Hi everyone!

More and more lately, every time I take a tour of eLance (research, mostly) or read some of the "copywriter wanted" posts here in this forum, I find that probably 1/3rd of these requests aren't for copywriters at all...

They're for article writers!

Am I missing the boat? Is article writing easier & more profitable than copywriting? Or are some people just getting confused when they post their projects?

I don't know what anyone else here does, but I don't write articles. Sure, they can be persuasive - but its a soft sell mentality. They're intended to educate, and to get the reader to click - I would much rather earn what I'm worth and do some actual selling.

What is your view on all this? Am I wrong?

- Cherilyn

At least in my opinion article writing is a whole different breed of cat... And if you want to be a copywriter then be a copywriter-- not an article writer UNLESS it deals with "How To Be A Copywriter".

Copywriting has far more in connection with general marketing principles that it does with composing articles, yet I see many people ignoring the whole marketing enchilada.

We've had supposed copywriters (who were nothing more than articles writers trying to break in to the copywriting game because they smelled far more income than what writing articles will garner) who didn't know shat from shinola when it comes to the mathematics side of the business.

I think all you do by trying to keep you toes in both ponds (copywriting & article writing) is cut your potential for higher paydays.

I don't know of many of the top copywriters throughout history that were also active article writers-- outside of the those relating to copywriting, marketing, business opportunities and self improvement. I guess Denny Hatch comes to mind as someone that is recognized as a top-copywriter who also does articles-- but he's in his 70's now and many of his articles do reflect a business, marketing or copywriting spin.

Cherilyn

I think businesses have come to view copywriting as synonymous with business writing--and indeed many copywriters wear that broad hat.

I will write an article from time to time, although article writing is not my first choice as a project. But plenty of copywriters include article writing and ghost writing in their services.

Also, I am going to guess that these prospects are not sure where to look for an article writer so they figure it cannot hurt to advertise here and on other CW forums.

Both good points. Actually if I remember correctly, Bob Bly did a lot of article writing. In fact, he still might.

I guess I just wonder why requests for "70 articles of 400+ words in the dog training niche" and things like that keep coming up in copywriting forums & online freelance sites. They don't belong there!

- Cherilyn

I think there is some truth to that... Although I think the vast marjority of businesses in the U.S. are less familiar with the use of articles to promote their businesses than they are with copywriting in general.

I think businesses are far more likely to confuse graphic designers with copywriters-- they think designing an ad is the same thing as copywriting an ad.

Cos they're stoopid.

Actually, unless you are a top-notch copywriter, it is hard to make a living doing it. I don't get that many calls for my copywriting services, but I get tons of requests for article writing. So I figured, at the speed I type, I can crank out two to three articles an hour, I can make up to $400 a day, which is what I do many times. I have found article writing to be more in demand than copywriting. At least that has been my experience.

Harry

Articles can be lucrative with the right client. I have one client who pays me $200 an article, and I can write them in about an hour because I'm familiar with this specific industry. Since he gives me a lot of assignments, I can do quite well if I work quickly and efficiently.

Deb,

Who is your client? I seem to be getting all low paying clients. For once I would like to get a client that pays that much for an article.

Thanks for sharing.

Harry

Deb

How many words are the articles? I just got an inquiry to write PR style vignettes of about 450-500 words apiece-- and I quoted twice your amount. The prospect disappeared down the rabbit hole. lol!