What is copywriting?

Welcome back to our Copywriting Series!

In Part I, we will focus on the types of copywriting essential for your business.

But before we jump into that, let's do a quick review.

What is Copywriting?

Copywriting is the ability to use your words to persuade people to take a specific action. It's the text your business uses to develop its brand. To learn more about copywriting basics and tips to learn how to copywrite, check out our last post.

If you're a small business starting out, you might be doing your own copywriting work. However, if you are a larger business, you might be contracting out for your copywriting needs.

Whatever you do, it's essential to know the different types of copywriting and which ones your business needs to thrive.

7 Types of Copywriting

1. SEO Copywriting

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has become a popular term in the business and tech world. To keep it simple, it is a process that increases your website's chances of being viewed by the billions of people around the globe that use the internet.

SEO Copywriting uses keywords to get your website to the top of the search results.

SEO Copywriting comes in many forms, such as blog posts, how-to pages, website pages, and product descriptions. The more you can optimize these pages, the more traffic your website will receive. Many people tend to focus on the graphics of the website (which is also important) but neglect SEO, which is why your product may be amazing, but you aren't receiving the traffic you want.

To know what keywords you need, use Google Ads Keyword Planner. They help you determine which keywords are necessary to get people searching for your business. Tip: always use the keywords that are low in competition. That makes your website more likely to show up in a search.

2. Social Media Copywriting

This is probably one of the most popular forms of copywriting. Social Media Copywriting can be anything from Facebook posts to Instagram captions. Even the text you use for your Tik Tok can be a form of copywriting.

Social Media Copywriting is a great way to increase traffic to your business because it is casual, fun, and adaptable. In addition, you can cater your copywriting to different demographics depending on which social media platforms you use.

With the rise of short video platforms like TikTok, it's time to think about how copywriting can become visual and not just words in an Instagram caption.

3. Brand Copywriting

Brand Copywriting focuses solely on the voice of the brand. While Social Media Copywriting does something similar, it is more malleable. Brand Copywriting stays true to the voice a brand has already developed.

This content is carefully crafted to maintain the corporate style of your business. This is why it's important to know your brand before you begin.

4. Sales Copywriting

Similar to Brand Copywriting, Sales Copywriting remains true to the brand. It's all about selling the product to potential customers.

Sales Copywriting focuses on advertising. What are the benefits of the product? What are the features of this product you can't get anywhere else?

Sales Copywriting builds trust by educating the audience on the purpose and benefits of the product you're selling.

This catchy yet straightforward tagline shows the benefits of boxed water without going into specific detail. This bold statement, especially for those interested in sustainability, will want to buy this product.

5. PR Copywriting

PR Copywriting focuses solely on the relationship of the business with the public. In the same category as Brand Copywriting, PR Copywriting is all about boosting the company's reputation.

PR Copywriting can come in the form of a press release or website pages. It highlights the business's core services along with their latest developments—anything to keep the business name in public eye.

6. Direct Response Copywriting

Direct Response Copywriting can be anything from fundraising letters, pay-per-click ads, and sales pages. The goal? Make your potential customer act. This may also be called CTA Copywriting (Call to Action).

This form of copywriting is crucial if you are focused on product sales or support for your non-profit. Since your business relies heavily on customer interaction, you need fun yet persuasive copy to make your customers act.

Many of these ads provide Call-to-action such as "Get Tickets Now" or providing directions for people to purchase tickets. These CTA ads don't just give the product but provide the "next steps" for action.

7. Technical Copywriting

You probably see the word technical and want to flee. Don't leave just yet. Technical writing includes anything from user guides to white papers. The point? Breaking down complex topics into terms you can understand.

Got an iMac you don't know how to use? That's where technical copywriting comes in. They do extensive research on the topic and provide you with an easy guide to using the product.

Or, if you have a law firm, technical copywriters can break down the complex legal terms the public might not understand.

Bonus: B2B Copywriting

If you are a copywriter, you have seen this on Linkedin jobs, and you might have been confused (I know I was).

b2b simply stands for "business-to-business."

B2B Copywriting is text directed towards another business. For example, if you have a product you desire to sell specifically to other companies and not the general public, you will need b2b copywriting.

This will help businesses know that you care about their industry, see the gaps in their industry, and are seeking to help them in any way that you can.

Benefits of Different Forms of Copywriting

The benefit of these different forms of copywriting is that you have plenty of space to move around and explore! You aren't confined to just one. However, you might not need all of them. Going back to our last post, know your business goals and your customer. When you know these important factors, you can determine the best copywriting types for you.

Start Writing!

It's time to get those fingers typing! Pick the top 3 forms you know you need and get to work. There's someone out there waiting on your copy to use the service or purchase the product you offer.

Not sure where to start and still need help? Click here to learn about the copywriting services we offer.

Already on the move and need a second pair of eyes? Contact us for editing services.

See you soon, friend,

Faith