Difference between creative copywriting and creative writer

The big difference between a copywriter and a creative writer is that copywriters create task-focused content while creative writers create reader-focused content.

This may not seem like a big difference, but in actuality it’s huge. If you want content that gets results or accomplishes a specific task, go with a copywriter. If you want content that entertains and potentially makes a connection with the reader, go with a creative writer. Either way, choosing the right writer will help you to get the exact result you want from your content and copy.

The Role of a Copywriter

Copywriters create copy, which is focused content that’s intended to fill a specific purpose.

It may be sales copy that’s intended to sell an item, web content that’s optimized to increase search engine rankings or some other content. To accomplish this, copywriters have to learn how to perform efficient research and write in ways that help them accomplish the task at hand. It can take a significant amount of time to learn all of the techniques involved in effective copywriting, and a lot of work goes into making sure that content is written so that it performs whatever the task at hand is.

The Role of a Creative Writer

Unlike copywriters, creative writers don’t focus on completing a task or fulfilling a purpose with the content they write.

Their content is focused more on interacting with the reader, giving them information and entertainment in a way that’s enjoyable to read. This often requires well-structured prose, though it isn’t structured in such a way that it increases search engine rankings or drives a sales pitch. This sort of reader-focused effort makes creative writers much more able to make an emotional connection with readers even if they aren’t trying to accomplish a specific goal.

What’s the difference between creative copywriting and SEO copywriting?

While creative copywriting focuses on the reader, SEO copywriting aims to reach the reader via search engines. This kind of copy is optimized for search engines by the skillful inclusion of keywords.

Does this mean SEO copywriting cannot or should not be creative? Not necessarily. Ideally, SEO copywriting should be optimized both for readers and search engines. This is not the easiest of tasks, but it is highly achievable if your copywriter knows their onions — and has great tools on hand.

For digital marketing, it is essential that you marry SEO and creative copywriting. This means getting down the basics of great copy and applying your knowledge of search engine optimization without stifling your copy. Sounds like a big ask? We’ll help you figure it out.