Creative Writing vs. Content Writing: What’s the Difference?

Creative Writing vs. Content Writing: What’s the Difference?

A creative content writer isn’t the same as a creative writer. Did that come as a shocker? A lot of people confuse the two fields of writing because they are often used interchangeably. Although some aspects of the two overlap, the creative writing vs. content writing debate continues.

In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of both types of writing. Moreover, we will draw the key points of differences between creative writing and content writing. It will help you choose the writing style that works best for you.

What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a style of writing that draws inspiration from the subconscious feelings, emotions, attitudes, prejudices, and experiences of the writer. To put it simply, its scope is limitless. It can cover a variety of genres and forms, from long academic essays to Shakespearan poems.

Creative writing, as the name suggests, relies solely on the creative juices flowing in your brain. It is less about information and more about inspiration. It is also not bound by rules and techniques that govern other styles (like content writing). People often confuse creative writing with fiction. But this style of writing spans both fictional and non-fictional works as long as abundant artistic freedom is allowed.

Creative writing is also dependent on the perception of the reader, and perception can vary. For example, a certain piece of creative writing (like a poem) may mean something to you. But other people may interpret it in different ways, owing to their experiences. Creative writing uses many literary devices like metaphors, alliteration, hyperbole, etc.

Examples of Creative Writing

Creative writing can take several forms. Some of the most common examples you must have come across include the following:

● Poetry: The mesmerizing verses of John Keats or the sonnets of Shakespear are all categorized under creative writing. Poetry is one of the most titillating and thought-provoking forms of creative writing.

● Pros: It’s a written form of ordinary language, without any rhythms or rhymes. Stories, novels, or folktales may all come under prose.

● Screenplays and scripts: These are written pieces that give direction to an act on stage or screen. That’s probably how a show you are currently binge-watching was created.

What Is Content Writing?

Content writing is a style of writing that is largely characterized by information and objective. The difference between content and creative writing is that the former aims to fulfill a specific purpose or dispense crucial information to readers. Content writing is usually done on online channels nowadays.

The article that you are reading right now is a form of content writing too. Content writing is part of the marketing, PR, sales, legal, and compliance activities of businesses. Content can also be produced by individuals on personal websites or blogs.

Another difference between creative writing and content writing is structure and rules. Content writing is often governed by writing rules, SEO guidelines , and the needs of the client/business. It can not be entirely left to the perception of the readers. Information has to be accurate and in line with business objectives.

is creative writing and content writing same

Examples of Content Writing

Content is everywhere if you look closely. Here are some of the most common examples of content writing that you might come across often:

● Blogs: Long-form pieces on websites form a major portion of online content, especially on search engines. These are informative, objective, and solution-oriented.

● Social media content: The various types of posts, Reels, Stories, carousels, and other content you see on social media are created by content writers. This content is also used to inform, engage, or market to the audience.

● Product descriptions: Written pieces specifying different characteristics of a product (whether on online marketplaces like Amazon or on product packaging) also come under content writing.

● Research papers: White papers, published studies, journal articles, and other such types of research content are also an example of content writing.

● Business documents: Proposals, decks, policy documents, mandates, legal paperwork, etc., are also written by content writers, based on certain organizational objectives.

Creative Writing vs. Content Writing: Key Differences

There are vast differences between creative writing and content writing, based on various factors. Up next, we will compare creative writing vs. content writing on several parameters.

Creative writing has varied tones based on the mood of the writer and the type of written piece. The writer has the freedom to choose a tone best suited for their work. It can be jubilant, emotional, fearful, hurtful, consolatory, hopeful, dejected, and more. The artist isn’t confined to a tone that is deemed “appropriate.”

Content writers, whether they are freelancers or working for a website content writing service , have to keep a specific brand tone in mind. Options are also often limited. Content writing pieces often have informative, serious, optimistic, and objective tones. Nowadays, content writers do add a creative touch to their tone, but the extent is governed by the client.

This is another major point of difference between creative writing and content writing. Creative writing is often done with the purpose of expressing, entertaining, and engaging. Sometimes, writers may also do it without any purpose and just as random musings. Content writing is done with a specific goal in mind. It can include marketing, sales, dispensing information, or other business-oriented purposes.

3. Artistic freedom

There is a big difference between creative writing and content writing when it comes to creative freedom. Creative writers enjoy a lot more artistic freedom as compared to content writers. They can choose the length, tone, style, form, and purpose of their written piece.

They also get the creative freedom to exaggerate, use imagery, and employ figurative expressions as they want. Content writers can be creative, but also have to follow SEO and writing guidelines. In the latter, it is important to make the content visible and more readable to the intended audience.

