IS SLIMY
Copywriting uses psychology to impact the reader’s decision. It could feel like a traditional sales tactic. However, I believe that copywriting is one of the most significant elements in marketing. If the copy you produce is genuine, helpful, and promotes the product or service, it would truly improve the reader’s life. This means that copy is not slimy at all.
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YOU CAN DECIPHER IT BY TYPE
Despite the fact what online articles say, the format does not define the type of writing. For instance, many articles state blog articles are content and not copy, but the actual truth is that they both can be. The primary difference is the intent. Content Writing and copywriting can both be written as blogs and articles.
Multiple blogs are created to promote a product or service, whereas the solution earns business money. For instance, one of my clients earns between $2000 to $5000 per month from the affiliate and store sales from the blogs I write for his business. Anyone saying that blogs are not part of copywriting is missing out on an important marketing strategy.
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CONTENT IS LONG, BUT COPY IS SHORT
I experience this all the time; however, it’s not true. Long copy performs better as compared to short copy. As a writer myself, I come across multiple clients that argue that people don’t read that much these days. But I want to tell you one thing: they can even read a long copy when clients make a purchasing decision. If your copy is compelling, the clients will read it till the next page. It’s all about how you write.
TIPS FOR IDENTIFYING CONTENT WRITING VS. COPYWRITING:
“WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE WANTS ME TO DO NEXT?”
If the article or blog is a straight CTA – Call To Action, as in, a sign-up or subscription, then it’s copywriting. If there is no CTA then it is just Content.
WHAT’S THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE EFFECTIVE COPYWRITING?
If you consider becoming a copywriter, it’s helpful to understand the role psychology plays in the copy to use it reliably and helpfully. Human emotions reflect on purchasing decision. Even when we do not realize it, effective copywriting speaks to us as these emotions lead the reader to a decision. For instance, it emphasizes how a product will make them feel more than it does. The psychological triggers are what copywriters use to persuade the reader.
- EMPATHY AND CONNECTION: Explain what you understand, your audience’s emotion, pain points, and desires. It creates credibility as they trust you. It also assists readers to envision who they would become when they purchase the product.
- RECIPROCITY: The psychology tells us that when we receive something from others, we have a desire to give it back to them and vice versa. So if you are giving something for free, then your audience will purchase something or take action in return.
- URGENCY AND SCARCITY: Did you know our brain is prime to what we cannot have? We all have been on the fence to purchase a product online and want it more once it goes out of stock. It is why showing your audience to act now or they will miss out is a strong tactic.
These are a few of the psychological factors behind productive copywriting. However, there are more tactics you can use, and I find them fascinating too. If psychology is an interesting subject for you, it’s a sign that copywriting may be your right choice. Using psychology to trigger buyer decisions is also a powerful technique. If you are concerned about feeling like a traditional or slimy marketer, then remember it’s not about influencing your readers to a bad decision. The main thing is to use this skill for good and only promote products you believe help people.
“HELPING PEOPLE TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL IMPROVE THEIR LIVES IN A BETTER WAY IS INCREDIBLY FULFILLING.”
WHICH TYPE OF FREELANCE WRITING SHOULD YOU BECOME?
Copywriting influences the action that leads to engagements and results. And results make your work valuable as a freelance writer, which means you can easily charge and earn more.
Apart from earning more, a copywriter influences positive decisions, a fascinating and rewarding career choice.
“YOU IMPROVE THE LIVES BY LEADING PEOPLE TO A PRODUCT OR SERVICE WHICH SUPPORTS THEM!”
Another way to say this is that my copywriting is like a matchmaker for brands. I connect them with the right people. I decided to become a copywriter compared to content writing as I always had a creative approach. However, to become an effective copywriter, you have to educate yourself on the psychology and skills behind the productive copies. It will make your writing more accomplished and lucrative. However, trying to learn all of this yourself can be overwhelming.
There are multiple copywriting courses available on the internet. You can learn the skills to write compelling copies that bring outcomes and deliver a positive influence.
Relatable useful resources: Neil Patel: How to Incorporate Psychology and Emotions into Your Copywriting
