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.

difference between creative writing and content writing

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.

Latest Blogs

In this blog, explore the golden rules of using AI marketing tools so you can leverage the benefits to their maximum potential.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to avoid the pitfalls of SEO over-optimization while enhancing your site’s performance.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what AMP is, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it affects SEO.

Get your hands on the latest news!

Similar posts.

difference between creative writing and content writing

9 mins read

Content Marketing vs Advertising – Which One is More Effective?

Interactive vs. Static Content.

11 mins read

Interactive Content vs. Static Content: Which is More Effective?

difference between creative writing and content writing

6 mins read

Unlocking Success: 4 Case Studies of Successful Content Marketing Campaigns Using a Platform

  • Colleges and Institutes
  • Accessibility tools
  • Scholarships
  • Pre-degree courses
  • Undergraduate study
  • Post-Grad Community
  • Self-paced online short courses
  • On Campus short courses
  • Online short courses
  • Courses for teenagers
  • Courses starting soon
  • Summer short courses
  • Customised and executive training
  • Future Creatives
  • CSM Tutor, Elise Valmorbida, is a Victorian Premier’s Literary Award Winner!
  • John Fitzpatrick talks BAFTA nominations, his career highlights so far and advice for aspiring screenwriters
  • Introduction to Cosmetic Science Short Course
  • Student Stories: Elizabeth Bond, Shoe Making
  • Ruth Eisenhart, from student to tutor
  • Student Stories: Tamsin Balcanquall, Costume Making
  • Student Stories: Livia Toso, Special Effects Makeup for Film and Television
  • Student Stories: Nick Palmer, Making Latex Clothes
  • Meet our Tutors - Magali Avezou
  • Student Stories: Matis Swann, Visual Merchandising Intensive
  • Spotlight on the 'How To Become An Independent Curator' short course
  • Student Stories: Jo Sampson, Interior Design - Module One, Two and Three
  • Authentic voices from Magnum Documentary Photography students
  • Talking with tutors: Street Photography
  • Love and animation with robots
  • Celebrating Brutalist Architecture through type
  • Merging psychology and street style
  • UAL alumna enhances her skillset
  • Student explores the creative industries
  • Insider's Guide to Starting a Fashion Business
  • Meet our Tutors: Nicola Pozzani, Design with Scents
  • Student Stories: Beatrice D'Alessandro, Swimwear Designer
  • Meet Our Tutors: Carlyn McGuire, Fashion Design Intensive
  • How to Promote Your New Clothing Label
  • Student Stories: Doina Tapordei, Editorial Styling and Creative Direction
  • Fashion Founders - An Interview with Nichole de Carle
  • How to Become an Interior Designer
  • Meet our tutors: Alice White
  • Student Stories: Katie Swindells, The Complete Makeup Artist
  • Student Stories: Flavia Myrrha’s Summer of Experimental Jewellery
  • Meet our Tutors: Matthew Needham
  • Makes, designs and prints: student Zé Monteiro talks Screen Printing and his process
  • Student Stories: Geeghislaine (Gee) Gazon, From The Great British Sewing Bee to Short Courses
  • Student Stories: The Paintings of Katerina Savvas
  • Central Saint Martins Short Courses at The Affordable Art Fair in Hampstead
  • A degree in resilience: we talk to UAL alumnus and tutor Ansel Neckles
  • How I got here: Tom Oliver Payne
  • Student Stories: Ewa Grzeszczuk Karzynska and Art Direction for Film
  • Student Stories: Jenia Shchedrova and Create a Fashion Portfolio - Intermediate
  • #Passion2Purpose competition: Discovering and rewarding the hard work of African-based fashion entrepreneurs
  • Student Stories: Holly Hilton, The Complete Makeup Artist
  • Meet the Tutor: Enver Gürsev - Oil Painting tutor, Chelsea College of Arts
  • Student Stories: Hanna Linnéa Mödder and Fashion Journalism
  • How to become an Aesthetic Therapist
  • How to start a career in fashion
  • Hans Tiley: LCF X CASS Art Further Education Award Winner
  • Turning the page: we talk to Book Design and Production tutor Nigel French
  • Meet Our Tutors: Georgie Tym, Bag Making courses
  • Late at Chelsea and Summer Degree Shows
  • Student Stories: Judit Massana and Fashion Photography
  • Central Saint Martins Short Courses Window Gallery Exhibition
  • Student Stories: Birgitte Kriek and Fashion Drawing Summer School
  • Outside of design, I am interested in design – we talk to tutor Ben Richards
  • How you can use graphic design to direct and hold your audiences attention
  • Meet the Tutor: Debbie Flowerday - Retail design tutor, Chelsea College of Arts
  • A strong visual identity is like a handshake: Tutor Ansel Neckles shares advice on building yours
  • Student Story: Alexander Steenhorst, Graphic Novels and Comic Book Art Short Course
  • Magnum Photos scholarship for emerging photographers
  • How to get into the creative industries: Try. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. Repeat.
  • From short courses to studying full-time at UAL
  • Meet the Tutor: Matteo Bianchi - Starting an Interior Design Business tutor
  • Course Feature: Build Your Personal Brand
  • It's all in the process – studying abroad, making mistakes and learning new skills
  • Getting to grips with Digital Pattern Cutting: Juliet Uzor, winner of the Great British Sewing Bee 2019
  • Meet our Tutors: Photini Konnarides and Designing a Denim Collection
  • Art and Design Workshops for 16 to 18 Year Olds with Ilga Leimanis
  • Meet the Tutor: Debbie Blandford - Interior Design tutor, Chelsea College of Arts
  • Introducing: Short Course Exhibition and Selection Panel
  • 5 reasons you should take Millinery Workshop
  • UAL: A Springboard for Your Creative Future
  • Markas Klisius and Koye Odejinmi - “work in progress” curators
  • Student Stories: Odette and Laser Cutting for Textile Design
  • Student Stories: Victoria Sills and Applied Surface Design
  • Meet the Tutor: Lyndall Fernie - Interior Design tutor, Chelsea College of Arts
  • Student Stories: Tamara Vázquez, Fashion Design: Intensive
  • Kirsten Cooke - Curating the Short Course Exhibition
  • 5 reasons you should take Creative Leadership for Fashion Business Weekend
  • Short Course Exhibition: Fine Art Exhibitors
  • Short Course Exhibition: Illustration Exhibitors
  • Short Course Exhibition: Design Exhibitors
  • Short Course Exhibition: Teenage Exhibitors
  • From Short Courses to Successful Fashion Business Owner: Bolupe Adebiyi
  • Student Stories: Michael Eden and Practical Metalwork Workshop
  • Can you control the narrative? Zine-making, image selection and the impact of creative decisions with Magnum Photos
  • Student Stories: Veronica Giron and Shoe Design for Beginners
  • Designing wedding dresses and giving back to the community
  • 5 reasons you should take Visual Merchandising - Interiors
  • Student Story: Rebbeca Morse, Book Illustration
  • Student Stories Summer School WINNER: Eve Donaldson and Urban Sketchbook for 16 to 18 Year Olds
  • Meet the Tutors: Design for Sustainability - Fashion and Textiles
  • Students look to the world’s current climate for inspiration
  • 5 reasons you should take Leather Glove Making Workshop
  • How to Start Creative Coding
  • Course Feature: Pre-Foundation Portfolio Preparation for 16 - 18 Year Olds
  • Fashion Film: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
  • How to Make Fashion Drawing and Illustration Templates
  • Meet our Tutors: Illustration with Laura McKendry
  • Student Story: Sean Kinson, Graphic Design
  • Studying with Dominique L’Olive in the studio and online
  • Some inspiration for the week from us...
  • Learn how to communicate with data...
  • Course Feature: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
  • Student Story: Elisa Conlan, Pre-Foundation Portfolio Preparation
  • All about the Japanese Kimono with tutor Sheila Cliffe
  • Pursuing Photography – we talk to Magnum Photos Scholar Anselm Ebulue
  • Let’s talk about Portfolios – UAL advise on things to remember
  • Student Stories: Tereza Kupcikova and Jewellery with Wood
  • Join us on a UAL Short Course
  • Studying with Schelay McCarter in the studio and online
  • Student Stories: Sophie Grapentin, from a History Degree to Lingerie Design
  • Student Stories: Annie Michie, Colour Mixing Workshop and Illustration Workshop
  • The learning doesn't stop in the classroom...
  • Student Stories: Mandula Pap and Fashion Mix
  • Student Stories: Virginia Mackie and Introduction to Silversmithing
  • Course Feature: Interior Design - Modules 1, 2 and 3
  • Meet our Tutors: Jewellery with Sarah King
  • Student Story: Erin Donohoe, Illustration
  • Course Feature: Graphic Design
  • Student Stories: Melissa Haro and Interior Styling for Editorial and PR
  • Meet the Tutor: Augusta Akerman, Illustration tutor, Chelsea College of Arts
  • Student Stories: Felipe Blasca and Strategic Branding, Identity and Brand Experience
  • One week courses that could boost your career in 2020
  • Student Story: Samira Modaresifar, Interior Design
  • Student Story: Christina Tina, Book Illustration
  • 5 Reasons you should take the Intro To Cosmetic Science Short Course
  • Utilizing an eye for detail, with photography
  • Student Stories Autumn Term Winner: Kate Febbraro and Jewellery Making for Beginners
  • Make a new skill one of your new years resolutions
  • Meet the Teacher: Roger Healey-Dilkes, Future Creatives
  • Student Stories: Ekaterina Vdovichenko and 100 Design Projects
  • Special Effects Makeup with tutor, Jennifer Drew
  • Keeping up to date with industry practices
  • Creating your portfolio with tutor VJ Choolun
  • Student Story: Ashni Shah, UAL International Summer School
  • Student Stories Christmas School Winner: Erika Cule and 100 Drawing Projects
  • Student Stories: Alina Bendikova and Building a Fashion Collection
  • What do students really say immediately after a short course?
  • Course Feature: Brand Management
  • Why should you take a writing course at CSM?
  • From Short Course to MA – it's a deeper dive into education
  • Meet the Tutor: Debbie Flowerday, Interior Design
  • Meet our Tutors: Starting a Successful Project with Mark Aitken
  • How to Become a Fashion Designer: Steps to Success
  • Student Story: Ona Brickute, Graphic Design - Experience Industry
  • Student Story: Nadine Sheikh, Courses for Teenagers
  • Enhancing your portfolio post-graduation
  • Student Stories: Francesca Navarro and Patternmaking - Level 1
  • Meet the Tutor: Alessandra Genualdo, Illustration tutor, Chelsea College of Arts
  • Student Story: Juan Jose Sanchez, Landscape Architecture
  • Where do I start with Accessories, Footwear and Jewellery short courses?
  • Student Stories: Michele Guzman and Fashion Styling for Beginners
  • Meet the Tutor: Alasdair Leighton-Crawford, Streetwear and Sportswear
  • Upskill in a day – one day short courses in London
