Question: Do you have a brother or a sister that looks a lot like you do, but yet, the two of you are quite different in your personality?
As marketers, this is one way to look at Copywriting and Content Marketing. They are related, but different.
A Historical Tale of Two Persuasive Siblings
The two come from a dynamic family tree. They share genes, but not jeans. (You'll see why in a moment.)
Think of them as a brother and sister who don't necessarily look-alike at first glance. But the more you hang out with them, the more obvious it is they share the same DNA.
Copywriting and Content Marketing get along quite well together. There's more love between them than sibling rivalry.
As professional marketers, its important to understand why, so let's look at their family history from the beginning...
Meet the Parents of Copywriting and Content Marketing
Many years ago, a beautiful woman named Publicity met a handsome young fellow named Business. Their romance caught fire quickly, and the two fell in love.
They got married just a few weeks later. (Hey, when you know, you know, right?)
It was a match made in heaven. Publicity and Business have been inseparable ever since.
Not surprisingly, it wasn't long before the happy couple had their first child. They named him Copywriting.
Over the years, as Copywriting grew and matured, Mommy Publicity and Daddy Business kept a watchful eye on their child and took note of his many unique traits.
They noticed Copywriting is gifted in the following areas...
- Persuasion
- Creativity
- Boldness
- Enthusiasm
Publicity and Business were hands-on parents. Engaged. Proactive. They took great interest in helping their only son Copywriting develop and nurture his strongest traits.
Some of his traits include...
- Advertising
- Brochures
- Direct Mail Letters
- Press releases
- Radio and tv scripts
- Website landing pages
Their curly-haired boy displayed a curious mind. He pursued many interests and gained lots of knowledge. As he reached adolescence, people also began to notice Copywriting's laser focus and dogged determination to master one specific topic--like when he became obsessed with handball in 8th grade, eventually winning a regional championship. Or when he read 365 books in one year at age 17.
He still has these qualities today.
This pleased Business and Publicity. For a long time, the three of them were a happy family. Publicity and Business were proud of their baby boy.
Copywriting was their golden haired darling. They were living the dream.
But as we all know, life is not always predictable.
Change is inevitable.
Time for a new dream...
Unexpected Phone Call
One day, Copywriting was in his senior year at the university when the phone rang in his dorm room.
"Hi mom. Hi dad.... You have something to tell me?"
Copywriting's face went pale. He was speechless... Finally, he was able to choke out, "I'm going to have a baby sister?"
Yes, a little unexpected surprise came along...
She was named Content Marketing.
Although closer in age to the average set of grandparents, Publicity and Business embraced their second go-around with parenthood. Yes, they were older, but also wiser. They showered their daughter Content Marketing with the same doting attention that their son Copywriting received.
Only now they had more sophisticated tools to help them. Like the internet.
Along the way, Publicity and Business noticed their daughter's own unique set of gifts.
Content Marketing is...
- Generous
- Confident
- Smart
- Friendly
Her middle-aged parents were loving, but firm. She received copious amounts of quality time and attention, which helped Publicity and Business foster and encourage their daughters' own unique traits, including...
- eBooks
- White Papers
- Reports
- Blogs
- Videos
- Podcasts
Content Marketing has a bright future. Still young, she has lots of growing up ahead of her. From a young age, she has been taught the importance of author rank, seo, being unique, and striving for excellence.
She is also blessed to have a big brother like Copywriting. He already watches over his little sister as much as he can.
Maybe it's the age gap? Or the fact they come from the same set of parents. Whatever the reason, Copywriting and Content Marketing get along swimmingly today.
They are extremely close.
He's there for her.
And she can't help but admire her big brother. Content Marketing appreciates Copywriting's willingness to help.
But she is also her own person.
Content Marketing is more laid back than her older brother. She enjoys good conversation. She "Likes" getting to know other people. She has her own charisma, and draws in a lot of friends pretty easily.
This sometimes puzzles Copywriting. He prefers getting to the point a little quicker. He's a good leader, and more interested in accomplishing goals than making friends. Although he does appreciate the importance of a good relationship.
But sometimes Copywriting gets impatient with continuous chit-chat.
Content Marketing hasn't even reached middle school. This fair-haired girl has a lot of growing up to do yet.
But she walks the halls of her school with confidence, knowing that her big brother is just a phone call away, ready to assist when needed.
We Are Family
Sometimes, Publicity and Business sit out on their front porch and marvel at the sunset. While they enjoy the breeze, it is in these moments when their conversation quickly lands on how proud they are to witness Copywriting grow in his career and take on higher levels of leadership.
Occasionally, Content Marketing will pull up a chair alongside her mother and father to join in their conversation and watch the sun set...
She listens more than she talks.
The End (Actually, This Story is Just Beginning)
Your Business Can Adopt Two Kids And Name Them Copywriting And Content Marketing
So, did this unique story help you better understand the differences and similarities between copywriting and content marketing?
Are you using one or both of these kids to help your business grow? (Okay, technically Copywriting is a legal adult. He can vote.)
Let me know if you need additional help in understanding these two powerful forms of business writing.
Or share a comment with us. Good. Bad. Or anything in between.