Copywriting vs Content Marketing: What's the Difference? | SteadyContent
You are currently viewing Copywriting vs Content Marketing: What’s the Difference?

Copywriting vs Content Marketing: What’s the Difference?

Copywriting vs Content Marketing: What’s the Difference?

Copywriting and content marketing are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they actually refer to two very different things. So, what exactly is the difference, and how can you use each to your advantage? Here we’ll dig into copywriting vs content marketing so you can better understand how to use each to grow your business.

The Primary Difference Between Copywriting and Content Marketing

The primary difference between copywriting and content marketing is their respective goals. Copywriting is designed to persuade people to take a particular action, such as buying something or subscribing to an email list. Meanwhile, content marketing is focused on creating valuable and engaging content to help build a relationship with your audience.

For example, a company looking to increase sales of a particular product would likely use copywriting in its marketing efforts. However, if they were looking to build brand awareness or establish themselves as an expert in their industry, they would likely focus on content marketing. Ultimately, it depends on the business’s goals and objectives.

 Now that you know the main difference between copywriting vs content marketing, let’s take a closer look at the role each plays in your business.

A Closer Look at Copywriting

Copywriting is all about persuasion, with the goal of creating magnetic, exciting content that pulls the reader in and doesn’t let them go until they’ve completed the desired action. To do this, copywriters use persuasive techniques like making bold claims, using compelling language, and crafting powerful calls to action.

Examples of Copywriting

There are a variety of different types of writing that fall under this umbrella term, including ads, sales pages, web pages, and sales emails. While each has a different purpose, they all share one common goal: getting the reader to take action.

For example, ads are designed to create interest in a product or service and typically appear in print or online. Sales pages are meant to persuade the reader to purchase a product or service. Web pages generally provide information about a company or product but can also include persuasive elements. Finally, sales emails are sent with the purpose of getting the recipient to buy a product or service, often including time-sensitive offers or special deals.

How to Write Effective Copy 

Writing compelling copy is both art and science. The science part comes from understanding your audience and what motivates them. Once you know what makes them tick, you can create persuasive copy that speaks to their needs and desires. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when crafting your copy:

Start by Defining Your Goals

Before you start writing, it’s essential to take a step back and establish the desired outcome. For example, what do you want your readers to do after they’ve finished reading? Do you want them to sign up for your email list? Purchase your product? Share your content with their friends? Once you know what action you want your readers to take, you can structure your copy accordingly.

Use Eye-Grabbing Headlines

Your headline is the first thing your audience sees, so it’s important to make it count. Write headlines that are clear, interesting, and make use of powerful words that pack a punch. If your headline doesn’t immediately make a strong impression, it’s unlikely that anyone will stick around to read the rest!

Make a Strong Claim Supported by Evidence

If you want your readers to believe what you’re saying, it’s vital to make a strong claim supported by convincing evidence. Think about what makes your product or service unique, and then find data to support your claims. For example, if you’re selling skincare products made from natural ingredients, including statistics demonstrating the benefits of natural ingredients can help convince your readers to purchase your product.

Use Powerful Language 

The language you use in your copy can also make a big difference in its effectiveness. Be sure to use persuasive language that inspires confidence and motivates people to take action. For example, instead of saying “our moisturizer can improve your complexion,” try something like “our moisturizer transforms your complexion.”

Include a Single, Clear Call to Action 

Last but not least, include a single, clear call to action so that people know what they should do next. For example, if you want them to buy your product, include a link to the purchase page. If you want them to sign up for your email list, include a link or form where they can do so. And if you want them to share your content with their friends, invite them to hit the share button.

A Closer Look at Content Marketing 

Content marketing is all about building relationships, credibility, and authority. Its goal is to create informative or entertaining content that will build trust and credibility with the reader. Unlike copywriting, which always has a sales-oriented intent, content marketing is centered around providing value to the reader.

Examples of Content Marketing

A successful content marketing strategy requires a variety of different content types. For example, blog posts can inform readers about new products or services, while podcasts can educate listeners about a particular industry. Meanwhile, YouTube videos are perfect for entertaining viewers and building brand awareness.

While each of these content types serves a different purpose, they all share one common goal: to build relationships with the reader by providing informative or entertainment value. By creating compelling and engaging content, businesses can effectively connect with their target audience and build loyalty among their customer base.

How to Create Effective Content 

Creating content is about more than just banging out a blog post or throwing up a couple of paragraphs on your website and calling it a day. If you want your content to be effective, it’s crucial to put thought into it and make sure it hits all the right marks. To that end, here are some things to keep in mind when creating an effective content marketing strategy.