  • Why is creativity important for your mental health?
  • 5 reasons you should take Principles of Personal Fashion Styling Course
  • 5 reasons why you should take a 1 week intensive short course at CSM!
  • Thinking of taking a short course? See what recent students created with us
  • Why does SEO matter?
  • CSM x Fashion Law Institute first Professional Development Workshop
  • Meet the Tutor: Gianfrancesco De Falco, Interior Design
  • Student Stories: Season Butler and Creative Writing
  • Student Story: Shibata Maiko, Retail Display and Design
  • Why you should take the London Street Style Fashion Subcultural Icons Short Course
  • Choose the right digital marketing course for you – with help from our tutor Hana
  • Meet the Tutors: Theo Jones and Jacob Valvis, Green Mat Workshop
  • Take a one week intensive short course this Easter School
  • Update on the Coronavirus outbreak for Short Course students
  • Looking for a way to be more productive?
  • Our tips on how to look after yourself while self-isolating
  • Ways to keep creating at home
  • Student Stories: Alex Douglas Newton, Kimono: History Design and Development
  • Developing Your Interior Design Skills at Home
  • Developing Your Illustration Skills at Home
  • How You Can Still Enjoy Fine Art From Home
  • Developing your skills at home: Photography and Scriptwriting with Mark Aitken
  • Without being active online – it's almost like you don't exist
  • Amber Butchart: What to Read, Watch and Listen to
  • Why taking an online short course is perfect for you!
  • Developing your skills at home: #comfortthroughdoing with Arianwen Shoring
  • Developing Your Graphic Design Skills at Home
  • Why does tracking social media analytics matter?
  • The changing face of the fashion industry - Alison Lowe MBE
  • Magazine creative direction - Giulio Mazzarini
  • People's Masks - Laura Baker
  • Where to begin with interpreting art - Theo Carnegy Tan
  • Visual merchandising trends in modern retail - Sarah Manning
  • What it takes to be an interior designer – Lyndall Fernie
  • Creating professional Instagram posts - Robert Aldous
  • Charles II and the evolution of the suit – Amber Butchart
  • Learning all about natural beauty – Crystabel Riley
  • Starting a fashion label – Toby Meadows
  • Watch Listen Learn
  • Looking for inspiration? From Instagram to your reading list
  • How to become a fashion stylist
  • 3D printed model making for designers - Theo Jones
  • Student Story: Federico Gambarini, Art Direction
  • Looking back – Magnum Photos students respond to the city
  • Course Focus: Art Direction (Online Short Course)
  • It's time to forget what your english teacher taught you...
  • How to build a community on social media in 30 days
  • Student Story: Cristina Iazzetta, Interior Design
  • Student Story: Christine Newman, Interior Design
  • Student Story: Katrien Goossens, Interior Design
  • Student Story: Lucy Morgan-Hobbs, Interior Design
  • Student Story: Marcella Forster, Interior Design
  • Student Story: Maria Pia Polizzi, Interior Design
  • Student Story: Mary Curran, Interior Design
  • Student Story: Svetlana Kutnyak, Interior Design
  • Meet the Tutor: Matt O'Dell, Comic Book Art
  • Interior Design Students Present at Dezeen’s Virtual Design Festival
  • Staying positive at home with tutor Nada Dahab
  • Online Courses for Teenagers
  • How do you create a marketing campaign?
  • Student Story: Cecilia Casas, The Art of Social Engagement
  • Student Stories: Maike Wölfle and Introduction to Fashion Design
  • Are you a teenager looking to develop skills, creativity and confidence?
  • How to start a sustainable fashion business
  • Mood boarding and story boarding for art directors - Giulio Mazzarini
  • Finding your fashion path - Lucy London
  • Exploring the creative process - Ilga Leimanis & Christopher Kelly
  • Concept boards for interior designers - Lyndall Fernie
  • It’s never too early to start a career in fashion
  • Translating inspiration to illustration - Alessandra Genualdo
  • Learn How Pop Up Shops Can Enhance Your Brand
  • Fashion questions now - Professor Susan Scafidi & Jeff Trexler
  • Take the First Steps Towards a Career in Illustration
  • The future of fashion editorial - John William
  • Fashion communication methods - Ana Stankovic-Fitzgerald
  • Graphic design : creating virtual textures - Alexander Hough
  • The art of social engagement - Rosemary Cronin
  • Student Story: Crystal McGregor, Footwear Illustration
  • Inside the shop window - Debbie Flowerday
  • Magnum Intensive Documentary 2019 Scholar - Anselm Ebulue
  • It's never too early to develop your fine art skills
  • Student Stories: Stephanie Uhart and Fashion Folio
  • 12 steps to launching a new product
  • Art and Design School at Home for 13 to 16 Year Olds 2020 Showcase
  • Student Story: Clara Gröning, Fashion Design and Illustration
  • Meet Our Tutors: Lydia Brockless, Future Creatives
  • The power of copywriting - Phil Woodford
  • It's never too early to start: art classes for kids and teenagers
  • Student Stories : Graphic Design for 14 to 17 Year Olds – Isabella Jeanne de Boer
  • What can I expect on an illustration course?
  • Student Stories : Portfolio Preparation for 16 to 18 Year Olds (Online Short Course) – Alexis Jennings
  • Insights on independent curation - Sarah Sparkes
  • How to create a graphic design portfolio
  • 5 reasons why 2-day intensive short courses fit your busy schedule
  • Student Stories: Anna Denise Floor, Illustrating for Books
  • Student Stories: Fashion Folio – Jan-Philipp Kosfeld
  • Meet The Tutor: Alexander Hinnerskov - Product Design
  • Revitalise your passion for Art Direction for Fashion
  • How a Short Course can support your career change
  • Boost your professional practice with a Short Course
  • From Graphics Folio to Masters Degree
  • Doing a Short Course alongside your degree
  • Online Portfolio Preparation For Teenagers: Short Course Insights
  • Drawing skills and creativity with tutor Ilga Leimanis
  • The importance of art and creativity in a child’s development
  • It's never too late to change career: Interior Design
  • Curating Contemporary Art : Short Course Insights
  • Student insights on an Illustration short course
  • It's never too late to change career : Book Illustration
  • Student insights on a Graphic Design short course
  • Learning how to build a portfolio to apply to art college
  • Insights on Visual Merchandising with tutor Sarah Manning
  • Reconnect with your creative side with 100 Design Projects
  • Gain new skills and refresh old ones
  • Student insights on Experimental Fashion Design short course
  • Developing your practice with Graphic Design for teenagers
  • We need the arts now more than ever
  • One-on-One Training: Experience Design: Digital and Physical
  • Foster + Partner: Architectural Photography Training
  • Right Angles: Copywriting Training
  • Mizuho Bank, UK: Film and Moving Image Training
  • British Council East Africa Arts: Creating Content Through Narrative
  • Camden Council, UK: Communications Training
  • HP Inc: Creativity Bootcamp Training
  • King’s College, Hong Kong: Building Robots with the BBC Micro:bit
  • Phoenix Publishing and Media Group, PRC: Digital Publishing Training
  • Sky: News Interviewing Skills
  • What are the top 10 skills graphic designers need?
  • Starting an online fashion empire is easier than it sounds
  • Unlock your creative potential
  • Fashion Textile Design: inspiring creativity with an online short course
  • Breaking down the fashion sustainability code
  • What are the most important qualities of a creative leader?
  • Exploring visual communication in fashion
  • Student insights on a Fashion History short course
  • How to improve drawing skills for beginners
  • How a womenswear design short course inspired a career change
  • 5 Reasons to take a Future Creatives course
  • The value of after-school art classes for children with tutor René
  • Creative things to do with kids during lockdown
  • How an online course can build transferrable skills
  • Feed your curiosity in fashion with a short course
  • Could your freelance career benefit from a short course?
  • How a short course helped put sustainability at the forefront of a new fashion business
  • Boost your illustration skills with industry experts
  • From fashion accessories short course to embroidery studio owner
  • Nurture your creativity with tutor Deborah
  • How to build your confidence to start a business
  • From creative hobby to flourishing business
  • How to finesse your skills as a creative
  • Let a short course reconnect you with your creative side
  • Doing a short course to boost your existing career
  • 5 ways to improve your creative professional development
  • How to create a fashion portfolio for university
  • Can graphic design skills support your job?
  • Start your career in fashion design with a short course
  • Creative leadership is essential for an uncertain world
  • Master the basics of digital animation with an Adobe short course
  • Develop your illustration skills with a short course
  • How a short course can diversify your illustration practice
  • Expand what you know about fashion with a short course
  • Learn the foundations of graphic design with a beginner short course
  • How to become an animator
  • Top 8 British Youth Subcultures
  • Enhance your understanding of art with a short course in curation and culture
  • How a pattern cutting short course can help you build your foundation in fashion design
  • Let a short course improve your eye for interior design
  • How to become a graphic designer
  • 5 reasons why social design is important
  • Boost your skills with a short course in 3D Design and Product Design
  • Build transferrable skills for fashion business with a short course
  • How a short course can enrich your textiles practice
  • Let a short course grow your sustainability practice
  • LNER: Bespoke Infographic Design Course
  • How to tell a story through photography
  • Complement your full-time study with a short course
  • Understanding the business side of fashion with short courses
  • How to become an illustrator
  • Creative education should be fundamental to school culture – Future Creatives opens at Varndean College, Brighton
  • Strengthen your digital marketing skills with a short course
  • Uncover your artistic potential with short courses in fine art
  • Develop a critical understanding of art with short courses
  • Empowerment through art with Sara Shamsavari
  • UAL x Wool4School: Fashion Design competition
  • How short courses can enhance your interior design practice
  • How short courses can support professional career development
  • Discover the positive power of creative writing
  • .International Veil Series: a celebration of Muslim women's hijabs
  • Sketching Perspective with Ilga Leimanis
  • How can art and creativity improve your health and wellbeing?
  • 5 tips to create a successful copywriting portfolio

What is the difference between content writing and creative writing?

