What's The Difference Between A Copywriter And A Content Writer?

How many times have you seen a job description that goes about like this:

Copywriter wanted! To write: blogs, brochures, Ebooks, case studies, press releases, etc.

There's just one problem: That's not what a copywriter does, or what he does primarily. That's what a marketing content writer, or content creator, does. I've also seen job posts that asked for administrators that can also be content writers. Seriously...!?

The copywriter's main task is to write short-form texts: headlines, taglines, slogans, social media content, emails, etc. His (or hers) main task is to grab the user's attention (whose span is already short anyway, these days) and either make him read the next few lines, click on the button, call the number, redeem the time-set coupon, search for your nearest location, download your free holiday guide, etc.

The content writer's main job is to create the long-form content: blogs, website content (about us, product descriptions, etc.), presentations, and so forth. Sometimes tasks can be assigned to either (emails, landing pages), but too often companies confuse between the two.

What do you need: A copywriter? content writer? copywriter and content writer?

Because if you're promoting a position for a copywriter, a copywriter can apply, and it won't be what you're looking for, because you're actually looking for a content writer, and vice versa. So if you hire a copywriter and you were looking for a content writer, things can get confusing, especially if the candidate was expecting something else.

If you want to get the best of your new employee, decide what his primary function should be, then write the job description accordingly. You'll find the right person sooner than later.