Define Your Goals 

What are you hoping to achieve with your content? Once you know your goals, you can tailor your content to meet those specific goals. For example, if you’re hoping to increase brand awareness, then you’ll want to create content that is shareable and informative.

Know Your Audience 

Not all content will appeal to everyone, so it’s important to narrow your focus to your target demographic. That way, you can create content that resonates with them and speaks to their specific needs.

Determine Your Content’s Value 

Not all content is created equal, and if you want people to read (and share!) your content, it’s imperative to provide them with truly valuable content. That means taking the time to understand what type of information your target audience is looking for and then creating content that provides them with that information.

For instance, if you sell baby products, you’ll want to create content that appeals to new parents, like tips for caring for a new baby or the best ways to get a baby to sleep through the night. Or, if you sell beauty products, you could focus on creating content that helps people choose the right products for their skin type.

Publish Consistently 

While there is no magic number when it comes to how often you should publish new content, the important thing is to be consistent. The frequency with which you publish new content will largely depend on the amount of original content you have available. If you have a small team and are only able to produce a limited amount of content, then you will need to be more strategic about when you release it.

However, if you have a large team or are able to outsource some of the content creation, then you can afford to be more consistent in your publishing schedule. Regardless of how often you can publish new content, the important thing is to maintain a regular publishing schedule so your audience can keep coming back for more.

Copywriting vs Content Marketing In Your Business Strategy

By understanding the difference between copywriting and content marketing (and how to use them), you can create more effective marketing campaigns that will help you grow your business. Do you need help figuring out and executing your content marketing strategy? Not only do our writers provide unique, high-quality content, but we can also help you find topics to write about. Contact us today at SteadyContent in Austin, TX, and get 50% off your first order!

Leave a Reply

SteadyContent's PenMan

Working With a Kitchen Designer in Coconut Grove

After you purchase real estate, the first thing you may consider is changing, upgrading, or completely demolishing aspects of your home that don’t suit your needs or style. Giving your kitchen a facelift can be a surefire way to enhance your home’s aesthetics and functionality while increasing its value. In areas like Coconut Grove, Brickell, and S. Beach properties sell at a premium. Any work done should be the highest quality achievable within your budget. It’s for that reason many people consider hiring a professional designer.

Why Use a Kitchen Designer?

Working with a kitchen designer can help you achieve a polished and professional finish. The experience they have in remodeling can ultimately save you time and money. Anything more than minor changes to your kitchen, such as knobs, superficial fixtures, etc., should be handled by a professional. Considering building codes, material costs, and access to reputable contractors all add layers of complexity to your project, kitchens are not a do-it-yourself job. You will want the finished product to be accurate, safe and insurable

Types Of Professional Designers

The designer you should choose depends on the work you need to be done and where you are getting your supplies. National chains and retailers will often have designers on staff at little to no cost. There are also private designers that work on a per contract basis. Although they cost more, they may give you more impartial advice on materials and design because they rarely have direct brand affiliations.

Locating A Designer

When trying to find a designer, seeking the recommendations of friends and family is useful. Some communities like Coral Gables and Pinecrest have designers many homeowners have used with solid reputations. There are also resources like the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which list reputable designers. No matter where you locate your designer, they should have a portfolio of their previous work to review.

Honing In On A Designers Expertise

Keep in mind; designers may be more versed in some areas. If you have a modest single family home and are not looking for opulent trimmings, picking a designer that specializes in upgrading luxury real estate may not be the best way to go. Also, some owners have unique property aspects they may want to be enhanced. For example, waterfront properties have the potential for unique design ideas like open-air walls. Ask potential designers share their design strengths and note their weaknesses.

Once you have chosen a designer, prepare yourself for your consultation and design process by:
Determining your budget
Listing the pros and cons of your existing space
Having some idea of what you would like
Maintaining flexibility about what you want vs. what can be achieved
Agreeing on a time line in writing
Knowing you can ask for multiple draft plans, and agreeing to a number in writing
Minimizing the changes you make as the project progresses

Most importantly, be patient. Doing a remodel properly is a process and there will be some inconvenience to you as your project is in the works.

Our site is your premier resource for real estate related topics in Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, and the surrounding areas. If you have a question, we likely have an answer. Check out some of our other articles, blogs, and resources.

SteadyContent's PenMan

Is PRP Facial Treatment Right for You?

At the Osteopathic Center, we specialize in the latest PRP facial treatment technology and cosmetic therapies. We understand signs of aging, trauma, acne scarring, and sun damage can become heavily evident on your face and neck after time. Also, common issues, like dark under eye circles, can greatly change the way other’s perceive you. Fortunately, PRP facial rejuvenation can help restore and correct such imperfections.