  • What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior stylist?
  • What do employers look for in a graphic design portfolio?
  • What to draw as a beginner
  • Top 5 types of animation styles
  • 5 types of photography to master
  • What does a fashion designer do?
  • 10 essential painting techniques for artists
  • How to build a photography portfolio for an MA
  • 5 tips to get started in ceramics
  • 5 influential female graphic designers
  • Launch your career in fashion with a short course
  • Discover the art of book illustration with a short course
  • How the Textiles Folio short course can inspire your dream career change
  • How to build a foundation in graphic design
  • How to start sewing for beginners
  • 5 films that were inspired by art
  • How to improve your photography skills
  • Expand your ceramic practice with a short course
  • Acid house and rave: exploring subcultures with Dr Ray Kinsella
  • Meet the tutors: Dr Ray Kinsella and Kevin Quinn
  • 5 reasons to start sewing
  • How to become a professional tailor or dressmaker
  • 5 reasons to take the Introduction to Design with Systems Short Course
  • How to become a professional photographer
  • Meet the Future Creatives Tutor: René de Lange
  • Meet the Future Creatives Tutor: Seán Myers
  • Meet the Future Creatives Tutor: Hannelore Smith
  • Breaking down sustainability terms
  • Meet the Future Creatives Tutor: Pam Williams
  • Taking successful photographs
  • Meet the Future Creatives Tutor: Roger Healey-Dilkes
  • A sustainable guide to product design
  • Develop your textiles practice with a short course
  • Meet the Future Creatives Tutor: Antonia Harrowing
  • Student work from the Preparation for Foundation Online Short Course
  • Discover sustainable product design with a short course
  • Explore the world of fashion with a short course
  • Learn how to visualise and present data with a short course
  • How sustainable initiatives are shaping the fashion world
  • The future of digital fashion design
  • Kickstart your creative journey with a taster session
  • Summer in London: student work from our International Summer School
  • Explore the world of design with our teen courses
  • Future Creatives Arts Festival Competition 2022
  • How a short course can help you grow your business and expand your skills
  • Learn how to reduce your environmental impact with a short course
  • BIAAF: Fashion Design for Young Professionals
  • How to become a journalist
  • Discover the importance of undertones and complexion in makeup
  • From a short course to a tailoring business
  • Understanding fashion and the blockchain
  • 7 Influential women in the creative industries
  • Create a still life inspired by Patrick Caulfield
  • Make a food face
  • Create a poster inspired by Lakwena Maciver
  • Draw or paint a self-portrait
  • Introducing digital badges and credentials
  • Discover how design interacts with systems theory
  • Master the art of patternmaking with a short course
  • Tutor exhibition: Sarah King’s sculptural jewellery
  • Learn how to capture an audience with a creative writing short course
  • Jewellery Development Programme – Hatton Jewellery Institute
  • 3 Golden rules for aspiring fashion stylists
  • Boost your creativity with a short course
  • Explore new possibilities with a short course
  • Embrace lifelong learning with a short course
  • Discover the art of professional makeup with a short course
  • Unlocking creativity: art direction in the fashion industry
  • Hatton Jewellery Institute X UAL Short Courses
  • Course feature: Portrait Painting
  • Discover the joy of nature writing with a short course
  • Learn how to make latex clothes with a short course
  • Learn how to build a digital marketing strategy with a short course
  • Course feature: Starting Fashion Illustration
  • Course feature: Graphic Design Projects
  • The importance of drawing skills in the visual effects industry
  • My account sign in
  • Immigration guidance
  • Terms and conditions
  • Winter short courses in London or online
  • Useful information
  • Spring short courses in London or online
  • Fashion Folio visa information
  • Graded Awards in Drawing
  • Online courses
  • Undergraduate
  • Postgraduate
  • Portfolio advice
  • Admissions complaints and appeals
  • After you apply
  • Your personal statement
  • How to apply
  • How to pay your tuition fees
  • Enrolment visa and immigration information
  • New student enrolment
  • Returning student enrolment
  • Student ID card collection
  • Your country
  • Immigration and visas
  • Contact international
  • Pre-sessional English
  • Moving to the UK
  • Application advice
  • International events
  • Airport collection discount
  • Preparation for BA Online
  • Our prospectus
  • Halls of residence
  • Private accommodation advice
  • Summer stays
  • Support in halls
  • Students with disabilities and health conditions
  • Pricing and availability
  • Scholarships search
  • International students and money
  • UAL: where the money goes
  • Living expenses and study costs
  • Tuition fees
  • Undergraduate scholarships and funding
  • Foundation scholarships and funding
  • PhD and MPhil funding
  • Learn English
  • Modern Languages
  • English language requirements
  • Your English language level
  • Studying English Language Online
  • English Language Development for students
  • Intercultural and Communication Training
  • Annual Language-Art Project
  • Integrated Study Abroad
  • UAL Study Abroad Semester
  • Summer Study Abroad
  • Funding and awards
  • Next steps for offer holders
  • Study Abroad terms and conditions
  • Study Abroad Credits and Assessment
  • Virtual tours UAL
  • Student surveys
  • Tutorial policy
  • Student rights and responsibilities
  • Student Privacy Policy
  • Student liabilities
  • Attendance Policy
  • Academic Misconduct
  • Reporting serious incidents
  • Appealing An Exam Board Decision
  • Making a Student Complaint
  • Student Fees Policy
  • Quality Assurance
  • Course Transfer
  • Extenuating Circumstances and Time Out
  • IT network and acceptable use policy for students
  • Contextual admissions
  • Ask a student
  • UAL Student Voices
  • Work placements
  • Find jobs and internships on Creative Opportunities
  • UAL Arts Temps
  • Career skills and support
  • Exhibit and sell your work
  • Freelance and business support
  • Awards, funding and support
  • Industry and Partners
  • Events and workshops
  • Develop your skills and strengths
  • Support for Graduates
  • Careers support for students
  • Career resources
  • International Futures
  • Library service hours
  • Special Collections and Archives
  • Academic support
  • Using the libraries
  • Contact Library Services
  • IT software and discounts
  • Terms of Use
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Your UAL account
  • Student Advice Service
  • Counselling, Health Advice and Chaplaincy
  • Disability Service
  • Out of hours and emergency support
  • Tell Someone
  • Bullying and harassment
  • Sexual violence
  • Course Support Service
  • Locations and opening times
  • Certificates and transcripts
  • Graduation live stream
  • Honorary Awards 2023
  • Digital tools
  • Students' Union
  • Canteens and cafés
  • Gender neutral toilets
  • Quiet spaces
  • Supporting trans and non-binary students
  • Student parent and carer support
  • Note taking, writing and referencing
  • Training and resources
  • Information and resources
  • Policies and procedures
  • Student security
  • Health and wellbeing pledge
  • Vaccinations for students
  • Make a living doing what you love
  • Student timetables
  • Wellbeing Hub
  • Creating accessible digital content
  • Outgoing students
  • Incoming students
  • Partner institutions
  • Exchange contacts
  • Cost of living support
  • Showcase student guidance: How to write about your work
  • UAL Showcase student guidance: How to make your work digitally accessible
  • UAL Showcase student guidance: sales
  • UAL Showcase student guidance: professionalism
  • UAL Showcase student guidance: intellectual property
  • UAL Showcase student guidance: digital representation
  • Alumni of Colour Association
  • China (Southwest) Alumni Association
  • India Alumni Association
  • Sustainability Alumni Network
  • Alumni volunteering
  • Alumni stories
  • Alumni events
  • Academic partnerships
  • Executive Board
  • Our strategy 2022-2032
  • Support and donate
  • Procurement
  • Press Office
  • Teaching and Learning strategy
  • Professional development
  • Awards and funding
  • Teaching and Learning events
  • Teaching and Learning Resources
  • Sell your design products and artwork
  • Staff diversity
  • Change the way we teach
  • Change the way we operate
  • Change the way we research and exchange knowledge
  • Climate Emergency Network: Changing the way we work together
  • Get involved
  • Documentation and carbon dashboard
  • Climate action staff representation
  • Events and projects
  • Re-Use units
  • Social Purpose
  • Working at UAL
  • How we work with our partners
  • Work with our experts
  • Work with our students and graduates
  • PhD and MPhil degrees
  • About the Doctoral School
  • Doctoral support and community
  • Fashion and the Embodied Expression of Belief, Worldview and Religion
  • Art and Reconciliation: Conflict, Culture and Community
  • UAL staff researchers
  • Centre for Sustainable Fashion
  • Creative Research into Sound Arts Practice (CRiSAP)
  • Centre for Fashion Curation (CfFC)
  • Groups and networks
  • Research standards and ethics
  • Accessibility statement for UAL staff research profiles website
  • Qualifications
  • Training and events
  • Become an approved centre
  • Schools and Colleges
  • Insights: apply
  • Insights: shape your portfolio
  • What's on: UAL Insights
  • Insights: teachers workshops and programmes
  • Information for agents
  • Global Projects and Partnerships
  • UAL Sanctuary
  • Staff mobility
  • ual-resources
  • Written by Carys Thomas
  • Published date 28 February 2022

Writing is a skill like any other, and as such, it requires patience and practice to improve.