Creative writers adopt an imaginative, fantastical, and colorful style that may be rooted in truth or fantasy. Content writers, on the other hand, have a methodical, articulate, factual, and informative style of writing.

What’s a Better Choice for You?

The answer depends on why you want to write. Do you want to do it for the fun of it? Do you not care as much about its commercial feasibility? Do you simply want to entertain people? If yes, then creative writing is the way to go. But if you want to write to inform people, share your opinions, and help businesses reach their customers, content writing is what you should do.

There is also a huge difference between content writing and creative writing on the basis of commercial viability. Content writers can be paid upfront and sometimes higher because their content helps businesses drive revenue. Creative writers may also earn money, but it’s a long-term process and requires more effort. Finally, there’s no rule under the sun that says you can’t be both. There are many writers who write content to earn money during the day and turn into poets by evening.

That’s a wrap on creative writing vs. content writing. Remember that neither of the writing styles is superior to the other. There are differences between content and creative writing based on the intent and extent of creativity. Good writers often blur the lines between the two forms to create highly engaging content.

No, both are different styles of writing. They differ based on the purpose, intent, target audience, style, and tone of writing.

Creative writing is more imaginative, free-flowing, and unfiltered. On the other hand, content writing is objective, informative, and structured.

Study the work of creative content writers in your industry. Understand the writing process well and practice it often. Improve based on the feedback you get.

Some examples of content writing include blogs, articles, product descriptions, manuals, guides, ebooks, social media posts, research papers, etc.

Some examples of creative writing include poetry, creative essays, stories, novels, flash fiction, fan fiction, screenplays, scripts, and more.

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Creative Writing Vs Content Writing: 6 Differences You Should Know

Priya Jamba, Content Marketer

Table of contents

Often used interchangeably, content writing and creative writing have similarities but are different. A non-writer may not recognize the differences between the two styles of writing. However, when you approach a professional writer, they will know precisely the nuances that make creative and content writing different. 

If anyone is considering stepping into the world of writing, read on. The debate about creative writing vs content writing is ongoing, and you need to know the basics before you choose which kind of writing is better for you.

What is creative writing?

Creative writing is the art of creating stories that communicate ideas. It can involve any form of expression, including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Creative writing can help you explore your thoughts and feelings, connect with others, and share your unique perspective. It can also allow you to create something new or improve upon something old. In short, it is the art of engaging in creative thinking.

The following are some critical characteristics of creative writing:

1. It is an individual process, unlike scientific or journalistic research. There is no one defined way to write creatively; every writer has their unique style and approach.

2. Creative writers often explore unusual topics and ideas, creating relatively unstructured texts compared to traditional forms such as essays or reports. This flexibility allows them the creative freedom to communicate their ideas in an innovative way that cannot be done with a more conventional format.

3. Creative writers often use metaphors and other literary devices to convey complex ideas. Thus, they can communicate their ideas in a way that is easily understood and enjoyable to read.

4. The creative writing process uses creative imagination, which often leads to surprising and unexpected results. This element of surprise can add interest and excitement to the reader's experience, leading them to want to read more.

The key elements of creative writing are imagination, memory, and reflection. These three factors work together to help writers develop stories and characters that are interesting, entertaining, and suspenseful. Writers also use these same tools to explore ideas and express their views on life, making creative writing an often personal process.

Is creative writing a part of content writing?

Creative writing focuses on creating new ideas, whereas content writing focuses on distributing and promoting existing ideas. There is a clear-cut difference between creative writing and content writing. But that does not mean that creative writing is not a part of content writing. 

Content writers and copywriters need to be able to think creatively to come up with interesting, engaging content that will keep readers interested. They must be able to write in various styles, including creative writing, so readers will find their writing enjoyable and informative. Thus, creativity is an integral element of the field of content writing. 

What are the 5 types of creative writing?

Steeped in creativity and imagination, creative writing tends to be associated with many types and genres. Creative writing works can be classified into fiction or non-fiction. 

Here is a list of five types of creative writing commonly known to all, followed by examples for each type of writing.

1. Narrative storytelling

Narrative storytelling is an approach to creative writing that emphasizes telling a story through events, characters, and settings. The term "narrative storytelling" has been used differently over the years. Generally, it refers to writing that employs a narrative structure—a sequence of events leading from the beginning to the end and character developments—to tell a story.

Example of narrative storytelling

is creative writing and content writing same

Lamb to the Slaughter is a story penned by Roald Dahl in the narrative storytelling format. The story follows the protagonist, Mary, a housewife known for her loving nature. But one evening, as she welcomes her husband home, things take a different turn, and readers are enticed by the twist in the storytelling filled with thrill and horror. Do read the story to know more about what happened to Mary. 