 

Platelet-rich plasma, PRP, has been used as an effective treatment in orthopedic medicine, dentistry, and reconstructive surgery for 30 years. It is garnering mainstream popularity due to its proven effectiveness and organic approach to cosmetic improvements. Your own blood platelets are used in the procedure, rather than a host of chemicals, to renew the appearance of your skin.

How PRP Differs from Other Fillers

PRP facial treatment is able to stimulate your own collagen, promoting total facial rejuvenation rather than attempting to attack individual wrinkles. If your face is beginning to sink in from age it can add volume and youthful plumpness. The volumizing effect extends to under eye hollows and sunken cheeks. Also improved are skin tone, tightness, and overall texture.

 

This is in stark contrast to hyaluronic acid fillers that can be ineffective in many areas due to placement difficulty or the penetration of treatment. That said, our team can advise you on whether a pairing of the two types therapies can provide more pronounced results. What may be needed will be dependent on your skin’s condition.

How PRP Facial Treatment Works

Platelets are designed to help your body’s tissues heal and grow new cells. Your body responds best to its own cells, so using your freshly prepared PRP virtually eliminates the possibility of negative side effects. Each session only takes about 20 minutes.

 

During your session, a small amount of blood will be drawn. While your PRP is prepared your face and/or neck will be cleansed and prepped for treatment.The PRP that is injected into your skin will trigger the natural regeneration of damaged tissue and collagen production. Since PRP therapy is far less invasive than traditional plastic surgery techniques there is no post-procedure care time required.

 

Effects of your treatment will begin to show two to three weeks after your session and will improve with time.  Ideally, you will receive three treatments spaced about two weeks apart for maximum benefit.  Results can last for up to 18 months.  

SteadyContent's PenMan

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Taxes

According to data published by The Wall Street Journal, 3.7 million Americans submitted amended federal income tax returns in 2015. These amended returns were filed to take advantage of tax deductions/credits, to submit fresh financial information, and to add new income data.

It is important to note that you cannot e-file amended returns. In other words, you have to file them by sending hard copies using the USPS. The best way to avoid the extra time and expense of filing a hard-copy amendment is to get things right the first time. Here are the ways to avoid common filing mistakes:

Math Errors

Math errors are quite common on tax returns and constitute the first category of errors to be flagged, the IRS explains. In some cases, IRS employees correct computational and clerical errors.

This is especially true for paper returns, which are more likely to have missing or misquoted figures than electronically filed returns. To avoid such mistakes, double-check the figures that you provide throughout the first two pages of your returns.

Erroneous Social Security Number

This error is particularly common among people who claim a dependent exemption, because they have to list the SSNs or ITINs for their dependents. If you have dependents, you should verify all the SSNs/ITINs listed on your tax return to ensure they are correct.

One of the best ways to do this is by double-checking all the social security numbers on your tax return against the actual cards.

Alternatively, you can verify this data from the actual cardholders.

Filing Status

Another common filing mistake that you should avoid is providing an erroneous filing status. This can occur when separated couples file their returns separately while the IRS’s records show that they are still married.

To avoid having to correct your return, verify your filing status. It determines the deductions and credits you receive, and may lower your tax responsibility. Either way, make sure to use the correct filing status or you may end up with an IRS lien on your property.

Names

While it may seem absurd, many taxpayers actually misspell their names when filing their returns due to a number of reasons.

For starters, the current tax preparation software tools do not cover the entirety and cultural diversity of American names, which means they could mispronounce your name or offer a closely similar one. If you fail to verify every detail, you could enter an incorrect name on your return.

In addition, individuals who file returns on behalf of others, including tax/financial consultants may end up mispronouncing their client’s names. Divorced individuals could accidentally use the names of former spouses even after legally adopting other names.

Erroreoneous Income Details

If you are a contractor or freelance employee who receives a form 1099 for taxable income, make sure to keep detailed records of all sources of income. Also, make sure to report them correctly. Penalties from the IRS for unreported earnings are very steep.

Remember, the IRS keeps track of all legal transactions via form 1099.

The penalties for this offense vary depending on the size of unreported earnings and could include wage garnishment.

It is important to note that any federal refund, credit, or extension should be filed within three years of the original filing.

Conclusion

Every year, millions of Americans file tax returns that contain mistakes, including misspelled names, erroneous income figures, computation/math errors, erroneous Social Security Numbers, and wrong filing statuses. Avoid the hassle of amending your return by thoroughly checking your math, your status, and your name before you file.

SteadyContent's PenMan

SEO is an Investment That Grows Your Business!

