If you've ever Googled "do I need a content writer or a copywriter?" — you're not alone. It’s one of the most common content-related questions out there, and for good reason.
These roles often get lumped together. Both involve writing. Both aim to connect with your audience. But they serve very different purposes — and understanding the difference can be the thing that takes your content from “technically fine” to “actually effective.”
Let’s break it down.
What is a copywriter?
A copywriter is a professional word-nerd who specialises in persuasion. Their job? Get people to act.
That could mean:
- Clicking a button
- Downloading a brochure
- Booking a call
- Buying a product
- Or even just staying on your website long enough to remember your name
Copywriting is short-form, strategic, and conversion-focused.
What does a copywriter do?
Copywriters craft the words you use when you're trying to sell something. You’ll find their work in:
- Paid ads (Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, print, billboards)
- Landing pages and sales funnels
- Website copy (especially your homepage and services)
- Email campaigns
- Product descriptions
- Taglines and brand messaging
Key skills of a copywriter:
- Persuasion: They know how to nudge people toward a decision
- Clarity: Say more with fewer words
- Buyer psychology: What motivates your audience? They’ll figure it out
- Creativity: Even compliance copy can be compelling in the right hands
What results can you expect from copywriting?
- Higher conversion rates
- Stronger calls-to-action
- More leads, more sales, less fluff
- A consistent tone of voice that sounds like you, but sharper
What is a content writer?
While copywriters focus on action, content writers focus on education, value and trust.
They write the things your audience reads when they want to understand you, your product, or the broader industry. They don’t just talk at your audience — they build a relationship with them.
What does a content writer do?
You’ll find content writers working on:
- Blog posts and long-form articles
- Whitepapers and eBooks
- Case studies and customer success stories
- Social media posts
- FAQs and knowledge base content
- In-depth product and service pages
Key skills of a content writer:
- Research: They don’t guess — they dig
- SEO knowledge: They know how to get you found
- Storytelling: Even “boring” topics can be binge-worthy
- Adaptability: They can sound like your brand — not like ChatGPT
What results can you expect from content writing?
- More organic traffic from search
- Better engagement across platforms
- Thought leadership and brand authority
- A well-informed audience that’s more likely to convert
Copywriter vs content writer: what’s the difference?
There’s some overlap — especially in digital marketing. But here’s the simplest way to remember it:
- Copywriting is about getting action now
- Content writing is about building trust over time
One drives immediate results. The other sets the foundation for long-term success.
Some examples:
- Homepage = copywriter
- Blog post explaining your service = content writer
- Sales email = copywriter
- Newsletter = content writer (usually)
- LinkedIn ad = copywriter
- LinkedIn thought-leadership post = content writer
Think of copywriters as your brand’s salesperson — and content writers as your brand’s tour guide.
Does your business need a copywriter or content writer?
Short answer: both.
You need a copywriter if you want to:
- Drive more conversions
- Develop clear, action-oriented messaging
- Build a tone of voice that persuades without pushing
You need a content writer if you want to:
- Improve your SEO and show up in search
- Educate and nurture your audience
- Share insights, stories, and thought leadership
Or — you could hire one person who does both
Hey, that’s me.
I work with brands in technical and regulated industries — finance, SaaS, insurance, B2B services — to help them cut through the jargon and connect with their audience. Whether you need conversion-driven copy or strategic content that pulls people in, I can help you do both (without sounding like a robot).
Let’s make your content interesting and effective.
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