Poetry is a form of creative writing that uses metrical and rhyming patterns to create images or feelings. Poetry can be any length but typically remains shorter than standard prose. Poets use different techniques and rhythmical devices to evoke emotion in their readers, including metaphor, alliteration, imagery, and abecedarian rhyme.

Example of poetry

is creative writing and content writing same

The Red Wheelbarrow is an eight-line poem by William Carlos Williams reflecting the importance of simple things in life that are often taken for granted. It artistically tries to capture the red wheelbarrow, the raindrops, and the white chicks, all essential components of a farmyard/agricultural activity. 

Is the poem talking about the reliability of the wheelbarrow for farm activities? Or is it hinting at the chickens' significance? It depends on how you interpret the poem.

3. Screenwriting

Screenwriting is one of the forms of creative writing that typically involves the development of a story, film, or television script. As with all forms of writing, screenwriting requires an acute sense of observation and storytelling ability.

Example of screenwriting

is creative writing and content writing same

Eric Roth's screenplay for Forrest Gump is the best example of creative writing. How he has adapted the novel creatively to give birth to a movie that has won millions of hearts over the years displays the true power of artistic expression. 

Essays are formal pieces of creative writing that typically examine a subject in depth. They can be informative or entertaining, but they usually aim to provide readers with new information or insights.

Example of essay

is creative writing and content writing same

Here is a snippet from an essay written by a student on her very first local diner visit. It is creatively and descriptively written to ensure that readers are engaged, and their emotions get invoked. The description of the diner in the essay allows the reader to visualize it without visiting it.

5. Memoirs/Bibliographies

Memoirs or bibliographies, as pieces of creative writing, are personal experiences that someone has written down; they often have a unique perspective and can tell stories in ways other types of writing cannot. This makes memoirs an interesting and effective means of conveying information or ideas.

Example of Memoir/Bibliography

is creative writing and content writing same

Maya Angelou's memoir, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings , is an excellent example of a creatively written memoir. It illustrates some fantastic life lessons. It follows the life story of Angelou to show how literature and strong character can help overcome trauma and racism. 

The above types and examples of creative writing must have clarified why there is a difference between creative writing and content writing. Now let us move on to content writing and its examples to understand the differences better.

What is content writing?

Content writing is creating high-quality, engaging content for a website, social media, or blog. The content writing process involves creating written material that informs and engages the target audience. Content writers are involved in developing original pieces, rewriting existing content, or sourcing and curating information from other sources. 

Ideally, the content created would be shareable and influential enough to attract readers (and potential customers) regularly and consistently. The primary purpose of content writing is digital marketing and branding. 

Content writers target search engine optimization to create content that boosts business sales and encourages networking between individuals. 

Some common skills required for successful content writing are:

  • Understanding grammar and syntax
  • Researching topics well enough to provide unique insights and thoughtful conclusions
  • Using positive reinforcement language when promoting the brand or product
  • Observing editorial requirements while maintaining user engagement potential
  • Ability to work with various writing platforms, content management systems, social media, or traditional word processors.

The process of content writing works in the following manner:

1. Planning: Outlining topics and ideas for a piece, researching for information, and determining the audience.

2. Writing: Using effective grammar and vocabulary to create coherent, readable, and quality content.

3. Editing & Proofreading: Checking for mistakes before publishing 

4. Promotion: Developing marketing strategies to promote your content

Examples of content writing

Content writing skills and strategy are essential to creating content for social media posts, blogs, ebooks, websites, etc. Below are a few real-life examples of popular types of content writing pieces found on the internet. 

1. Blogpost example

is creative writing and content writing same

Zoom's blog post is an ideal example of content writing because it showcases its features to specific audience. It offers information to readers about the features and tips for using Zoom for office parties and gatherings during the holiday season.

2. Social media post example

is creative writing and content writing same

The brand-Incogmeato has leveraged Twitter's polling feature in this tweet. It has a graphic added to it to grab attention. The social media content is witty, encouraging dialogue and discussion among the audience. 

3. Ebook example

is creative writing and content writing same

Content Marketing Institute's ‘Content Marketing Survival Guide’ is a great example of content writing. It is informative and provides data related to around 12 social media sites. It also contains tips and tricks to create an effective social media marketing and content strategy.

4. Website content example

is creative writing and content writing same

The screenshot is from Cupcakes and Cashmere, a website associated with lifestyle and fashion. Emily Schuman is the founder of this website. The content on this particular webpage provides a sneak peek into the founder's life in the most exciting yet simplistic manner. 

Creative writing vs content writing: Key differences

Now that you know the basics of creative and content writing, it is time to move on to the key differences between the two. 

