Content writing and copywriting are close enough, but they are not the same. Every time I get a copywriting opportunity, I have to explain this in detail to the hiring manager. Can I do both? Of course, I can because I have a flair for words. But I prefer content writing because that's what I've been doing since 2008, and that's what I enjoy doing. Based on my knowledge and experience, let me explain why they are different.
The purpose is the main difference. As a copywriter, you can use your copy to influence your audience and ensure leads and sales. As a content writer, you can use your content to inform, instruct, educate, and entertain your audience. You can use content writing to create engagement and brand loyalty, and you can use your clean, concise, and engaging copy for exciting product descriptions, compelling calls to action, and attractive promotional offers.
I agree that more brand loyalty and engagement may help you increase conversions and sales. But copywriting is where you write advertorial content to persuade readers to take actions related to a business's sales process, including eliciting a direct response or driving conversions and sales. In other words, both go hand in hand, but they are different.
Let's look at content marketing. A content writer creates content, and a content marketer's responsibility includes planning, creating, publishing, and promoting content that attracts prospects and converts onto customers. They create KPIs that measure content success and calculate ROI. In other words, when I write content, I execute a content marketing idea. As a content writer, I help drive organic traffic, and a copywriter can turn that traffic into leads.
Then who are content strategists? Strategists define:
what/how the content should be,
the priority audience
the goals
the purpose,
the vision, and
the direction.
Strategists also make plans to ensure the long-term value of the content.
Let me conclude - not all forms of content creation are the same. Organizations and hiring managers should learn the nuances that distinguish each form of writing. Don't you think so?