Copywriting 101.
What is copywriting? It is a simple question, yet one which may confuse and puzzle a great part of the general public.
In this brief explanation of copywriting, it may help to investigate a few aspects involved, and explain a bit of the terminology that is associated with copywriting.
Firstly, let us start off by immediately eliminating the confusion surrounding the two words, copyright, and copywriting. Though they might sound similar, what they refer to are worlds apart.
• Copyright: This is a legal concept, where legal rights for a work are granted to its creator. This is however not the term that this article is referring to.
• Copywriting: This refers to the creation of text, or copy, with the intent of promoting ideas, products, services or opinions.
So, what do copywriters do?
The main role of a copywriter is, simply, to create content. Different industries might require different types of content, for example:
• In the broadcast industry, copywriters would be required to write lyrics for jingles, or scripts for TV commercials
• For printed media, they might write press releases, brochures or catalogues.
Although these examples surround us daily, copywriting is most effectively used when the creating content for electronic media like web pages, social networking sites, or blog posts.
Copy
In the world of copywriting, copy refers to the material written by copywriters. This copy, or output, created by the copywriters might be humorous, informative, or simply aimed at convincing you to buy a product. As opposed to other forms of media like photographs or videos, copy refers purely to written material.
Content writing
There is little distinction between the terms copywriting, and content writing. Although both these terms refer to the creation of copy, content writing is not done with the purpose of being promotional. Authors who create content which ultimately have no commercial application, might prefer to be referred to as content writers.
Web copywriting
Copywriting hold a wide range of benefits for web users, and is an ideal way to reach people across a variety of platforms, be it cell phones, tablets, of pc. Just some of the most common applications include:
• Blogging
• Social media content
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
A copywriter is essentially a story teller, and has to create an article which will keep the people intrigued, amused or fascinated. It is therefore important that the copywriter connects with the target audience, and communicate with them on a level that resonates with the intended reader.
Hopefully this article has given you a better idea of what the term copywriting involves, and how having a copywriter on board can benefit your business.