If you’re hoping to improve your professional writing skills, you’ll need to have an understanding of the difference between content writing and creative writing. Content writing is often confused with creative writing, but you may be surprised to learn just how different these two writing styles are.

We’ve put together this guide to give you an overview of these two popular approaches to help you expand your knowledge and write with confidence. We’ll start by looking at definitions of each style and then we’ll move on to consider how exactly the two approaches differ, with insights from award-winning writer and UAL short course tutor, Elise Valmorbida. By exploring the two types of writing, you may discover which approach suits you best according to your personal interests and creative goals.

Take a look at our creative writing short courses for more inspiration. You may also be interested to discover the positive power of creative writing and the impact it can have on mental health and wellbeing.

So, what is content writing?

The term ‘content writing’ refers to a form of professional writing that is produced to fulfil a particular purpose, often for an online audience. This type of content is generally designed for a specific audience and can be categorised into two key groups, namely, marketing or brand-based writing, which is usually produced for websites or online platforms, and technical writing, which is focused on subjects that require instruction or explanation. When you search how to do something online, for instance, you’re likely to find several examples of technical writing.

Content writers are required to plan, produce and manage content for marketing purposes, including short promotional copy and longer-form stories or articles. They may be involved in producing content for websites, businesses, or government bodies and should have an understanding of SEO (search engine optimisation) principles in order to maximise levels of audience engagement.

Online content may be developed for blogs, social media, newsletters and branding. According to a recent study,  58% of marketers said that original written content is the most important type of content , ranking higher than visuals and videos. Clear, well-crafted copy is essential for businesses hoping to engage with consumers, generate interest in their products or services and increase website traffic.

What is creative writing?

Creative writing refers to a form of writing which draws from imagination or invention in a way that other styles do not. Unlike other forms of writing, creative writing is not limited by the rules or restrictions that dictate other journalistic, technical or academic styles. The term includes a number of different genres and styles in both a fictional and non-fictional context and allows for a level of artistic or creative freedom. Examples include poetry, prose, spoken word, screenplays, personal essays, lyrical writing and playwriting.

There is often a strong emphasis on the value of expression in creative writing, and writers may use character development and plot to express ideas and thoughts in a unique or original way. The process relies on using creativity as a tool to produce a compelling story, which can be achieved by incorporating a series of literary devices like metaphors, alliteration and symbolism to make a work interesting or engaging for audiences.

Elise offers some useful advice for anyone looking to improve their creative writing skills; "the more you practise any craft, the better you get at it. Creative writing classes are great, but you need to continue with practice on your own. This practice involves thinking, writing, editing, reading—and persevering. Do research. Keep a notebook. Read as much as you can, absorbing as much as you can, because reading loves writing. Get feedback. It’s no use just hanging out for applause. Receiving criticism is positive, despite the fact that it might feel painful. This is one of the benefits of classes, groups and organisations dedicated to writing."

So, how are content writing and creative writing different?

Content writing is generally designed for a specific purpose that involves an outcome which can be measured in some way. This kind of writing may be produced to increase website traffic or boost sales figures, for example. Levels of audience engagement or activity can be measured using analytical software to indicate what kind of content or language appeals to users. This commercial purpose is not a priority when writing creatively, however, and the focus here is instead on personal expression and reflection.

For Elise, the difference between content writing and creative writing comes down to the role of the client or brief; "I never talk about ‘content writing’ because I don’t think of words as mere ‘content'", says Elise, "this implies that there’s some void to fill with obligatory stuff, rather than seeing words as integral to the communication of worthwhile ideas. If by ‘content writing’ we mean writing for a client with a brief, then that’s what sets it apart from creative writing: the client and the brief."

"When I write fiction or non-fiction, I do not have a client to please, a brief to follow, a defined audience to inform or persuade. There are no targets. For me, creative writing taps into something mysterious that is deep inside of me. When I teach creative writing, that’s the approach I take: encouraging students to write from the inside out, and to do this as well as possible by honing their skills. Writing is a craft. It is something you can learn."

Writers working creatively have the freedom to experiment with the tone of writing to reflect their personal style, while content writers are often required to follow specific branding guidelines which are stipulated by a company. They may need to utilise precise, technical vocabulary for example, or adopt an impersonal or objective tone to suit a commercial context.

Content writers are frequently required to produce content that reflects a particular style to establish a sense of consistency across a brand. This form of writing is often designed to be clear and precise, and if needed for marketing purposes, may have a persuasive tone or style. Content may be research-based and follow a fixed structure that is designed to reach a clearly defined audience. Creative writing, on the other hand, is not bound to any stylistic limitations, and writers are free to make their own creative choices.

4# Platform

Content platforms for delivery vary between each style of writing. Content writing may be featured on online platforms and is often designed to be quickly visible to a target audience when they search for the topic online, following search engine optimisation (SEO) principles. Creative writing does not need to support such principles, and as such, may be published on other platforms or in other forms, like novels, magazines or newspapers.

5# Timeframe

Content writing often requires a quick turnaround to meet planned deadlines, according to content marketing schedules or campaign milestones. Creative writing is not typically confined to particular time constraints, and the writer is usually able to work at their own pace, allowing time for edits and revisions.

Take a look at our guide on 5 tips to create a successful copywriting portfolio for some useful advice. If you’re interested in developing your writing skills but aren’t sure where to start, you may like to take a look at our creative writing short courses , which aim to help you improve your writing skills in a focused and supportive environment.

Related courses

userProfile

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

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.

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

difference between creative writing and content writing

Related Posts

15 Best AI SEO Content Generators for Quick Results

15 Best AI SEO Content Generators for Quick Results

Master the art of SEO AI with our beginner's guide for 2024. Elevate your digital presence and optimize your website for success.

How accurate is Turnitin AI detection?

How accurate is Turnitin AI detection?

Curious about how accurate is Turnitin AI detection? Our blog explores the efficiency of Turnitin's AI detection system.

A Beginner's Guide to SEO AI In 2024

A Beginner's Guide to SEO AI In 2024

See how we can help you create seo content faster and better..

difference between creative writing and content writing

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

The Difference Between Creative Writing And 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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You are currently viewing What is the Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing?

What is the Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing?

  • Post published: July 3, 2022
  • Post category: Writing
  • Post comments: 0 Comments
  • Post last modified: January 4, 2023
  • Reading time: 5 mins read

Writers tend to come from one of two worlds: creative writing or content writing. (Sometimes, like me, you have a foot in each of the wordly worlds.)

Creative writing focuses on artistic elements to tell stories. While it may have a purpose to persuade or inform, it often focuses more heavily on entertaining. Creative writing includes short stories, screenplays, novels, and other fiction works.

Content writing, however, is writing that is either technical in nature or is used for marketing purposes. Content writing, while it may be clever or creative at times, has a purpose other than being entertaining. Content writing is there to persuade and inform individuals. Instruction manuals, social media ad copy, and SEO articles (like this one) are all examples of content writing.

Creative Writing

Creative writing is often what we think of when we’re young and say we want to be writers when we grow up. It is an art form and allows us to explore themes without having an ulterior motive (in most situations).

Don’t get me wrong, creative writing and money-making are tied together. Everything in our world seems to be after all. Studios want the most creative and catching scripts to produce highly-grossing films and publishers want bestsellers written. But a studio will still hire a copywriter to handle ad copy for the films and publishers will still hire a writer to handle the blurb on the back of the book—these are content writing examples. Creative writing and content writing don’t live in a vacuum and often intersect, in life and within our own careers.

Creative Writing Examples

Creating writing examples are more easily spotted in your daily life and you tend to recognize them when you’re interacting with them. This is because creative writing is gneerally consumed for pleasure and not a necessity. (Or in marketing content writing’s case, because they’ve been pushed to you via ad spend.)

Here’s a nearly comprehensive list of creative writing examples:

  • Short stories
  • Personal essays
  • Journalistic pieces
  • Self-help books

Careers in Creative Writing

Creative writing careers include:

  • Authors of fiction and nonfiction works
  • Screenwriters and scriptwriters
  • Journalists
  • Game writers and narrative designers

Content Writing

Content writing is the writing that we experience throughout our lives that is conveying information to us. It’s the instruction manual you read while assembling Ikea furniture. It’s the SEO articles you come across when researching which keyboard to purchase. It’s even the cutesy social media posts that companies put out to make you like them. Content writing can be creative in nature, it can be clever, but it does not exist solely to entertain you.

Content Writing Examples

Content writing is all around you. In fact, you may be interacting regularly with content writing that you don’t even think about.

Here’s a nearly comprehensive list of content writing examples:

  • Advertising copy
  • Social media copy
  • Product descriptions
  • Technical manuals
  • White papers
  • Marketing video scripts
  • Infographics

Careers in Content Writing

Content writing careers include:

  • SEO writers
  • Copywriters
  • Technical writers

The Blurred Lines Between Creative Writing and Content Writing

You’ll find that looking at the examples of both creative writing and content writing, the type of writing can be even further sectioned off. You won’t find romance novelists and news journalists agreeing they do the same type of writing. Just as someone working in UX writing considers themselves far different from a marketing copywriter producing ad copy. The world of writing is massive and there are many types of writing that seem to be in a category all their own which is why dividing between creative writing vs. content writing, to me, is an odd differentiation.

