are you a copy-writer or an article writer?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by Li Weng, Nov 21, 2008.

  1. #1
    We shouldn't get the two mixed up. Being a good writer doesn't necessarily equate to being a good copy-writer. Being able to write effective articles doesn't mean you're also a gun at copy-writing.

    Copy-writing is quite a specific skill. You don't necessarily need to be that much of a good writer to write good copy. But you need to really understand the human psychology and how our desires work.

    So are you more of an article writer or a copy-writer?
     
    Li Weng, Nov 21, 2008 IP
  2. WriteGirl

    WriteGirl Peon

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    #2
    I began as an article writer and editorial blogger. Then a friend asked me to do some sales copy for her company, and it turns out that was actually my niche. Who knew?
     
    WriteGirl, Nov 21, 2008 IP
  3. fergilicious

    fergilicious Peon

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    #3
    I am definitely a writer.. I beleive in good content.. And Unique content!
     
    fergilicious, Nov 21, 2008 IP
  4. tajo

    tajo Peon

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    #4
    I tend to write mostly articles, reviews, blog posts, but when I do write sales copy I get very favourable comments. My niche doesn't really have much demand for sales copy though.
     
    tajo, Nov 21, 2008 IP
  5. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #5
    I'm both. I have a marketing / PR background, which is how I got into copywriting, but I also write Web content (although I'm very selective about the niches I'll write content for).
     
    jhmattern, Nov 22, 2008 IP
  6. cd928

    cd928 Peon

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    #6
    I began as an content writer for a company I used to work for. Later on, I got into copywriting because I find it more challenging than writing web content, and I find it more engaging than writing news (which what I was trained for in college).

    I'm not sure about the bit about not necessarily being a good writer to become a copywriter. LOL
     
    cd928, Nov 22, 2008 IP
  7. lightless

    lightless Notable Member

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    #7
    Both, but my interests and skills are more in line with copywriting. Been reading psychology, personal development and other mind and motivation stuff for many many years now. I don't know how much it helps in conversion, but I do use some of those principles as appropriate in copy.
     
    lightless, Nov 22, 2008 IP
  8. kpaul

    kpaul Peon

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    #8
    I'm whichever the client needs me to be. ;)

    That said, there are different prices charged for the two types of writing.
     
    kpaul, Nov 22, 2008 IP
  9. internetauthor

    internetauthor Peon

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    #9
    While I can turn a fair phrase in copywriting if necessary, I am a content writer. I'm much more adept at educating the population (in my preferred subjects) than making the sale.

    Perhaps I just like to specialize - educate teenagers by day, and educate their parents by night. I think I might need a new Lycra suit and mask for all this hard work!
     
    internetauthor, Nov 24, 2008 IP
  10. Connie Burstin

    Connie Burstin Peon

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    #10
    Hello,

    We are copywriters and we adjust our services based on the needs of our clients. :)

    Cheers,

    Connie Burstin
     
    Connie Burstin, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  11. Write4u

    Write4u Peon

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    #11
    Qualified copywriter, content writer and here.

    Field constraint isn't real reason if you're qualified to write for different niches.
     
    Write4u, Nov 26, 2008 IP
  12. izwanmad

    izwanmad Banned

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    #12
    I'm content writer... but I'll use copy writing if necessary....
     
    izwanmad, Nov 28, 2008 IP
  13. Miragi

    Miragi Peon

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    #13
    I have written both, but prefer article writing to sales copy.....I don't have the personality to try to sway anyone else! :)

    Also, if one is just starting out (especially online), more opportunities are found by not constricting oneself to a particular type, genre or other label. With time and experience each person will discover which area is best suited to them, and which one they like doing best!

    Thanks!
     
    Miragi, Nov 28, 2008 IP
  14. Y.L. Prinzel

    Y.L. Prinzel Peon

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    #14
    I think sometimes writing is like acting. Before you write copy, essays, articles, editorials, fiction, whatever...you get into character.

    I think a good writer can write in many different styles, maybe better in some than others. Like acting, a good writer can get into character for their current project and write what needs to be writ :)
     
    Y.L. Prinzel, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  15. ndcole78

    ndcole78 Peon

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    #15
    Li, you're mostly correct. You're a much better copywriter if you understand how people think. However, you do need to have writing skills because eventually you'll have to be able to put what you know into words.
     
    ndcole78, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  16. nogenius

    nogenius Active Member

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    #16
    I do mainly copywriting for myself these days, and outsource my article writing.
     
    nogenius, Nov 29, 2008 IP
  17. Blogging Buddha

    Blogging Buddha Active Member

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    #17
    I have been doing both copy writing and article writing. I think copy writing is slightly "artificial". I enjoy article writing more.
     
    Blogging Buddha, Nov 30, 2008 IP
  18. nickxifaras

    nickxifaras Peon

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    #18
    I like to call myself a copywriter who writes sales generating articles.

    Nick Xifaras
    Copywriter
     
    nickxifaras, Dec 13, 2008 IP
  19. Sims2

    Sims2 Active Member

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    #19
    I've only ever written article's for clients. Copywriting is something I may look into in the near future though.
     
    Sims2, Dec 13, 2008 IP
  20. Johnson Williams

    Johnson Williams Peon

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    #20
    I have a marketing background, so I'm adept at copywriting. I find article writing to be more of a mind numbing process that I'm pretty good at, as well.
     
    Johnson Williams, Dec 13, 2008 IP