1. Different purposes

One of the primary differences between creative writing and content writing is related to the specific purpose of writing. Creative writing is used to explore the inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the author. Conversely, content writing communicates ideas or information that can help people achieve their goals. 

2. Different styles of writing

Another difference revealed by the debate on creative writing vs content writing is that both have different writing styles. Creative writing tends to be more poetic and lyrical, while content writing is more straightforward and persuasive.

3. Tone of voice 

There is no definitive tone of voice for creative writing, as the style and approach to writing will vary depending on the author's personal preferences. However, the tone of a creative writing piece can convey action or excitement, rely on vivid imagery, employ intriguing metaphors, and inject humor where appropriate. 

In contrast, in content writing, the tone of voice should be respectful and objective. While it's important to evoke the reader's emotions compellingly, the content is written impartially, ensuring readers can share it with a wider audience.

4. Fiction and non-fiction

Creative writing is typically associated with fiction, but sometimes some creative writers produce non-fiction works as well. Content writing, in comparison, is mostly non-fiction, and content writers only get the scope to write fiction if there is a marketing or brand requirement. 

5. Word usage

You can use the same word in creative writing multiple times, even in one line. You have the authority and freedom to express yourself however you want. But when it comes to content writing, using a variety of words is especially important to grab readers’ attention. You must ensure that keywords are used but not excessively. Synonymizing is an essential element of content writing. 

6. Process of writing

Creative writing resembles an art form. This means that creative writers typically take their time to produce and organize their work. The creative writing process allows the writer to devise a writing style and convey their ideas in whatever form they want. 

Content writing must be done within a specific set of parameters decided by the client. The content cannot take any shape desired by the writer and must present facts and information as the client dictates. The writer also has to be mindful of SEO guidelines. 

Similarities between creative and content writing 

Although the points of difference between creative writing and content writing are quite clear now, understanding the similarities between the two forms is also essential. We will mention the similarities here so that your knowledge regarding the creative writing vs content writing debate is complete.

Both writing styles require the writer to come up with ideas, develop them into sentences, and then string those sentences together into cohesive and comprehensive pieces. They also need to be able to think critically about their work and make sure that it is readable to a large audience. 

Whether you publish content pieces or promote creative writing, your writing must be of high quality to be successful. Your writing must also be error-free and formatted correctly if you want people to trust your authority and credibility.

Creative writing vs. content writing: Conclusion

We have successfully demonstrated that there is a difference between creative writing and content writing. While one has to be used creatively, the other has to be deployed strategically. Both styles have benefits that can be leveraged to write powerful and effective content. 

Nowadays, content writers are using creative techniques to produce better content. On the other hand, creative writers are optimizing their content pieces and making them SEO-friendly to gain traction. 

Also, content writing differs from copywriting. Read this blog, ‘ Copywriting vs Content Writing: What are the Differences & Similarities? ’ to know more. 

Can AI writing help you in writing creative content?

Yes, AI writing can help you in developing creative content. It can recommend topics and angles to explore, scan through existing content for inspiration, and even offer corrections or refinements to your writing style. 

Do you wish to use AI to write creative content? Use Scalenut. This AI-powered SEO and content marketing platform can help your website rank scale up with free SEO tools that ensure your creativity never gets blocked. 

Scalenut is among the 14 best AI writing assistants to help you scale your content marketing . So what are you waiting for? Sign up now.

is creative writing and content writing same

ABout the AUTHOR

Priya Jamba is a Content Marketer at Scalenut. She loves marketing technologies and believes that with the right combination of tools and creativity, every organization can build sustainable brands. She is on a mission to help marketing teams across the globe produce tangible results from their marketing campaigns. Currently, she is working along with the Product team to enhance the AI content quality through prompt engineering.

Plan, write and optimize long form content with AI Tools

Try our AI Tools to create SEO content faster and better

is creative writing and content writing same

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creative writing and content writing, difference between creative writing and content writing, what is creative content writing

For an outsider who doesn’t write, all writing might appear identical. It is an arrangement of 26 alphabets crafted into some meaningful words, put together. There is no way for them to differentiate between different types of writing.

However, an experienced writer would understand the differences between different types of writing. As they see it, writing’ is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of subtypes. 

You can divide schools of writing into two types: creative writing and commercial or content writing. Getting started as a writer might be intimidating, but keep reading, and you just might find your calling. 

The purpose of this post is to explore the idea of content writing and creative writing in detail. As part of that discussion, we will also examine the key differences between the two types. Let’s start with the basics to get a better view of both sides? 

Read on. 

Table of Contents - Quick Look At What's Inside

What Is Creative Writing?

When Shakespeare wrote King Lear during a plague, it showed the world a bleak vision of the world. That humans are nothing but plaques on the wall for God – illusionary and non-existent.  