If you’re looking for a career in words, you should consider first if you want to tell fiction or nonfiction and then if you want to persuade or simply distill information in easily comprehensible explanations. That will get you far closer to the type of writing you’re interested in rather than picking between creative writing or content writing. And remember, as writers we often end up doing both if you’re approaching this career hoping to make a living.

Up Next: A Comprehensive List of Job Boards for Writers: Content Writers, Authors & Everything in Between

You Might Also Like

Read more about the article How to Design an Author Logo (with Examples)

How to Design an Author Logo (with Examples)

Read more about the article Can You Make Money Writing Fiction on Medium?

Can You Make Money Writing Fiction on Medium?

Read more about the article How to Avoid Carpal Tunnel as a Writer

How to Avoid Carpal Tunnel as a Writer

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Content Writing
  • Creative Writing
  • Language Skills
  • Recommended Reads
  • Soft Skills
  • Awards & Accolades
  • Training & Workshops
  • Books & Anthologies

5 Basic Differences Between Content Writing Vs Creative Writing

Differences between content writing vs creative writing

If you are a writer, you often come across the tiff between your creativity and the purpose of writing. At times, you may have to gulp your creative juices to let your content fit into your clients’ requirements. Hence, you must know the following five basic differences between content writing and creative writing to shape your write-up well.  The learning will ensure that you nail your content in the first attempt. However, you must follow the writing process and never publish your first draft.

Content Writing Vs Creative Writing

Content Writing is the readers’ perspective since you always decide on a target audience before writing any content format. The language, tone, writing style, or readability is consistently maintained to serve the purpose of the audience. You may write content to share information or knowledge, but you never forget about your audience and their pursuit of reading, as you write. 

On the contrary, Creative Writing is the writers’ perspective since it’s the writer’s imagination weaved through words to commemorate or create. So, a creative writer shouldn’t think about the reader but express their imagination in words.  So, here, you only share your experience or creativity with the reader.   

Purpose of Content Writing Vs Creative Writing 

Content must be written to communicate with the reader so that reader decodes your message right, without any ambiguity. 

Creative writing is all about creating visuals in the readers’ minds. You must have imagined a movie playing in your mind while reading a story. That’s what I exactly mean by “ creating visuals in readers’ minds . ” 

Difference In Language

In content, you write simple language with crisp, clear, and catchy sentences to let the reader understand. In other words, content writing is straightforward, sticking to the point without any unwanted descriptions.  

In Creative Writing, you may use flowery words and descriptions to help the reader imagine your imagination. In some cases, it is acceptable to ‘Show and Not Tell’, especially while writing stories, but remember, too few or too many descriptions only add to the weight of the write-up and not value.   You may make use of literary devices too.

Tones and Writing Styles to Choose

A formal or semi-formal tone looks perfect while writing content. However, you choose no more than two writing styles in one write-up. Keep your tone and writing style consistent throughout the content to maintain language consistency. 

Creativity comes in all styles; primarily, Descriptive and Narrative writing styles are recommended in Creative Writing since visuals need descriptions and narrations. The tone may vary depending on the direction of the write-up. In creative writing, maintaining a single tone may not be possible. 

Forms of Writing

There are more than thirty forms of content that one may learn to write. However, Articles, Blogs, Web Content, SEO Content, Newsletters, Proposals, Statements of Purpose, Press Releases, Technical Content, Copywriting, Grant Writing, etc., are the most popular and demanded forms of content in the writing industry. 

Creative writing primarily includes stories and poetry, yet blogs, copywriting, product descriptions, or any other promotional content may require creativity to some extent.  

Is Creative Writing Not Required for Content?

While you are supposed to create engaging content, a lot of creativity is required for your content to sail in the digital ocean.  Since the content industry has evolved with massive digitization , the storytelling technique is widely used to connect with readers.  The content industry swears by power-writing rules along with storytelling to ensure that creativity is blended well with the content. You must be creative and original while writing content, but a little essence of creativity attracts the reader well. 

As you understand the difference between Content Writing and Creative Writing, you may pick up your pen once again and write with precision. 

Do not forget to leave a comment on this post. Also, if you have any questions, feel free to post in the comment box. 

Stay tuned for more writing tips! 

Vandana Saxena's Blog

About author

Vandana saxena, related posts, writing a new year's greeting message avoid these common mistakes, 5 reasons why you should learn content writing over ai tools, 6 persuasive power words to boost your sales in digital space, 4 basic writing styles to use in content writing.

' src=

Unlock the power of words with Frmroots, your trusted partner for exceptional Content Writing Services that captivate, engage, and inspire your audience.

' src=

These are really useful tips for blogging. Thanks for sharing valuable insight here. Blogging is more important then ever, so following a solid strategy is a big help. creative content writing

' src=

Maac Studios provides content writing services . Blogging is the best career nowadays. Because of the pandemic, most entrepreneurs turn their businesses and industries online. So, you’ve already plenty of organic audiences to engage.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign me up for the newsletter!

WhatsApp Now

Podium Pro Blog

Difference between Creative Writing and Content Writing

Creative writing – a personal vision, key features of creative writing-, types of creative writing, content writing – a professional presentation, key features of content writing.

  • Types of content writing
  • Major Differences

How to find your style

difference between creative writing and content writing

We often hear “creative and content writing” and how people cant d but did you know both are different? Often people use these terms interchangeably. Amazingly, people can’t differentiate between things they read daily. All the forms of fictional content we consume, with some creation from the writer’s side, are termed creative. On the other hand, content writing is a more market-driven form that relies on information written in a specific manner. The article is about the two most influential forms of writing today. Now let’s dig deep and discover what aspects separate creative and content writing and their key characteristics.

difference between creative writing and content writing

Creative Writing is something you grow up with, be it poems from school, stories from your grandmother or movies you see with your friends. It’s all part of creative writing. Interestingly, the term has been coined recently. Earlier, all forms of creative writing was predominantly called literature. The most essential part of creative writing is that it has a personal voice to it. It represents the thoughts of the writer. Creative Writing has been there since the discovery of the printing press and has transformed itself from print to television to now the web. The best part is that it has evolved with time and still has the spark to entice the reader or viewer to read or watch something.

It’s the most critical part of any creative writing, as the core of any story or creation is an exciting idea.

  • Storytelling

You should be able to weave a story the reader can enjoy. The art of creative writing is reflected in such a fascinating story that hooks the reader or the viewer.

It is the vision of the writer that gives originality to his story and where the writer brings it to life.

  • The Appeal 

Creative writing is a very personal form of writing as the writer gives life to his vision or dreams, but without the appeal to a reader, all the hard work will be lost.

  • Entertainment

With the attention span getting shorter and with a plethora of options available, it is vital for the writing to be entertaining for the reader or the audience to want to read or see it to the end.

  • Short Story

difference between creative writing and content writing

Content writing has jumped from being nowhere to being everywhere in twenty years. From the beginning of the twenty-first century, as the internet storm took us all by surprise, it brought a whole new world. With the introduction of social media platforms, content writing has become an essential part of practically all businesses and even individuals. Earlier, all information about current affairs, sports, and entertainment was consumed through a handful of newspapers, while information about the world of finance, health etc, was received through magazines. Later with the introduction of cable TV we started receiving world news through different international channels And now, with Google, just a click of a few buttons on your palms. Everyone and anyone is online, and content writing has become essential to increase visibility. Everyone wants information from all sectors of society with just a click of a button, and yours has to be the first to bring the much-needed sales boost.

  • Target audience

Content writing has to be undertaken, keeping the target audience in mind. Your content has to be developed keeping in mind your consumers. 

  • Readability

Your content should be in a language that any layperson can easily understand. In the current competitive world where there is a plethora of online content, yours should resonate with your consumers for them to open and read it. 

  • Meeting deadlines

One of the most important aspects of being a content writer. Especially for clients who depend on reaching their audience with current affairs or trends. If it is old news, no one wants to read it anymore.  

  • Factual information 

You must write things with facts to back your information. It is not creative writing. Here factual information has to be supported by a research report or source of the research. 

  • Market-driven 

With AI technology taking the market by storm, staying with the current trends is essential to remain at the top of your game.

Types of content writing 

  • SEO friendly blogs
  • Website content 
  • Social Media content
  • Advertisement copy
  • B2B, B2C content

Significant Differences between creative writing and content writing

  • Personal Vs Professional motives

While writing a short story or novel, the writer is not liable to any firm/person. A writer is just looking to tell a story from a personal point of view, with his only motive being to entertain his or her readers or viewers. In contrast, content writing is more professional, with the writer liable to produce quality content that resonates with the company’s target audience. In creative writing, the writer can let their imagination fly with words. In comparison, content writing has to be easily readable by its audience.

2. Universal Vs Trending

No one needs an introduction to Harry Potter. It connects with people across the globe with age, not being a bar. This quality of creative writing is termed universal, as magic has universal appeal and audience. Everyone wants to believe that magic is real, and that’s where it resonates with the audience. Then comes the trending factor, which is associated with content writing. Trends are hallmarks of what is going on in the market and change from time to time. Content writers have to be up-to-date with it to shell out fantastic write-ups. In comparison, creative writers can weave the age-old formula in a new bottle and still come out as best sellers as long as they have universal appeal.

3. The tone of writing

It’s the essential part of writing as it decides the effect of your content on the reader. Depending upon the content, the tone changes. A factual report or write-up needs a formal tone for the readers to take the information seriously. For a content writer, it is imperative to keep the tonality of the piece the same throughout. Again formal or informal will depend on the target audience. Whereas for a reader to read a story end to end without wanting to keep the book aside is where formal tonality is useless. An exciting story will have different tones in a single book depending on the story to keep the reader engrossed till the end.

If you are a writer or budding writer, you should look at the style of writing that you associate yourself with. If you like to create a world driven by a vision or want to tell a story, you are the creative one. If you are good at research and collecting data, you can be fit for content writing. It’s essential to understand you can adapt to both writing styles. You can also write professional content and still write your stories or personal blogs and vice versa. It’s vital to understand the distinguishing features of both styles of writing. Many content writers have blogs exploring their creative side, and many creative writers adopt content writing to have financial security.

