Since we offer both copywriting and content writing services here at Horseshoe Books, we want to support you to make the right choice when deciding which type of work you may require.
So, we’re going to share a little about the differences between these writing types, along with a few examples, to help you understand which you might need to support your marketing efforts…
What is copywriting?
In essence, copywriting focuses on inspiring the reader to act on what they’ve read. Most copywriting includes something referred to as a ‘call to action’ (CTA), which prompts a potential client or customer to find out more information about the services you offer or to purchase a product you’re selling.
While most copywriting tends to be in shorter formats, such as social media ads or website landing pages, sometimes, a project requires a slightly longer format to drive conversion – for instance, blog posts advertising products or in-depth product descriptions.
Copywriting skills can be used to create:
- Website landing pages.
- Social media posts.
- Ad copy (both online and in print).
- Product descriptions.
- Taglines or slogans.
- Email newsletters (containing links to products).
What is content writing?
Content writing is all about educating and entertaining your audience in a valuable way. Although conversion can be an element in content writing, the art of crafting great content could lead to something far more valuable in the long-term, because it helps build trust with potential clients and customers – which, in turn, leads to brand loyalty.
For many content writing projects, the writer must spend considerable time researching the topic they’re writing about, to make sure they’re providing the reader with accurate information and/or advice. The resources a content writer creates tend to align with brand tone of voice (TOV) or a style sheet, to help you stand out from the crowd (something that’s especially important when the world is being flooded with heartless AI slop!).
Content writing skills can be used to create:
- Website ‘About Us’ or ‘Our Story’ pages.
- Articles (usually with a more formal TOV).
- Blog posts (often using an informal TOV).
- Guides (e.g. ‘how-to’ guides).
- Email newsletters (focused on connecting with readers).
- Non-fiction books and eBooks.
Are there similarities between copywriting and content writing?
Yes, there are plenty of similarities between copywriting and content writing! Just a few of these similarities include having an understanding of SEO, maintaining a consistent ‘voice’ that aligns with your brand, and knowing what your target client/customer/reader needs or wants from your content.
Is copywriting or content writing more beneficial to authors?
As an author, you’re probably fond of long-form writing, like novels – therefore, you may feel a natural inclination towards content writing to support your marketing efforts. We wholeheartedly recommend putting your long-form writing skills to good use, by crafting blog posts and creating eBooks that provide value to your readership. However, we also believe that copywriting holds an important place at the heart of any marketing campaign, too.
Are you interested in working with Horseshoe Books? If so, please visit our Services page, or pop straight over to our Contact page to get in touch 🙂
Thanks for reading!
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