What does it tell you about the form of writing? Sweet Mercy, Shakespeare is so creative – That’s the most general remark you’ll hear, but it does tell you enough about the form. All this is part of creative writing. Creative writing is often a type of writing we’re exposed to from an early age. It is not uncommon for us to study Shakespeare, write poetry, or write our own stories as forms of creative writing.

In essence, creative writing refers to the process of developing ideas. Due to its non-conformity with professional writing rules, as well as academic and business writing rules, it is often regarded as more artistic. There are many different types of creative writing, but typically the form of creative writing is descriptive or narrative and includes a story, plot, characters, and narratives.

If you enjoy creative writing, whether it’s in the form of nonfiction, poetry, novels, or movies, you’re not alone. As a rule, creative writing follows literary tropes in terms of storytelling, the use of themes, and the level of emotion evoked in the story.

So, you cannot expect creative writing in your next meeting or in the majority of marketing copy. 

Why Is Creative Writing Important? 

Creativity preserves our humanity, simply put. Is there a better way to experience life than through art?

The process of creative writing, like any other art form, requires compassion, contemplation, and curiosity. The world as seen by writers is preserved in stories and poetry, and the world as imagined by the writers is produced in their works.

Literary works have reflected the profound shifts in society over the decades. The industrial growth in Western civilization led to literary movements like the Naturalist movement and Beat poetry. Writers like Virginia Woolf and W. H. Auden transformed poetry into a vehicle for exploring and examining emotions. Additionally, genre movements like cyberpunk contributed to popularizing the idea of an “information economy.”

Hence, it is crucial to understand that creative writing is about depicting the world through an unfiltered and honest lens. Creative writing, no matter what its genre or style, aids in exploring the human experience, forging new ideas, and advocating for a better society. It doesn’t matter whether you write your stories for yourself or for a wide audience, creative writing benefits the world.

Elements Of Creative Writing

Creative writing offers artistic freedom. Creative writing can be either fiction or nonfiction which gives the writer a unique ability to express themselves.

2. Entertainment

There is no doubt that creative writing entertains. Writing for entertainment is often employed in creative nonfiction as well as fiction.

3. Informative

The power of creative writing lies in its ability to inform. In the same way that biographies and memoirs can be informative, informative writing can also be creative.

4. Adaptable 

Creative writing can build on earlier work. Creative writing allows you to adapt or repurpose previous pieces. You see this most clearly with movie sequels and serialized comics.

5. Variety In Narratives

A creative writer can incorporate a variety of points of view. In creative writing, narrative voices range from first- and second-person narration to the omniscient third-person narrative.

6. Artistic

All writers are artists. Often, a writer’s creative writing skills are evaluated through diverse methods, including language mastery, storytelling, character development, literary devices (such as metaphor and foreshadowing), and worldbuilding.

7. Different Themes

Creative writing explores deep themes. An important theme often shapes creative writing, either directly (in nonfiction) or indirectly (in fiction).

Careers In Creative Writing 

Creative writing is not a STEM field, so many people believe it will not help them in their careers. If it won’t make you any money, why study creative writing?

This is far from the truth. It is increasingly important to have skills in creative writing on resumes, as both creativity and writing skills are on the decline. Also, if you’re considering a career switch-or are about to begin one! Here are some of the most popular writing jobs: 

1. Copywriter

Copywriters help companies express their brand’s essence in words. A copywriter may create emails, blogs, content for websites, or ad copy that is in line with the company’s voice and purposes. You must blend styles and forms in the copywriting process, exercising your writing muscles in exciting and new ways.

Copywriter Starting Salary : $51,000 – $55,000 on average

Demand : Very high

Skills Required : Creativity, grammar, timeliness

2. Public Relations/Communications Specialist

Communication specialists help companies promote their images through different social media platforms. By blogging, partnering with media, using social media and other public-facing media outlets, they can create a positive narrative for their organization. As with copywriting, PR specialists help businesses tell their stories effectively.

Public Relations & Communications Specialist Starting Salary : $38,000 – $55,000 on average

Demand : high

Skills Required : Creativity, networking, pitching

3. Novelist

A writer’s dream job is to write and sell books. There is no doubt that writing novels is an admirable career choice-and also the most difficult. Besides writing a story, you must also market yourself in the literary world and keep an active social media presence so that publishers and readers will see your work. Despite the challenges, the industry is extremely rewarding!

Novelist Starting Salary : A novelist makes about $50,000 on average

Demand : Medium to low demand

Skills Required : A creative mind, storytelling ability, organization skills, and self-reliance skills are needed.

What Is Content Writing?

Contrary to creative writing, content writing belongs to a clear-cut class of writing styles. Generally, the creation of content is intended to achieve a specific goal.