These creative and content writing fields will be at the pinnacle of this virtual world. From influencers to big tech companies to funny YouTube sketches, all fall under the name of content. It’s about finding your flair for writing and let those words peak for your abilities. 

We hope this overview of creative and content writing must have given a basic idea of the difference in the writing style. 

Get in touch with us for professional content writing for your requirements.  Learn More

visit  https://blog.podiumpro.in/

People who read this also read:

ghostwriter-office-creative-ghost-writer-using-computer-215612473

Radhika Gupta

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Mugafi Blog!

Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing

difference between creative writing and content writing

To a non-writer peering in from the outside, all writing may look the same – an arrangement of twenty-six alphabets patterned into some meaningful words put together. They lack the eye to tell different types of writing from one another.

But an experienced writer would appreciate the nuances between different forms of writing. They understand that ‘writing’ is an umbrella term that has taken a lot of subtypes of it under its wing.

Mugafi Ved – AI Storywriting tool

Creative writing and content writing are two schools writing can be divided into. If you are an aspiring writer and want to discover which form can be your cup of tea, keep reading and you might just come across your calling.

In this post, we will be exploring the concepts of creative writing and content writing in detail. Along with that, we will discuss the key differences between both types. Let us start with knowing the basics of creative as well as content writing.

Mugafi Ved – AI copilot for writers

unlu Class

What is creative writing?

Essentially, creative writing is a writer letting their creative juices out through the ink onto the paper. Chapters from your English textbooks, Shakespearean plays, and even that personal journal you fill every day are all examples of it.

Creative writing provides an opportunity to the writer where they have the liberty to convey their imaginative thoughts, opinions, fantasies, and musings. Moreover, it does not have the constraints of business or academic writing. You can just find your rhythm and flow with it. Creative writing is your chance to flirt with out-of-the-box concepts and voice your ideas in the most verbose way.

Creative writing have more scope of liberty than content writing.

Creative writing is mainly for recreation. It is although not uncustomary for it to be done for commercial purposes too. It involves a writer’s deft penmanship showcasing their expertise at the language, imaginative narration, and employment of literary devices (metaphors, imagery, etc). They also have to tickle their readers’ fancy by using impressive themes, plots, etc.

Moreover, a writer needs to ensure originality in his content to reel in more readers and increase post engagement. Technically, any originally composed writing can be considered creative. In a nutshell, it is more of a process-oriented and contemporary term for what has been called literature over the years.

What is content writing?

Creative writing is mostly done for leisure with the intent of entertaining your audience. On the other hand, content writing’s aim is to attract a target demographic to stimulate your sales and engage more and more people with your brand.

It is a more professional type where you are creating content to spread the word and persuade an outlined target audience profile. Writing for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is just a subtype of content writing.

In contrast to creative writing, this form has some specified rules and requirements set forth by the clients. You are supposed to stick to them. Besides, your language has to be palatable for your target readers. Reader-friendliness is a very important characteristic in this field.

Content is a very important aspect of interacting with customers. It improves quality audience engagement and retention. High-quality and consistent content writing can connect brands with their customers deeply. Effective content writing encourages the audience to participate in your brand. Conveying genuine and attractive information to them will ensure that your customers keep coming back to you!

There are various uses of content writing.

Uses of content writing

  • Marketing or branding based writing
  • Technical writing (describing how to do something)

The writer is entrusted with the job of taking up an impersonal and objective tone. They have to remain impassive throughout the piece. In addition, they have to research the topic well and establish some expertise on it. You have to produce content that the readers find relevant and serviceable.

Key differences between creative writing and content writing

#1. the tone of voice.

Creative writers can be more free while setting out a tone for their readers. This kind of writing is basically which uses their creative mind and ability to express themselves. If you are a creative writer, you can be in charge of selecting the appropriate tone for your write up.

On the other hand, content writers have to comply with a tone specified by the client that is well-suited for their branding. If you are a content writer, you have to learn how to incorporate a brand’s marketing strategy into your writing. Content writers have to stick to the ‘personality’ of their brand. Only then will the writing become acceptable and efficient.

#2. The flair of writing

Creative writers can embrace a chatty, colourful flair. Their writing can make extensive use of figurative language, jargon, modification of syntactic slots, tautology, etc. In short, unfiltered streams of consciousness can be adapted by them of their own will.

However, content writers need to adhere to a very clear, analytical and methodical style of writing. They urge the readers to uptake their products or services without coming off as overly persuasive. The choices are limiting and they need to stick to certain guidelines while writing the content

#3. Purpose of writing

Creative writing is mostly with the intent of amusing your readers. Contrarily, content writing is used to attract a target demographic to stimulate sales and engage more and more people with the brand.

SEO compliance often forms the basis for content writing. On the other hand, the algorithms of the search engine do not dictate a creative writer. This avoids the creation of limits or bounds for the creative writer.

Creative Writing and Content Writing have different purposes.

#4. Deadlines

To get your creative juices flowing, you can spend any amount of time you deem appropriate. Some days can go by unproductive too. But when it comes to content writing, clients set out deadlines that you have to comply.

The time constraint here plays a pivotal role. You need to ensure you can fulfil those demands while still creating engaging content. Content writing involves this factor of specific timelines. The time taken for creative writing is in the writer’s hands.

#5. Where to find them

Following forms of writing come under creative writing:

Novels, short stories, screenplays, theatre scripts, biographies, autobiographies, newspaper columns, personal essays, poetry, song lyrics, etc.

You can find content writing in the following places:

Product descriptions, Technical manuals, informative articles designed for SEO, website creation (including company blogs, digital storefronts), etc.

#6. Basic Nature (of creative and content writing)

Creative writing is any writing outside the boundaries of journalistic, academic or professional kinds of write ups. In creative writing, the author tries to create scenes, events and characters. It can be based on true facts too. However, it has a touch of the author’s personality to it.

Moreover, Content writing is based on facts and useful information to be provided to targeted readers. The purpose of it being audience engagement and retention.

Content writing faces a certain restriction in some way or the other. The purpose of it being audience engagement and retention. Content writing is restricted in some way or the other.

To sum up, creative writing is usually based on fiction or fictionalisation of some true account, while content writing is based on factual and deliberate information.

If you are still unsure on which form of writing is right up your street, you may want to try out our online writing class by one of the most celebrated Indian authors – Ruskin Bond. In this unluclass, he imparts important lessons to accomplish the journey from being a mere writer to calling yourself an author. Check it out to know more.

Online Writing Course by Ruskin Bond

If you are still unsure as to which form of writing is the best for you you may want to try out our online writing class by one of the most celebrated Indian authors – Ruskin Bond. In this unluclass, he imparts important lessons to make the journey to calling yourself an author. Subscribe to Rusking Bond’s unluclass to learn writing online. Unlock learning now!

Related Posts

difference between creative writing and content writing

Relive Diwali Contest Winners Announced: Unwrapping Memories and Spreading Joy

children reading book

How to Write an ‘Attractive’ Story for Children ?

difference between creative writing and content writing

How to Research for Your Story? Step by Step Guide

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

How to Write Dialogues for Your Characters?

difference between creative writing and content writing

How to write a Synopsis for a Novel ?

How to Start Writing a Diary?

How to Write the Perfect ‘Premise’ for a Story?

Write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© 2019 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere .

UrbanPro

Popular Cities

Find the best tutors and institutes for Creative Writing

Please select a Category.

Please select a Locality.

No matching category found.

No matching Locality found.

Creative Writing › Creative Writing Blog › Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing

  • Creative Writing Blog

Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing

We all know that communication skills have four fundamental keys - listening, reading, speaking, and writing. These four keys enhance the quality of communication as it helps convey the message effectively. However, among these four skills, writing skill is one of the most critical variables of communication today, as we all refer to writing communication such as messaging, texting, emailing, etc.

However, barely people understand the difference between creative writing and content writing when it comes to writing. Therefore, below are a few points on the same to help you understand better.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/tv-wordpress/a/wp-content/uploads/creative-vs-content.jpg

Creative Writing 

1. Creative writing is an informative, entertaining, yet imaginative style of writing. Therefore, we often say, Creative writing is just beyond regular writing.

2. Creative writing uses metaphorical literary dialects, words, phrases etc.

3. Creative writing is not just about entertainment, but it is original too.

4. It is mainly used for unofficial blogs.

5. Poetry, Fiction writing, Play-writing and many more are the forms of creative writing. Additionally, it follows a narrative writing style which is mainly used while narrating a story to the readers.

6. Creative writing is exceptionally self-expressive because this writing expresses an author's emotion, feelings, points of view and much more.

7. Creative writing presents facts and deals with the commercial purpose, and the audience loves it.

8. It is considered as the form of art (literature). Creative writing is mostly lengthy.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/tv-wordpress/a/wp-content/uploads/creative-writin.jpg

Content Writing

https://s3.amazonaws.com/tv-wordpress/a/wp-content/uploads/content-writin.jpg

Creative Writing Classes-

Someone with a zeal for such out of the box writing style can join creative writing classes. There are various such classes to choose from. Those classes depend on the types of writing skills. So while searching for the classes, the person should be very cautious with the specific field of creative writing he or she is looking for. Once they find some, they should get details of the courses and then finalise the one that suits best.

Published on 2017-05-29T15:56:09+0530 by Neviya Laishram . Last Modified on 2021-09-08T19:42:25+0530

Share your thoughts with the community or ask a question

Recommended Articles

difference between creative writing and content writing

What is Creative Writing

An informative yet imaginative style of writing, creative writing is often considered as the form of art. Honestly, it is far beyond the boundary of normal professional writing, academic writing, content and technical writing and other genres of writing. This inventive yet powerful form of writing is by and large uses of...

