What Makes Copywriting and Ghostwriting Different Than Each Other?

It is a common understanding in the world that copywriting and ghostwriting are the same thing. However, in the writing world, they are very different from each other, containing different formats, writing styles, and tones. So let’s see what the main difference between ghostwriting and copywriting is, and come to a conclusion about which one would be better for you. 

What is copywriting? 

Copywriting is known as the writing of advertising copy which has the aim of grabbing the reader's attention on the first go and making them take action. This decision can be related to purchasing a product or service, or it can be some other act like sharing a post on social media or signing up for a newsletter. A copywriter also possesses the skills to create advertising copy, website copy, slogans, and other communications for brands and businesses. However, the ultimate goal of a copywriter is to convince the reader to engage and buy the said service or product. This is why writing persuasively and having an understanding of the client's needs is important for a copywriter's job. 

What is ghostwriting? 

To put it simply, ghostwriting is when you write something for someone and you let them pass it off as their own. Ghostwriting can be for a book, script, article, etc. and you get paid for the written content. However, your name will not be in the content as an author or writer. This usually occurs when the person you are writing for does not have enough time, or cannot write it professionally. Some ghostwriters work with businesses for articles, blogs, and even website copies. While ghostwriting, the client often has an initial idea that the writer develops and creates the content based on it. Sometimes clients can be involved in the whole writing process, sometimes they can choose not to. 

Writing something is a work of art where the one that writes, pours his or her thoughts into paper and ink. Now not everyone can be good at expressing their thoughts on paper and this is where ghostwriters come into the scene. When you write for someone, they get to publish that in their name, they get the credit and you get the money. So sometimes it is a win-win situation for everyone involved. 

So it boils down to one big difference between ghostwriters and copywriters. In copywriting, the writer takes the full credit and gets paid, whereas in ghostwriting, the writer gets paid but does not get the credit. 

Tips for copywriters: 

1.  Let your creative side shine - 

If you look at the market, you will find countless numbers of businesses, brands, and organizations out there. Every other day a new start-up is opening. So the competition is huge and you need to be creative to catch everyone's attention. Being creative and presenting something new will help you stand out from the crowd. So when you are engaged in a copywriting gig, try to think about innovative and new ways to get your message heard by the public, and market your products or services creatively. 

2.  Utilize the power of images - 

Images have more power to grab the attention of readers than just texts. So using images in your copywriting content will get the attention of your target audience right away and help you get across the message. Humans are visual creatures so always try to take advantage of it. 

Tips for ghostwriters: 

1.  Put your audience first - 

Before you even start writing anything for your client, think of who will be reading it, and who your target audience is. If it is general public, you can limit the technical terms or industry-specific words. But if the audience is an expert in the area you are writing about, you might want to focus on details, and make sure you say whatever you have to completely, without leaving anything. 

2.  Prioritize entertainment - 

When doing a ghostwriting job, make sure you are not only thinking about the content, its format, and structure, because the language you are using to write is an important tool as well. The more entertaining the text design will be, the more attention you will get from the audience. Now whether you are incorporating examples or funny words depends on the topic, but let your imagination run wild. 

Copywriting and ghostwriting both offer different services, so choose which one aligns with your writing interest.