I have debated whether to make a post about this for a while, but so many people still fail to understand the difference between a freelance writer and a copywriter that I thought I would put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard?) on the subject.
It can be a little confusing knowing what the difference between a freelance writer and a copywriter is. My guess is you’ve seen job listings that ask for both of these roles. Both require a lot of writing skills and a passion for words, but there are differences.
Now, let’s discuss the differences between a freelance writer and a copywriter.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Freelance writers focus on creating various forms of content, while copywriters specialize in persuasive writing for advertisements and sales copy. |
| Freelance writers require strong research abilities and storytelling techniques, while copywriters need to excel in persuasion and creating engaging headlines. |
| Both freelance writers and copywriters should possess excellent grammar and writing proficiency. |
| Transitioning from freelance writing to copywriting may require acquiring additional skills in persuasive writing, marketing, and understanding consumer psychology. |
| Earning potential can vary, with copywriting often offering higher earning potential due to its focus on sales-oriented writing, but successful freelance writers in niche industries can also earn substantial incomes. |
What Does A Freelancer Writer Do?
A freelance writer is usually someone who works with many different clients to create content for their various projects. This can include writing blog posts, e-books, web content, social media posts, articles, press releases, and more.
A freelance writer is a writer who works on their own, often working with a variety of clients. They may work on large projects such as books or short articles for websites.
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What Does A Copywriter Do?
A copywriter is someone who creates a copy (content) to sell something. It can be a product, service, or even a person. Copywriting can also include some of the same types of writing as freelance writing such as blogs posts and e-books, but it’s normally used to sell something specific versus providing quality content.
Copywriters typically fall into two camps as well: direct-response copywriters and brand copywriters.
Direct-Response Copywriters
Primarily write sales letters and emails that ask the reader to take immediate action — usually by making a purchase, donating money, or signing up for a newsletter.
Brand Copywriters
Create print ads and TV spots that position products in consumers’ minds as more than just something they buy. These ads are less about sales and more about building memories associated with a product or service.
How Much Does A Freelance Writer Earn?
Freelance writers generally charge by the word or by the hour. If they charge by the hour, it will be somewhere between $25 and $60 per hour. If they charge by the word, it is usually somewhere between 5 cents and 50 cents per word. The average freelance writer earns $42,000 per year.
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How Much Does A Freelance Copywriter Earn?
Copywriters charge different rates depending on where they work, what they’re writing, who they’re writing for, and their experience level. While freelance copywriters usually earn anywhere from $20 to $150 an hour, a copywriter working in-house at an agency can make as much as $100,000 per year.
How To Become A Freelance Writer
The freelance writing field is quite saturated. This is great news for new freelancers because it means there is lots of work out there. However, it also means that competition can be fierce. But don’t let this alarm you! There are some simple strategies you can use to ensure your success as a freelance writer, including:
1. Do Your Research
Before you start applying for jobs, you need to do your research. Go through the job listings on the Freelancing platform and look at what people are posting as their requirements for successful applicants. What are they asking for? Are they looking for someone with experience in a particular industry? Do they want samples of work? Make note of the sorts of things that come up most often so you know how to prepare yourself!
2. Prepare Good Samples
You are probably going to need samples to show potential clients when they ask. Remember, preparation is key! Even if nobody asks you for samples right away, it’s a good idea to have them ready. It can take a while to build up your own portfolio of published articles, so if you don’t have any yet, write some samples now! It will be much easier than trying to come up with them in a rush later on.
How To Become A Copywriter
If you’re interested in becoming a copywriter, follow these steps to get started.
1. Become A Master Of Communication
Copywriters are masters of communication and persuasion, and they use their skills to sell products and ideas. They can work in advertising agencies or for clients directly, writing copy for advertisements, brochures, websites, and other marketing materials.
A typical day may involve meeting with clients or colleagues to discuss the needs of their business or organization, researching the market that they are targeting, and creating a concept for an ad campaign. Copywriters may also be responsible for crafting and maintaining social media content.
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2. Learn How To Write Persuasively
Copywriters need to know how to write persuasively. For some, this skill comes naturally, but for most, it’s something that needs to be learned. Through school, classes, and real-world experience, you’ll learn how to use words to convince potential customers that the product or service you’re selling is exactly what they want and need.
3. Learn How To Write For Different Mediums
Copywriting isn’t just about writing ad copy anymore. Copywriters can work in a wide variety of industries and mediums including online marketing, magazines, blogs, and even novels (self-help, business, or otherwise).