Read full article >

difference between creative writing and content writing

4 Types of Writing Skills

Writing what someone feels has its own way of expressing oneself in front of others. It is why the writing style of every person varies from one another. So to get a better prospect besides speaking well, it is also necessary to write well. This helps to maintain effective communication in the workplace and also among friends.   The...

Related Questions

difference between creative writing and content writing

Now ask question in any of the 1000+ Categories, and get Answers from Tutors and Trainers on UrbanPro.com

Creative Writing Classes in

Looking for Creative Writing Classes?

Find best Creative Writing Classes in your locality on UrbanPro.

Are you a Tutor or Training Institute?

How helpful was it?

How can we Improve it?

Please tell us how it changed your life *

Please enter your feedback

Please enter your question below and we will send it to our tutor communities to answer it *

Please enter your question

Please select your tags

Please select a tag

Enter a valid name.

Enter a valid email.

Email or Mobile Number: *

Please enter your email or mobile number

Sorry, this phone number is not verified, Please login with your email Id.

Password: *

Please enter your password

By Signing Up, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy

I am a Student

I am a Tutor

Male Female

Please select your gender.

Please enter Password

Sorry, this phone number is not verified, Please login with your email Id.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Already a member?

Find best tutors for Creative Writing Classes by posting a requirement.

  • Post a learning requirement
  • Get customized responses
  • Compare and select the best

difference between creative writing and content writing

Get started now, by booking a Free Demo Class

difference between creative writing and content writing

This website uses cookies

We use cookies to improve user experience. Choose what cookies you allow us to use. You can read more about our Cookie Policy in our Privacy Policy

  • About UrbanPro.com
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

difference between creative writing and content writing

UrbanPro.com is India's largest network of most trusted tutors and institutes. Over 55 lakh students rely on UrbanPro.com, to fulfill their learning requirements across 1,000+ categories. Using UrbanPro.com, parents, and students can compare multiple Tutors and Institutes and choose the one that best suits their requirements. More than 7.5 lakh verified Tutors and Institutes are helping millions of students every day and growing their tutoring business on UrbanPro.com. Whether you are looking for a tutor to learn mathematics, a German language trainer to brush up your German language skills or an institute to upgrade your IT skills, we have got the best selection of Tutors and Training Institutes for you. Read more

TechPatio

Creative Writing vs. Content Writing Made Crystal-clear

Writing is a mastery of the written word, which is a skill that can then be applied in different fields — even the most boring ones. You can use this skill for yourself, for academic purposes, or for a career like content writing for tech companies . Depending on what you pursue, it will generally fall into one of two categories at its core: creative writing or content writing. 

Content writing vs. creative writing — you might think that the two go hand in hand, but in fact they are quite different. Let’s explore the difference between creative writing and content writing and find out whether there are ways for the two to intersect.

difference between creative writing and content writing

What is creative writing in its purest form?

Creative writing is a form of expression that involves fictional or non-fictional storytelling in which the main goal is to present feelings and trigger different emotions. The critical tool in creative writing is in the name: creativity. Creativity helps a writer generate ideas or lay ideas out in an unusual way using different genres and writing styles. In a nutshell, creative writing is based on the writer’s imagination and their ability to juggle words and phrases to create text that captures the reader’s attention.  

The definition of creative writing can seem vague without some creative writing examples. Here are a few that show the range and the skill that creative writing entails: 

  • Personal letters
  • Scripts for movies and television
  • Personal blogs

If this rundown of creative writing types is not enough, try applying analysis: if you know the elements of creative writing, you can quickly tell when a piece fits the parameters. 

Vital elements of creative writing

You can identify creative writing when you understand its essential, definitive elements. 

  • Plot and character development . These are necessary to create a three-dimensional world where the characters abide and change. 
  • Scene setting . This is how you introduce the place where actions happen.
  • Literary tropes . Creating literary tropes means applying methods to add figurative language to a piece of writing. 
  • Narrative style . The art of telling a story from beginning to end, where the narrator may or may not be visible. 
  • Point of view . The text can use the first person, second person, or third person. There can be a mixture of points of view, too. 
  • Underlying theme . The implicit, overarching theme unifies the whole story and begs the question: why was the piece written and what is its purpose?
  • Emotional and visual appeal . This implies using language and sometimes illustrations to trigger the desired emotion in the reader. 

Now that we’ve laid out a working definition of creative writing, let’s see what content writing is all about. 

What is content writing, really?

Content writing is creating a structural, logical, and relevant copy for a predefined audience with the intent of either selling or promoting a product or service. Content writing may appreciate creativity, but it’s not the cornerstone. Instead, facts and informativeness prevail, making up the main difference between creative writing and content writing.

A list of content writing examples may illustrate where content is applied:

  • Case studies
  • Whitepapers
  • Corporate blogs
  • Web page copy
  • Product descriptions
  • Landing pages
  • Newsletters 

Any writing can be considered content if it incorporates key elements. Those elements send a signal to the readers that the copy at hand is not a creative endeavor, but rather a piece of content.

Most vivid elements of content writing 

Writing by itself is artistic, but when it comes to content (either B2C or B2B content writing), you (as the writer) cannot let your mind wander off and write whatever or however you want. You have to be aware of the following critical elements so that your writing looks like and is content.  

  • Reader intent . Content writing is mainly centered around specific demographics and should correspond to their interests, rather than the writer’s intent.  
  • Valuable . Generally, content writing attempts to bring value to the reader. The information delivered in a piece will help readers decide on whatever decision they need to make. For instance, the reader may subscribe to a newsletter, contact a service provider, or submit an application to further build a relationship with the brand behind the piece of content.  
  • Strategic goals . Writers need to bear in mind an overarching goal when creating content. This goal is usually set by the organization they’re working for.
  • Proof-oriented . You have to provide proof or statistics to support your claims when writing a piece. This evidence generally comes in the form of links you add to your writing. These links should contain an element of objective information. 
  • Measurement . Content writing is subject to measurement. You can measure the traffic that comes to consume a piece of content, how many leads it generates, how it ranks in the search engine results pages (SERPs), and so on.
  • Expertise . Any piece of content should be authoritative while having a significant level of expertise. Otherwise, readers can quickly disengage with the copy if it doesn’t build trust. 
  • Accessibility . Writers break down content copy into sections with headings, subheadings, and listicles to let users easily navigate it.  

Having discussed what content writing vs. creative writing is, let’s take a look at the key difference between content and creative writing. 

The difference between creative writing and content writing 

The table below shows the differences between content writing and creative writing based on the goal, platform, language, and style. 

 
  Creative writing showcases how original a piece is. It also reflects personal thoughts and feelings that amuse and entertain readers. Each piece is written for those who read it at leisure.  Content writing aims at informing readers. Additionally, content writing has a defined purpose: to promote something or persuade the reader. Frequently, content writing is commercialized where brands want writers to turn their value into catchy, digestible copy. 
Creative writing is far removed from academic or technical. Creative writing resembles the language you can find in journals, essays, diaries, poetry, scripts, and the like. Such writing usually involves complex sentences and can be peculiar while containing jargon and dialects.   Content writing doesn’t and shouldn’t contain any ambiguity, unlike creative writing. With content writing, the reader quickly understands the concepts, which are laid out in simple sentences. Content writing is full of factual information, is impersonal, and tends to be objective. Chances are low that you’ll come across jargon or slang in content writing unless it’s used for a specific purpose. 
Platforms that come to mind first are books, magazines, and personal blogs. You can also find forms of creative writing on social media or some websites featuring real-life or fictional stories.  Content writing is often referred to as SEO content writing. SEO stands for “search engine optimization,” which lets readers discover content when looking up information online. Therefore, the distribution platform is a search engine like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. 
Creative writing style can be attributed to the author and their rhetorical techniques. In creative writing, you will come across narratives and descriptions. To make a story vivid in readers’ minds, writers use different . They may include similes, metaphors, oxymorons, and so on. Anyone can read the piece for the sake of entertainment and satisfaction.  While creative writing lets you freely express your thoughts using any literary device, content writing style has a predefined structure and audience. Thus, writers have to limit their imagination and make their language objective and straightforward. A piece of writing should revolve around facts and examples. With content writing, style is determined by who the writer is writing for. You rarely come across metaphors and similes in content writing, as they may serve as a distraction rather than providing real help.

Why don’t you try creative writing vs. content writing in action? Let’s put theory to practice by building a paragraph about dogs and promoting dog food using both methods: creative and content writing. 

Jack investigated an unusual smell next to the sidewalk of his suburban street. His tail wagged as he got closer to the elusive scent, building in excitement. “I’ll get it!” he barked. He’d excavate that stink if it was the last thing he EVER did.

Jessie looked on with pure boredom. He loved Jack and all, but he knew the boy wasn’t all there. 

He pondered for a moment how it was possible that Jack got so excited about whatever dead animal was buried under the ground. Was it a raccoon this time? Boring. A squirrel perhaps? Typical. He was about to think of a third uninteresting corpse when a sweet sound suddenly wrapped his attention.

Jack, for all his shortcomings, heard it too — he was hard-wired for that melody. The unmistakable ‘tweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet’ of their master’s whistle.

The previous scene of potential carnage was now a distant memory as the two bounded towards the house. Their mouths left a trail of sticky saliva that would make Pavlov himself proud, while visions of Pedigree danced in their minds. Dry. Wet. They didn’t care. It wouldn’t be in the bowl long enough for even Jessie to analyze.

 

 

Dogs are domesticated animals that inhabit cities, villages, and suburbs, unlike their ancestors, wolves, who dwell in the woods. 

With a loyal and friendly disposition, dogs are very attached to their master and to people in general. Dogs are active animals who respond to their names and often to whistling. They can bark, jump, run, dig the ground, and chew, all of which signify feelings and different stages of dogs’ growth. But no matter what temperament a dog might have, its behavior changes whenever it sniffs or sees food. They get excited and ready to do whatever it takes to get the desired treat.