The objective of this type of content is not to provide enjoyment but rather to create easy to consume information for a target audience and to convince and captivate them. It is common for content to be included as part of marketing campaigns, and many companies have a specific brand messaging that content writers must conform to when creating content.

Content writing includes many different types of writing, including SEO copywriting, content writing to increase conversions and sales, and general content writing aimed at making a brand or business more appealing to its target audience. Content writing is utilized by social media, blogs, ebooks, infographics, and more to display professionalism and give materials a brand-specific flair.

As a general rule, content writing is used in a business or workplace and is directed at a general online audience or as defined by a marketing plan.

Why is Content Writing Important? 

It is common for marketers to put all their budgets into one item, like video. They often neglect the power of great content. A well-crafted content attracts people to your site or social media accounts and encourages them to come back for more.  

In any business, you need consistency, especially with your brand messaging. A cohesive brand message that aligns with the goals and interests of customers generates raves in public more than anything. So, if you want to win over your audience, you need a consistent stream of high-quality, engaging content. Written content allows your brand to create a connection with your customers. The more connected they feel, the more the conversions and eventually more revenue. That’s the point of content – to educate readers about your brand, product, or services in the most succinct manner possible. 

If you write content with your own voice, tone, and style, you will undoubtedly reap the rewards from your content creation efforts. The quest for customer satisfaction is heavily dependent on consistency across every aspect of a business. This highlights just how important content writing really is.  

Elements of Content Writing 

Content writing is a far more transactional process than creative writing. The types of writing that tend to hit the shelves are two: marketing copy based on branding, especially for the web, and technical copy that explains how to do something. It is not about expressing an author’s personal voice but rather conveying information for a specific purpose. In order to become a successful online content writer, take note of these elements:

1. Acts As A Marketing Asset

Content writing is often used for marketing purposes. A professional writer should be able to write for a business’s target audience.

2. Outcome Driven 

There may be high production requirements in content writing. The writing process needs to be efficient.

3. Strict On Schedules 

There may be a need for a quick turnaround on content writing. Make sure you can meet tight deadlines.

4. Must Be Engaging For The Readers 

It is important to write engaging content. You must possess the ability to make a text more readable and keep a reader’s attention. 

5. Research Oriented 

You will probably have to do some research when writing content. Be fluent in rapid online research, including targeted searches and keyword research.

6. Brand Specific

A brand’s content should align with its messaging. Make sure your writing integrates a brand’s content strategy and marketing strategy.

7. Creative Touch 

Creativity is critical for content writing. You should be able to write creative content within the parameters of a given assignment (this is sometimes called creative content writing).

Careers In Content Writing  

Content Writing makes you a competent marketer, and for this very reason, there are a plethora of options available in this field. However, you’ll need to have some prior experience if you want to land the dream role. 

For instance, if you like video games, you might love writing web content for magazines or news websites that feature articles related to gaming. But the key is to make yourself worthy of the role first. What you can do is take up small-scale internships to learn the craft, build your portfolio, and once you reach a certain level of expertise, the sky’s the limit. 

Because as far as content writing is concerned, options are limitless. You can become a full-time blogger, an SEO specialist, craft course modules for students, write product reviews, and whatnot. 

And trust me, there aren’t just five of these. There are more. I’ve written about. If you want, go and check out this blog to learn more about the career opportunities for content writers . You can learn all about the salary and the skills required to fit the role. You can then prepare a spreadsheet and outline your skills and match up the go-to option. Do tell me in the comments which one do you consider trying out for. I would love to hear your thoughts about it. 

If you savor flexibility and learning, you’ll think you can try out everything. And that’s the surprise. There’s no end goal. It doesn’t matter if you write about video games. If you know a bit of game spirit, you can try out academic content writing or vice versa. I hope you get my point here. The options are endless. 

The Differences Between Creative Writing And Content Writing 

By now, you should be able to see what makes creative and content writing so different from each other.

Different factors are involved in the approaches to writing that make these styles and forms so different. On the surface, these two forms of writing may seem similar. However, there are some significant differences. Among the most significant is the purpose for which content is being created. A writer’s objectives influence the type of content they make. So how can you distinguish between content that meets one goal or the other? Take a look at these differences that jump into the scene when you’re studying the two styles of writing: 

1. The Purpose Of Writing

Creative writing aims to describe feelings, stimulate thoughts, and provide entertainment; content writing aims to attract an audience and generate measurable results.

2. The Style Of Writing

There is something very relaxing about creative writing, drawing a picture of someone or something beautifully. Contrary to that, content writing should be clear and persuasive and provide an incentive for a reader to learn more about the brand.

