Comments on: Web copywriter or content writer: Is there a difference?

By: Kat @ WCR SEO Perth

Kat @ WCR SEO Perth — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:55:56 +0000

From an SEO experts point of view, there is a big difference between a copywriter and a writer that purposely writes content for the net. The latter needs to bear in mind the relevent search terms that people are using when searching the net as well as the user experience itself. I guess there are also two categories of web content writers, one who does work with seo experts considering the right keywords and the other.

By: Christine Miranda

Christine Miranda — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:22:38 +0000

I agree with the distinctions of the two, the only thing that I disagree with is the fact that content writer’s work is boring. I am both a copywriter and content writer and I really find content writing enjoyable. Maybe the decision if it is boring or not is with the one who do it.

By: My thoughts on ’sausage-factory’ content: Let’s set some things straight

Thu, 27 May 2010 02:58:30 +0000

[...] I’ve argued that writing content purely for search engines is not copywriting. [...]

By: Glenn (Owner)

Glenn (Owner) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:39:57 +0000

*chuckle* This is a timely snapshot taken by Kristina Halvorson: http://img718.yfrog.com/i/c6n.jpg/ Harper’s Magazine is 100% content free!

By: Glenn Murray

Glenn Murray — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:41:25 +0000

Hi Shae. Yeah, definitely no soup for YOU! ;-) Seriously, though, your question sparked a conversation that obviously needed to be had. So thank YOU!

By: Shae

Shae — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:17:49 +0000

Wow. I didn’t realise when I asked the question it would cause such debate it would stir. Great feedback. Thankyou.

By: James Bull

James Bull — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:48:59 +0000

@Karri: You’re right, customers won’t (and neither should they) care about our incestuous arguments over definitions.

I can’t speak for others who’ve contributed to this discussion, but from my point of view it’s got a lot to do with getting us all singing from the same hymn book. I see that as an important step towards the education of the market and an improved awareness among potential clients of the nature and value our work.

I wouldn’t read my accountant’s glossary of terms either. However, I can be pretty sure that any accountant to whom I speak will use the same terminology.

As April said above: “I agree that clients wouldn’t be fussed but it would help if they could talk to more than one copywriter, or content writer, and hear the same answer from each one.”

Feel free to join the discussion at http://forums.port80.asn.au/showthread.php?p=104147

By: Karri Flatla

Karri Flatla — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:33:59 +0000

It’s semantics, yes?

And the client doesn’t care much about our incestuous arguments over one definition versus another.

The client just wants results.

HOWEVER, our job as service providers is to coach our client toward deeper understanding and ultimately ownership of the marketing process. That includes an educational component. I’ll happily own that piece and deliver it in a way that fits the client’s current understanding and paradigms.

Will the client read and embrace “industry definitions?”

Mmm, doubtful.

No more than I’d read my accountant’s glossary of terms or whatever.

Cheers :)
Karri

PS: Are crazy Canucks welcome at the AWIA Forum? :)

By: Charles Cuninghame

Charles Cuninghame — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 03:40:07 +0000

This is how I see it…

Content is a generic, catch-all term for everything that appears inside a web page template i.e. text, images, video, audio, etc.

(Although you could easily argue that elements of the template, such as navigation labels, page headers, taglines, logos, etc., are also content.)

Copywriting is selling in print (and in video and audio).

Therefore all website copywriting is content but not all website content (I’m talking about just the text here) is copywriting. For example an online customer user manual is not copywriting, but it is content.

In my book there’s no such thing as ‘non-visitor-critical pages’. I call that ‘site bloat’. It should be pruned immediately.

By: Glenn Murray

Glenn Murray — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:05:50 +0000

As mentioned by Rachel above, there’s now a discussion covering this issue at the Australian Web Industry Association’s (AIWA) port80 forum: http://forums.port80.asn.au/showthread.php?p=104147. I’ve offered my 2 cents’ worth. You?