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is one part of an effective website design. If you are not already using SEO, it should be part of your marketing strategy. It can be implemented quickly and easily using the right content writer. Here are 5 reasons to implement SEO today:

It Takes Time to See ROI – Get Started!

SEO is a very effective marketing strategy and can drive thousands of customers to your website monthly. However, it takes time to see ROI, or “Return On Investment.” This means implementing SEO takes patience. A recent survey shows that 94 percent of online marketers using SEO effectively plan to continue or increase their current SEO budget. Hiring an agency to create SEO content can be expensive, but the cost is worth it. The investment pays for itself in increased brand recognition and greater search and referral-driven traffic. So be patient. You will see the return on your SEO investment soon.

Golden Age Of SEO

We are in a “Golden Age” right now, where black hat tactics and manipulation are no match for SEO. There was a time when competitors could displace their competition using these underhanded strategies. Now, however, SEO reigns and your company can benefit greatly. This is the time to invest in SEO, before digital assistants and immediate answers take over the search engine territory.

Reap Greater Rewards By Compounding Returns

With every word of content you post, every link you establish, you are increasing your search visibility. This is called “Compounding Returns.” Essentially, you are building your reputation one post or link at a time. The more you put your business out there, the more authority you have on the web. The longer this goes on, the more you will reap conversions and referral traffic. The sooner you start building your reputation and compounding your interest growth, the sooner you will reap rewards.

Don’t Let Your Competitors Pull Away

The longer you wait to start utilizing SEO, the more you will lose out on high-ranking positions for lucrative keywords. Your competitors will build their defenses around their positions, making it harder to get in. They will add more targeted keywords and increase their rankings. The best way to avoid missing out is to get in now. Start using SEO today.

You’ve Nothing to Lose. Give It a Try

Don’t be intimidated by agencies that try to convince you to sign a six-month contract. There are SEO agencies out there that will work with you to accomplish your goals. Talk to professionals. Establish a budget and get started. Results will take time, but you can tweak things as you go. The sooner you get started, the better ROI you will see.

Don’t let the competition win because you didn’t join the race. Start using SEO and maximize your web exposure today.

SteadyContent's PenMan

Fund Your Retirement with Real Estate Investments

We are all familiar with the standard types of accounts when it comes to later-in-life financial planning. However, in the current economy, these accounts will only guarantee you the minimum standard of living. If you’re looking for a little luxury in your later years, consider funding your retirement through real estate investments. Real estate has been used for years by savvy individuals, and it’s your turn to join the ranks of the successfully retired.

Passive Retirement Income

Investing in real estate allows you to enjoy the benefits of a passive income. Passive income is achieved by investing in properties that will generate cash flow beyond what is needed to sustain the investment. In other words, any money you make after you pay the mortgage and upkeep the property goes into your pocket. These funds will pad your retirement, allowing you to leave the workplace and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Multifamily Properties Maximize Passive Retirement Income

A MDU, or multi-dwelling unit, has two or more dwellings underneath one roof. Each unit has a kitchen, living area, bathroom(s), and bedroom(s). An example of a MDU is an apartment building. Investing in one or more MDUs can maximize passive income, which we already discussed above, by providing multiple revenue streams from the purchase of one property. The income from each unit is independent of the others, meaning the loss of income from one unit will not automatically cause the loss of income from the other units. Investing in an MDU is a smart way to maximize your return, since purchasing one apartment building is easier than purchasing several single-family homes. An MDU can also guarantee you have a place to live during your retirement, since you can reside in one of the units while turning a profit on the others.

Benefits of Investing in Multi-family Properties

There are several benefits to investing in MDUs, or multi-family properties. Beyond creating passive income, let’s look at what makes MDUs especially attractive as a retirement investment.

Multiple Streams of Income
As we stated above, a multi-family property will be occupied by several, separate tenants all paying rent independently of each other. If you lose a tenant, you still have others paying rent while you fill the empty unit. There’s no such guarantee of income from a single-family home. If a single-family home is empty, it’s not generating revenue for your retirement. The same could be said for multi-unit office spaces, if you’re looking for a higher-dollar investment. Multiple units equal multiple ways to make money.

Less Expensive to Manage
When you purchase a MDU, you have the option to hire a property management company. The overhead to hire the company and manage the property will be significantly less than the overhead to manage several single-family homes. A management company will handle things like rent collection and soliciting tenants, allowing you to relax and enjoy your retirement.

Invest with Less Risk
Even in a down economy, multi-family properties usually have tenants. This means your risk is less when investing in these types of properties. You should be able to draw passive income even in harder economic times. Also, having multiple dwellings means your revenue streams are not dependent on each other. This also equals less risk.