3. Where The Writing Will Be Used

It is common for creative writing to be confined to online sites, novels, and ebooks, while content writing is available for a wide range of purposes online, from press releases to website content.

4. Tone Of Voice

Content writers are expected to stick to specific parameters and use the tone decided by the broader branding process when it comes to tone of voice. By contrast, creative writers have much more freedom when it comes to setting their own unique voice for their writing.

5. Time Constraints

While you might be used to dedicating hours to a creative project and days to editing, the truth is that time is constrained when it comes to content writing. The ability to produce excellent content quickly is imperative, especially if you are constantly being asked to produce content at a moment’s notice.

6. Word Usage

Synonyms are a writer’s best friend. It can be boring to read when writers don’t know how to use synonyms. With SEO content writing, however, learning how to use interchangeable words is critical. To sound professional, it’s not just that you have to be able to vary your sentencing, but you also have to curtail any monotony. This repetition of certain words is often called keyword stuffing. SEO content writing strictly prohibits any stuffing. You have to give enough breaks in word usage to make the content more natural. 

The Similarities Between Creative & Content Writer

The two types of writing may differ in many ways, but by combining skills of SEO content writing with creative content writing, you can advance your writing. Do they really differ that much? There are three pillars to their similarity.

1. Both Require Consistent Quality 

It doesn’t matter if you publish creative writing or SEO content; high-quality writing is necessary to have your work recognized and appreciated by readers. To put it differently, grammar and format need to be neat and tidy, with the exception of certain forms of poetry. If your grammar mistakes are evident and your structure is difficult to interpret, your readers will leave in less than a minute.

It is important that both types of writers take into account their target market when they write. All aspects of content, such as word choice, theme, and professionalism, are dependent on the recipients of the content. The readability of your content is one of the most significant factors that affect how it is received by readers, especially for SEO content writing.

2. Both Have A Good Audience Appeal

Each style requires engagement and involvement at its core. We create content to reach potential readers and help them. When you pique your audience’s interest, you develop a connection that may turn into a long-term readership as well. 

That’s why the purpose of SEO and creative content boils down to, to hook the readers. Considering Google tries to evaluate data the same way it would a reader, engaging readers becomes even more essential. Part of your search ranking is determined by how well users respond to your posts. Does your content benefit them? Are they sharing it or commenting below it? The digital world is full of these signs of engagement, as engagement is equivalent to traffic.

3. Both Advocate Writing 

The power of words becomes more apparent in a world of technology uprooting traditional libraries and videos replacing literature. SEO content writing and creative content writing play a vital role here. They offer a unique approach to engaging readers and generating online readership. The power of SEO content writing is invaluable to any marketing strategy, thanks to the traffic it generates and the power it adds to any marketing strategy. Even social media relies on the strength of content marketing to reach the audience.

Creative content writing has always stood out in terms of advocacy. Stories have been enchanting the readers for ages. People love to cry, laugh, think and discover through creative writing. They can point out several issues and raise questions/doubts using out-of-the-box literary devices. There is a wealth of creative writing on the web from people from diverse backgrounds and talents. As a result, journalists, marketers, and lifestyle writers are increasingly using creative devices.

Creative Writing Or Content Writing -Which One Has A Brighter Future? 

As we’ve established, SEO writing and creative writing are two entirely different techniques. One employs a more strategic technique while the other is more creative. It doesn’t mean you can’t create mobile content that soars above the competition, though, using both skills. 

Although each style of writing has its place in the world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the benefits of both. With marketing’s evolution, writing has become more fluid and interesting, which is vital to consumers. While the literary community is starting to use SEO best practices to promote their content online, SEO content writers are creating more engaging content using creative methods.

So, Which One Should You Go After? 

How would you describe your ideal fit? Your true calling may lie with creative writing, or perhaps you prefer the methodical and analytical nature of content writing. You can have the best of both worlds – if you’re good at switching from one style to another – by working as a part-time creative writer and as a content writer on the side.

Looking for SEO content writers who incorporate creativity and quality into their writing? Take a look at our content writing agency service and find out how we can help you.

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Hey, I'm Samyak! I'm an SEO writer, content specialist, and D2C freelance marketer. I create content to help businesses use content marketing effectively for business growth.I write about content marketing and how it can help businesses ignite their brand power.My goal is to inspire you to innovate, upskill, and improve.

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Creative writing vs content writing: differences and similarities

Table of contents, what does creative writing mean, what does content writing mean, the key differences between creative and content, similarities between creative and content.

  • Which fits you best?

If you’re a writer, or you’ve considered writing, then you’ve likely already had the conversation with at least one loved one or colleague about your work. These conversations, in general, tend to go along the lines of considering someone who writes to be good at every aspect of writing. From copywriters being asked to write poetry to novelists being tapped up for press releases – to the broader world writing is, well, just writing .

