copywriting seems to be the topic of the week. Earlier in the week, in a freelancing Facebook group I’m part of, there was a question and subsequent debate over the difference between copywriting and content writing.
The topic of online copywriting course came up again on the Ninja Writers’ Business of Writing call Saturday. A couple people asked about copywriting as something they could do as an income stream for their business.
Shaunta Grimes and I agreed I’d write a post about copywriting and copywriting courses. Her dad, Keith Grimes, who was also on the call, sent me some course suggestions which you’ll see below.
But as I began to think about the post and do some research, I remembered the earlier confusion from freelancers over what copywriting is versus what content writing is.
As someone who has done both content writing and copywriting for small businesses, I can tell you that there can be quite a bit of overlap between the two.
So, I think it’s good to talk about the difference between content and copy.
First, let’s get on the same page about content.
Content is information designed to be shared or targeted to a specific person or group of people, an audience.
Content comes in a wide range of formats. It can include written content, either online or print. But content format can also be video, audio (podcast, radio, etc.), and even theater performances, movies, TV, billboard or store signage, speeches, scripts, and transcripts.
So a content writer then, can be involved with producing content in any of those formats. Most commonly, but not exclusively, writers are involved with written work either in print or online. Even billboard signs, restaurant and bookstore signage can be considered content.
With the progression of technology and the Internet, more and more content writers are involved in writing video or podcast scripts and transcripts, blog posts, website pages, script and screen writing. A good majority of that content has a purpose or at least a secondary purpose of advertising or marketing a product or service.
But not all of it is copywriting.
How to choose the best copywriting course for your needs
When it comes to the Internet, you have to be conscious of the fact that some content and courses might not provide what they promise. For that reason, I encourage you to know what results you’re looking for and do your research before signing up for any course, regardless of topic.
But here are some things you may want to think about or consider:
How each course fits with your budget
Whether the skills offered match the skills you need to learn
What reviews and testimonials reveal about the course content and customer service
The amount of time you are expected to invest
Qualifications, experience, and other credentials of the instructor or mentor
Any other materials or technology you may need to purchase or use in addition to the course