Web content and web copy are two terms that get tossed around like they mean the same thing, but they actually serve very different purposes. And if you want your website to work for you and not just exist online, then you need to know how to use both.
Get them right, and you’ll have a website that not only ranks well but actually engages visitors and turns them into customers. Get them wrong, and, well, your website might just be another forgettable corner of the internet.
What is Web Copy?
Web copy is all about persuasion. It’s the text on a website that’s designed to get visitors to take action, whether that’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or filling out a contact form.
It helps establish a brand as an authority in its industry by providing valuable information that potential customers are looking for. Your web copy is the voice of your brand. It’s carefully crafted to be engaging, to communicate your unique selling points, and, most importantly, to drive conversions for your business.
Every word in web copy has a purpose, and that is to move the reader closer to making a decision. Basically, if it’s designed to sell, it’s a web copy.
Examples of Web Copy
- Homepage text that introduces your brand and value proposition
- Landing pages designed for conversions
- Product descriptions that persuade users to buy
- Call-to-action (CTA) buttons and persuasive taglines
- Sales pages that build excitement and urgency
- Social media ads and PPC ad copy
What is Web Content?
Web content, on the other hand, is any form of information published on a website with the primary goal of educating, informing, or entertaining an audience.
Unlike web copy, web content is not explicitly designed to sell but rather to provide value and build trust with potential customers. It establishes authority, engages users, and helps businesses connect with their target audience in a meaningful way.
Examples of Web Content:
- Blog posts that educate and inform readers
- Articles that explore industry trends
- News and press releases
- Video transcripts and podcasts
- Ebooks and white papers
- Infographics and social media posts
The Key Differences Between Web Copy and Web Content
Here are some of the key differences between web copy and web content:
|
Feature |
Web Copy |
Web Content |
|
Purpose |
Persuade and convert |
Inform, educate, and engage |
|
Tone |
Direct, persuasive |
Conversational, informative |
|
Goal |
Encourage action (buy, sign up, contact) |
Build trust, establish authority |
|
Length |
Short, snappy, to the point |
Can be longer, in-depth |
Why Both Matter for Your Website
Neither web copy nor web content is more important than the other, and they work best together. Content brings people in and builds trust, while copy turns that trust into action. Businesses need both to create an effective sales funnel that guides potential customers from awareness to conversion.
You can’t just sell, sell, sell without building trust. At the same time, you can’t just educate without giving people a clear path to take action.
Imagine a website that only has web copy, it would feel like a constant sales pitch, which can be overwhelming. Now, imagine a site that only has web content, it might be valuable, but without any clear call to action, visitors won’t know what to do next.
The best websites balance the two: web copy to drive action, and web content to provide value and build relationships.
Get the Best of Both Worlds With Abacus Web Services
Most businesses struggle to strike that balance between good content that educates and engages, and web copy that actually gets people to take action. At Abacus Web Services, we bring the best of both web content and web copy, blending storytelling with strategy to help your business thrive online.
We will constantly refine your strategy to keep you visible, relevant, and profitable. Plus, you’ll always have direct access to David Grace, our SEO expert, so you’re never left guessing what’s going on with your website.
Whether you need a website overhaul, better rankings, or content that actually connects, we’ll help you build something that lasts, all you have to do is schedule your first consultation with us and we’ll take it from there.
