Copywriter, copy writer, freelance writer
If you want to hire a copywriter on a project basis, searching for any of “copywriter”, “copy writer”, or “freelance writer” on Google or LinkedIn can lead you to the one that’s right for you.
While the term ‘writer’ covers all types of writing – from screenwriting to novel-writing to poetry-writing, copywriting is a specific business discipline. In much the same way as a scriptwriter is a writer of scripts, a copywriter is a writer of commercial writing – called copy – that converts readers to customers.
"Copywriting" often confused with "copyrighting"
Confusing copywriting with copyrighting is a common misunderstanding that’s important to clear up. Copyrighting refers to securing a creator’s exclusive legal right to his or her work. A copyrighter is a person who secures copyrights. In contrast, copywriter refers to a writer of copy (promotional content).
Some copywriters are equally capable in branding, marketing, advertising and selling. Copywriters who practice direct response copywriting are conversion experts – they write highly reader-focused copy designed to elicit an immediate response or action from the reader.
It's ideal to find a copywriter who is equally talented at branding and marketing as at sales and direct response copywriting so that you can lift your content from communicating to inspiring loyalty and action.
Copywriter vs. content marketing writer
The distinction between copywriter and content writer is not so clear-cut. Content writing combines promotion and marketing in a seamless way - without sounding directly promotional. A content writer could be a blogger or social media content writer. Content is about starting and maintaining conversations with an audience - copywriting is about moving that audience to act and purchase. Not all content writers are good copywriters, and vice versa. The ability to master both disciplines is the mark of a versatile, talented and focused writer
Copywriter specialized in a specific industry
Some copywriters specialize in specific domains such as technology or finance. Specialist copywriters can often write about any topic, but have a particular expertise in meeting the copywriting requirements and reaching the target markets of a particular industry.
For example, technical fields such as software and financial services require writing with a certain degree of industry knowledge and a no-nonsense high-precision writing style. Financial services copywriters, for example, have to be aware of compliance issues regarding the financial services the promote while software marketing copywriters have to know the overall features and benefits of the technology they're promoting.