4. Choose Your Niche And Specialty Areas
There are many niches of copywriting—technical writing, web content writing, marketing writing, advertising writing, etc. To find your niche and specialty areas, think about what you enjoy most about writing. Do you like telling stories? Do you like sharing information? Are you a technical guru? Figure out what you love about writing and go from there—this will help you pick a niche that fits your interests.
5. Develop Your Writing Skills
Becoming a copywriter requires strong writing skills, creativity, and practice. You’ll need to know how to write in many different styles and tones, as well as how to deliver a message that engages your target audience.
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6. Get Yourself Out There!
If you’re a beginner and don’t have any experience, then you’ll need to build up a portfolio first. Try contacting local businesses that might need some copy for their website or promotional materials. Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone who needs your services, or offers to do the work for free in exchange for a testimonial or reference after the project is complete.
7. What The Two Have In Common
While both roles of a freelance writer and copywriter are similar in what they do, their differences are worth noting. They both write (duh), but their focus is different. A freelance writer will be writing for the general public and for the client so it is always important to keep a friendly tone. A copywriter will be writing for the client and for the customer, so it is important to establish a friendly tone between the client and the customer.
Which One Is Better Copywriter And Freelance Writer
Depends On The Writer
To be a freelance writer, you need to be able to communicate clearly in writing (especially since most freelance writers are hired based on a resume and writing samples). You need to be organized and able to multi-task. Some jobs will require you to know how to use Microsoft Office or other software suites, but that’s specific to your task list.
To be a copywriter, you need all of the above, plus some knowledge of marketing, branding, and an understanding of how advertising works. Copywriting requires a more creative mind than freelance writing does. However, once you get enough experience as a freelance writer and/or copywriter, that might not be enough anymore.
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Takeaway
As you can see, the difference between a freelance writer and a copywriter boils down to the length (and type) of work that you’re doing and the experience you have in each field. If you have questions about what kind of freelancer you want to be, we hope this helps—no matter which one you decide to be, there are incredible opportunities out there for both writers and copywriters. We can’t wait to see what kind of work comes from now on!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about the difference between a freelance writer and a copywriter:
What’s the Difference Between a Freelance Writer and a Freelance Copywriter?: Explore this comprehensive article that delves into the distinctions between freelance writers and freelance copywriters, highlighting their roles and skill sets.
Freelance Blogging vs. Copywriting: What’s the Difference and Which is Better?: Dive into this insightful comparison between freelance blogging and copywriting to understand the nuances and determine which path may align better with your goals.
Copywriter vs. Content Writer: Understanding the Difference: Gain clarity on the differences between copywriters and content writers by reading this informative blog post, which outlines their unique roles and responsibilities.
FAQs
What is the main difference between a freelance writer and a copywriter?
Freelance writers primarily focus on creating various forms of content, including articles, blog posts, and informative pieces. On the other hand, copywriters specialize in persuasive writing, such as crafting advertisements, sales copy, and promotional materials.
Do freelance writers and copywriters require different skill sets?
Yes, while both roles involve writing, they require distinct skill sets. Freelance writers need strong research abilities, storytelling techniques, and adaptability to write for different topics. Copywriters should excel in persuasion, creating engaging headlines, and understanding marketing principles.
Are there any overlapping skills between freelance writers and copywriters?
Certainly, there are overlapping skills between freelance writers and copywriters. Both should possess excellent grammar and writing proficiency, a deep understanding of their target audience, and the ability to convey messages effectively.
Can a freelance writer transition to become a copywriter?
Yes, a freelance writer can transition to become a copywriter by acquiring additional skills in persuasive writing, marketing, and understanding consumer psychology. Building a portfolio that showcases copywriting samples and gaining practical experience can help facilitate this transition.
Which career path, freelance writing, or copywriting, offers better earning potential?
Earning potential can vary based on factors such as experience, specialization, and market demand. Copywriting, especially in the field of advertising, tends to have higher earning potential due to its focus on persuasive and sales-oriented writing. However, successful freelance writers in niche industries can also earn substantial incomes.
So, what’s the difference between a freelance writer and a copywriter?
When it comes to writing online content for businesses and organizations, freelance writers take on any number of writing projects, including blogs, magazine articles, and emails. Copywriters, on the other hand, focus specifically on providing a copy for advertisements. The job of a copywriter is to write endorsement material that will make readers want to buy products or services.
What is a copywriter?
Copywriters are just one type of freelance writer. A copywriter writes promotional materials like advertisements, sales letters, or websites. Copywriters often work in-house at advertising agencies, but many work on a freelance basis as well.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.