Copywriter vs. Content Writer -What’s the Difference, and Do You Need Both?

Ermmmm, wait a second. Aren’t they the same thing?

Hey, listen, I hear ya!

The two terms are used so interchangeably it’s totally valid that you’d assume they do the same thing.

Because really, it’s all just about words, right?

Well, kinda.

BUT. And this is a big but. It’s about how we USE those words.

Same skillset? Sort of.
Same purpose? Not quite.
Same person? Sometimes (hi 👋).

Let’s roll things back a bit and take a look at what the difference is between a copywriter and a content writer, and whether or not you need one, or both!

First up – what’s a copywriter?

A copywriter’s job is to write persuasive content. We’re here to sell, nudge, convince and encourage action, without sounding like a 2007 sales email.

Copywriting includes:

• Website copy (like homepages, services pages, sales pages)

• Social media captions that lead to clicks, comments or conversions

• Paid ads and promotional materials

• Email marketing with clear CTAs

• Product descriptions that make you want to chuck something in your cart, fast

The focus is always on action. What do we want people to do after they read this? Book? Buy? Get in touch? Sign up? That’s the copywriter’s cue.

And what does a content writer do?

A content writer focuses more on providing value. Things like educational, entertaining or informative content designed to build trust, spark engagement, and give your audience a reason to stick around. Content writing helps build your authority within your industry, and keeps you showing up in your audience’s mind!

Content writing includes:

• Blog posts (like this one 👀)

• Thought-leadership articles

• SEO-focused guides

• Long-form newsletters

• Ebooks and lead magnets

The goal here is less “Buy now!” and more “Here’s something genuinely useful, and btw – I know my stuff.”

Copy sells. Content tells.

That’s the simplest way to remember it.

Copy is there to drive action.
Content is there to build connection.

One is immediate. The other is long-game.

Both are vital.

So… do I need both?

Short answer? Probably.

Copy without content can feel pushy or salesy.
Content without copy can fall flat and never convert.

Together, they create the full marketing experience:

• Copy grabs attention and guides people where you want them to go

• Content keeps them engaged and builds trust over time

For example:

• A killer About page written by a copywriter might draw someone in

• A blog series written by a content writer keeps them coming back

• Your social captions combine both styles to sell while still being human

Can one person do both?

Yes – as long as they get the difference (and aren’t just winging it).

That’s where I come in 👋
At Sunniside Marketing, I offer both copywriting and content writing – so whether you need words that sell, stories that stick, or a mix of both, I’ve got you covered. That’s where the whole content strategy comes in, because throwing the odd blog post into the abyss doesn’t quite cut it any more!

Need help figuring out what your business needs most?