Article Writing vs. Copywriting: What’s the Difference?

TL;DR

• There’s one main difference between article writing vs. copywriting: marketing intent.
• Before you start an assignment, understand if the purpose of the content is to inform or to persuade (or both!).
• You can focus on one area or work in both for a well-rounded freelancing career or side hustle.

If you’re reading this, you want to earn a steady income as a freelance writer. Whether this is your full-time gig or earning extra income, combining article writing and copywriting can help you meet your goals. You can focus on one or the other, but you’ll open more opportunities when you include both in your portfolio. Article writing and copywriting require different skills and approaches. Understanding the difference between copywriting and article writing will help you align your strengths with the right type of writing and boost your chances for success as a freelance writer.

What is Article Writing?

Article writing is when you create informative, engaging, well-researched content that provides value to readers. Articles are published in magazines, blogs, or online publications. The primary goal is to inform, educate, or entertain the audience on a specific topic.

Characteristics of Article Writing:

• Informative and Detailed: Articles delve into a subject and provide thorough explanations and insights.
• Audience-Centric: The content is tailored to the readers’ interests and typically answers specific questions or explains how to solve a problem.
• Objective Tone: Articles should be written in a neutral, unbiased tone. They should focus on facts and provide evidence.

What is Copywriting?

Copywriting, on the other hand, is all about persuasion. Copywriters create content that will encourage readers to take a specific action: make a purchase, sign up for a newsletter, or click a link. Copywriting is critical to marketing and advertising campaigns. It is persuasive, but the best copywriting should also be informative and provide value.

Characteristics of Copywriting:

• Persuasive and Concise: Copywriting is designed to influence decision-making with clear and compelling language.
• Targeted Messaging: The content is crafted with a specific audience in mind, often focusing on the benefits of using a product or service.
• Call to Action (CTA): Every piece of content typically includes a CTA to guide the viewer toward the desired action. (For example: To jumpstart your freelance writing, sign up for our 7 Days to Freelancing course!)

Skills Required for Article Writing vs. Copywriting

Both article writing and copywriting require strong writing skills. However, you’ll need to think differently depending on which one you’re writing.

Skills for Article Writing:

• Research Proficiency: Use your research skills to gather and synthesize information from reliable sources.
• Clarity and Organization: Articles should be well-structured, with clear subheadings, logical flow, and easy-to-understand language.
• Adaptability: Adjust your tone and style to conform to various publications and audiences.

Skills for Copywriting:

• Sales Psychology: Copywriters must understand what motivates people to take action and how to tap into these emotions.
• Creativity: Compelling headlines and engaging hooks are crucial in capturing and retaining the audience’s attention.
• Conciseness: Successful copywriters deliver powerful messages in as few words as possible without sacrificing impact.

Tailoring Your Path in Your Freelance Career

Deciding between article writing and copywriting depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Over time, you may include a mix of both.

• If you enjoy researching and sharing knowledge: Article writing might be your ideal path. It’s perfect for writers who love to dive deep into subjects and educate others. Aim for feature-length assignments with online and print publications.
• If you’re passionate about marketing and persuasion: Copywriting could be a better fit. It’s an excellent choice for writers who thrive on creativity and enjoy the challenge of persuading others. Copywriting is often metrics-driven (e.g., How many clicks? How high was the conversion?), so that aspect may appeal to people who are numbers-driven and like to measure the results of their work.

These are the main differences between article writing and copywriting. Whether you inform through articles or persuade with copy, you can leverage your skills and interests to create a freelancing career that works for you.