“Can you help me write a contract?”

“What is copywriting exactly?”

“When you say creative copywriter, what does that mean?”

So let’s shed some light, shall we? Let’s start with the basics: what copywriting isn’t. And that’s anything to do with copyright law. AKA: copyrighting.

Copyrighting

What it is: 

The act of copyrighting an idea/product so it is protected under copyright law. (Note the spelling change of the root word from right to write.) Copyrighting is something you do when seeking legal claim to a concept. Although writing with a w is certainly involved when filing for a copyright, you don’t need to hire your favorite local copywriter to do it. I would actually recommend a lawyer for that.

What it isn’t:

Copywriting or (my specialty) creative copywriting. This is a super common misunderstanding I run into when networking, and I totally get it! They sound exactly the same when spoken aloud. 

Alright, so if copyrighting is a strictly legal thing, what the heck is copywriting then? Let’s tackle that next.

Copywriting

What it is:

Writing that persuades the reader to take action. It’s most often used to encourage people to make a purchase, but copywriting can be used for many other facets of your business. It can be used to convince people to read your book, listen to your podcast, or even volunteer at your local food pantry.

Some common copywriting examples include:

• Billboards 
• Social media captions/ads
• Product packaging
• Websites (e-commerce and otherwise)
• Blogs
• Branded merchandise
• Album covers 
• Book jackets

And there’s so much more! There are loads of copywriting examples all around you, you just might not have known the word for it until now. 

What it isn’t: 

Copywriting isn’t limited to a certain style. It can be used for anything from internal training material to an ad on Times Square. It can be a safety protocol pamphlet, product packaging, blogs, or the “about me” blurb on an entrepreneur’s website. What IS in fact limited to a certain writing style though, is creative copywriting.

Creative Copywriting

What it is: 

Creative copywriting incorporates a client’s unique voice into their copy, creating a cohesive, one-of-a-kind story and brand. This could mean using a business coach’s actual speaking voice as the basis for their brand voice, or developing a new brand voice for an e-ommerce company that’s ideal for their target audience. 

Think of it as where creative writing meets advertising. You’re not just selling a product or service—you’re telling a brand’s story with their own personalized brand voice. 

Creative copywriting is highly effective because it makes your brand’s voice more personable to the average reader. No one wants to follow a business that’s shouting “buy now” all the time.  People want to follow other people whom they like, and whom they wish to see progress on their journey to success. They want to support other human beings (and by proxy, their businesses) because they are relatable and they “get it.”  Whatever “it” may be. 

For example, a romance/fantasy author with a book coming out will want to use creative copy on both their social media and website to show their audience how they understand the genre and it’s fans. They will want to use creative copywriting that not only tells readers how to buy their book, but displays how they love a good enemies to lovers trope, get the struggles of having a mile-high “to be read” pile of books, and are thoroughly obsessed with leaving no plot hole unfilled. 

That author using creative copywriting will have a way easier time connecting with a genuinely interested audience than one who’s only focused on traditional sales tactics.

What it isn’t:

Content creation. This includes video script writing, photography, and graphic design. I’m a professional copywriter, not a designer. While I certainly enjoy dabbling in Canva here and there, design work is just a hobby for me. 

I have years of professional writing experience under my belt, as well as an education in journalism. Writing well and writing creatively are simply what I do best! 

Creative copywriting is also not heavily informational writing. (Think white papers, contracts, or technical writing relating to legal or medical fields.) Creative copywriting fills my cup more than those types of writing. Developing and maintaining personalized brand voices is my passion. 

Conclusion

If you read this far: thank you! I hope this helps you navigate the differences of copyrighting, copywriting, and creative copywriting. If you have any questions or need more specific copywriting help, please feel free to reach out! You can contact me at sarah@sarahrosewrites.com or sign up for a FREE discovery call right here on my website. Happy writing!