While from an external perspective, the concept of ‘writing’ as a whole can often be considered a general area of work or study, there’s far more nuance to what writing can mean than simply a blanket answer. We take a closer look at the difference between two very distinctive types of writing – creative writing vs content writing – to look at the significant differences between each kind of writing, and why you might be suited to one more than the other.

Read on to find out more about creative writing vs content writing, and what exactly it all means:

In many contexts, creative writing is the type of writing we’re typically brought up with from school age. Shakespeare, poetry, and even creating our own stories are all forms of creative writing that we either study or create ourselves.

As the name suggests, creative writing is more on the creative side. It is often considered more artistic thanks to it falling outside the typical rules for professional writing, or even academic and business writing. Creative writing can have many distinctive flairs, but typically it is descriptive or tells a story, and includes the development of scenes, plots, characters and narratives.

Creative writing is typically read for enjoyment, whether it’s in the form of non-fiction, poetry, novels or even in the form of movies and video games. Generally, when we’re talking about writing that can be considered creative, it also follows typical literary tropes in terms of its storytelling, its use of themes and the level of emotion used in the writing created.

As such, you can’t expect to find creative writing in your next office meeting or the majority of marketing copy (though there are exception, we’re looking at you Nationwide poetry ads ).

In comparison to creative writing, content writing – also known as copywriting – falls into a clear-cut set of rules and requirements. In the majority of cases, the creation of content writing is for a particular purpose and goal.

Rather than personal enjoyment, content of this type is designed for easy consumption by a target audience and has the purpose of being persuasive and attractive to the reader. Typically, content writing is included as marketing materials and brand campaigns, and many companies have a specific style or tone of content that writers are required to comply with.

Content writing covers a vast range of different forms of writing, including writing for Search Engine Optimisation , to encourage conversions and sales and generally to make a brand or business look more attractive and appealing to a broader audience. Social media, blogs, e-books, infographics and more all utilise content writing to add to their professionalism as well as to give a brand-specific flair to created materials.

Generally, content writing is used in a business or workplace setting and is intended for a general virtual audience, defined by the marketing plan of that business.

Now we’ve got a better understanding of the difference between creative and content writing; we can examine what makes them so different from each other.

As you might expect, a range of factors is at play that make these styles and forms of writing so different. Once you’ve seen them, you’ll never be able to look at writing as ‘just writing’ again. When it comes to the difference between creative writing and content writing, some of the key points include:

  • The purpose of writing – While creative writing is intended to express feelings, stimulate thoughts, and provide entertainment, content writing is designed to attract an audience and achieve a measurable outcome .
  • The style of writing – Creative writing can be very floral and verbose, painting a picture of a setting or person leisurely. In contrast, content writing should be to-the-point, clear, and offer a persuasive reason for the reader to learn more about that brand.
  • Where the writing is used – Creative writing is often confined to online sites, novels and e-books, whereas content writing is more freely available online, from website copy to press releases and social media marketing.
  • Tone of voice – Creative writers have a great deal more freedom when it comes to the tone of voice they set out for their writing, whereas content writers are required to stick within the particular parameters and tone decided by the broader branding of a company.
  • Time constraints – While you might have been used to spending hours on a creative piece and days editing, the reality is that time is of the essence when it comes to content writing. You may find you are asked to come up with an article or web page at the drop of a hat, so having faith in your abilities to produce content quickly that is spot on is imperative.

While there are some similarities between creative and content writers, namely their skill in putting words onto paper or screen, much of that similarity ends there.

While those skilled at writing may find themselves pulled towards more profitable content creation as opposed to more emotion-led creative writing, if they are more inclined to greater freedom in their writing, they may find the transition a challenge. This isn’t to say it’s not achievable – but content writing often isn’t quite as easy as people think it should be.

Which is right for you?

So, which is the best writing path for you? Perhaps your heart lies with creative writing, or you find yourself more drawn to the analytical and methodical style content writing provides. In some cases, part-time creative writers also supplement their income with content writing on the side, which does mean it’s possible to have the best of both worlds – if you’re good at flipping the switch from one style to the other.

For those looking into writing for the first time, your best bet is to play on your strengths. If your writing is flexible, to-the-point and persuasive, then creative content writing might be your ideal fit.

We encourage all writers to experiment with creative writing, content writing and copywriting. A good mastery of words might mean you're able to apply yourself to a range of styles. Developing your command of the English language in this way helps turn you into a unique writer that is able to think outside the box to convey your message.

✏️ Get access to more writing tutorials and advice on the Copify blog today.

Main image credit: Dan Dimmock

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