According to , a dog’s health and activity are highly dependent on what dog food it eats. No matter what a pet owner chooses, it should contain carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The best dog food comes as either dry kibble or wet pieces. 

You can see how different the two examples are. One is a creative whim of an author who entertains the reader, appealing to their emotions and senses. And the other one is an informative, promotional piece that appeals to logic and is matched with a specific audience and tries to find a solution to their pain points, such as understanding dogs and the best nutrition for them. 

It’s easy to find the difference between content and creative writing, but what about similarities?

The intersection of content writing vs. creative writing 

Neither content nor creative writing would exist without writing as a medium of discourse and communication. Since content and creative writing originate from writing, they should still be similar. If you analyze creative writing and content writing from the standpoint of the practice of writing, you can see that they bear similarities as well.  

difference between creative writing and content writing

Who is king: content or creative writing?

Each direction in writing has its dimension where it’s the rightful ruler, a time and place where it is appropriate. You can analyze and spot elements of creative writing or content in texts or think how one resembles the other. But, ultimately, the most wonderful thing about writing is that it elevates and awakens its readers. The power of words is immense, especially if they try to enlighten readers who will give their feedback if a piece resonates with them.   

Guest article written by: Angela Beklemysheva is a Content Marketing Specialist at Exadel . She investigates what topics are worth discussing in her posts and educates readers through her copy. Just as IT and digital marketing fascinate her, so do playing old guitar tunes, painting, and reading. 

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Learning and Development Partner

What makes Creative Writing different from other forms of writing?

What makes creative writing different from other forms of writing

Interested in writing but don’t know where to begin?

Anyone can be a Creative writer!

Sure, Creative Writing is a skill, and you have to practice it to get better at it. But for that, you first need to understand what Creative Writing is. The goal of a creative writer should be to leave the audience with the pleasure of an emotional experience. As well as search for meaning and depth to invoke emotions.

The majority of the writers are creative. You can pretend anything and can help the potential readers believe the same. If you have a story to share, which you do, share it. It may be as simple as sitting down with a blank paper and letting all your thoughts flow.

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is the ability to create where your imagination, creativity, and innovation are at the forefront. It tells a story through strong written visuals and creates an emotional impact. It makes you step out of reality and into a new realm of your imagination.

Creative writing uses senses and emotions to capture the reader’s mind, unlike other forms of writing, which has facts and information. Some examples of Creative Writing involve writing short stories, novels, poems, plays, blogs, non-fiction narratives, etc.

Creative Writing

Creative writing doesn’t begin with the intellect. Rather it begins in the senses, where it creates images, stories, and feelings. And this kind of writing conveys and stirs emotions to arouse feelings in people.

Let us find out what Creative writing is and how it stands out from the others:

Creative writing and what makes it different from other forms of writing

Is Creative Writing different from other forms of writing?

Creative writing is art in its pure form. A major difference between Creative Writing and other kinds of writing is the use of language. It uses color, depth and is suggestive. It leaves the reader with factual information and language like other writing. But, at the same time is not just stating facts or information.

Creative writing involves a lot of creativity, much more than non-creative ones. Because it conveys information more powerfully. The intent of creative writing is not to inform the readers but to stir emotions.

Creative writing has a plot, a unique plot of some sort. In comparison, there could be or not be one for other forms of writing. Yes, remakes are considered creative writing, but they have their unique idea behind them.

writing

Creative writing should have character when writing, unlike journalism, where you state plain facts on paper.

Creative writing always has an underlying message, even if the author did not intend for it. Other forms may not leave you with a theme or message.

Visual descriptions are part of creative writing. It keeps the audience connected with visuals and pictures in newspapers and magazines. Creative writing allows people to imagine themselves in the character’s shoes.

Creative writing has a dialogue to support the story. In contrast, non-creative writing can have dialogue like in interviews. But it is not used in the same way as the other.

All forms of writing need an audience, especially creative writing. Doesn’t matter what kind of audience, even if that audience is you!

Final thoughts:

If you want to write, don’t wait for the right mood to strike you.

At some point in our education, you will likely be faced with writing creative stuff. But, many people overlook that being a writer isn’t about how much you write. It is about challenging yourself as a writer and letting your thoughts flow. A good writer can turn any piece of writing into Creative Writing. Your writing should have an element of discovery and personal involvement in getting to the result.

Yet, if you relate to it, it is easy and enjoyable. It is not always easy, though. You suck when you start but keep getting better at it. Do you want to blog, write a page on social media or Twitter? Whatever that you want to do, start little by little, and you will get better.

Get Creative and start writing!

Afterall, there is an inner genius waiting to unleash!

Book Your Class

Kid's Name

Parent Name

Grade Grade K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Classes Classes English Math Science Social Science Coding Public Speaking Creative Writing College Counselling Math Olympiad Yoga

Phone Number

Email Address

Upcoming classes

ap calculus ab tutor

Explore our other classes

Related articles.

Why equal opportunity is important in STEM?

Why equal opportunity is important in STEM?

Feb 23, 2024

Equal opportunity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields is not just a...

What is STEM and why is it important in modern society?

What is STEM and why is it important in modern society?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, representing not just a...

Why is health education important for children?

Why is health education important for children?

Dec 1, 2022

Kids are the future of the nation. The importance of educating them about health and well-being...

Why Learn Geometry

Why Learn Geometry

Nov 21, 2022

Geometry is all about Shapes, Spaces, and Sizes! Many kids struggle with math, especially...

How to prevent students from being distracted by the smartphones

How to prevent students from being distracted by the smartphones

Nov 14, 2022

From infants to old age, everyone is addicted to smartphones today. Though they are more...

How to make Science more Interesting for Students?

How to make Science more Interesting for Students?

Nov 7, 2022

Science education is one of the critical aspects for all in life. It instills the knowledge and...

Share this post with your friends!

difference between creative writing and content writing

Content Marketing Institute

31 Great Content Writing Examples, Tips, and Tools

31 Great Content Writing Examples, Tips, and Tools

  • by Ann Gynn
  • | Published: August 21, 2024
  • | Content Creation

Great content writing must be powerful and effective to captivate your audience.

But accomplishing that with your content writing isn’t an easy task. Whether you craft words for B2B or B2C audiences, the challenges can be many.

To help, I’ve compiled web writing examples, tips, tools, and resources. The goal is to give you some insights and new tools to help address or minimize the creation stumbling blocks web and content writers face.

Let’s get to it.

1. Go for the surprise

When you write something that’s unexpected, your audience will likely stop scrolling and take a moment to learn more. In the worst cases, this approach to content writing falls under the nefarious clickbait category. But in the best cases, it can delight and engage the viewer.

Nike is always a go-to source for the best content examples. The summer of 2024 didn’t disappoint with its Winning Isn’t for Everyone campaign.

With a debut in time for the global games, Nike featured the world’s greatest athletes (well, all the great Nike-sponsored athletes) talking about they are motivated by victory and that there’s nothing wrong with wanting to win. Writing those four words — winning isn’t for everyone — fosters a strong reaction. After all, there are far more people who don’t win than do. But audiences are also likely to watch more of the videos to learn what Nike is really talking about.

As you watch the video, note the repetition of the same question (“Am I a bad person?”) followed by short, staccato-paced statements. This approach creates a lyrical story. And it paid off, earning over 2.2 million views in two weeks.

2. Don’t forget text has a starring role in video

Words appear in blog posts or descriptions of product features and benefits. But writers can also shine in  video scripts, along with set designers, actors, and filmmakers. Writers can take any topic and help make it captivating.

J.P. Morgan used animation and strong scripts to explain finance-related concepts in its Unpacked series, a finalist in the Content Marketing Awards for best video. This 4.5-minute episode covers how private companies go public:

3. Tap into trends with simple writing prompts

I’m always a fan of Dove’s #KeepBeautyReal campaigns. Most recently, it created an example of powerful writing in this simple question, “ What kind of beauty do we want AI to learn?”

Capitalizing on the AI trend and interest, Dove illustrates the difference between AI-created images for prompts about “beautiful women” and “beautiful women according to Dove’s Real Beauty ads.” In the first three months of its debut, the video with few words has earned over 100K views on Dove’s YouTube channel and garnered mainstream and industry media attention.

4. Let your audience create great writing and video examples

Creativity can emerge in many ways. Sometimes, it’s a simple starting point that reflects the times, as Dove did in its content example.

It also may lead a brand to contribute to its own pop culture trend as The Stanley did with its Quencher Cup social media campaign in 2024 . Its influencer campaign prompted these fun user-generated examples of web writing and illustration in the form of memes and TikTok videos promoting the brand’s popular drinking vessel.

Hilarious Scales created this sample that’s been seen by over 10 million viewers:

@hilarious_scaless How yall be lookin with them Stanley Cups 🤣 #fypシ #fyp #stanleycup #stanleytumbler ♬ original sound – Hilarious_scales

Fans of hockey (that sport with the other Stanley Cup) also got into the action as Instagram account Daily Facebook shared this example:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DailyFaceoff (@dailyfaceoff)

5. Nail down your headlines

I’ve said it often: Headlines are the powerhouse of your content writing. After all, if the headline isn’t a success, the content behind it will never be read.

A 2024 study published in Science Advance conducted over 30,000 field experiments with The Washington Post and Upworthy headlines. It found that readers prefer simpler headlines (more common words and more readable writing) over complex ones. They also paid more attention to and more deeply processed the simpler headlines.

The e-book headline in this example from OptinMonster is straightforward: 50 Smart Ways to Segment Your Email List. It uses a numeral (50), a helpful adjective (smart), and a second-person pronoun (your) to speak directly to the audience, all of which elevates the article’s value in the reader’s mind.

The e-book headline in this example from OptinMonster is straightforward: 50 Smart Ways to Segment Your Email List.

Image source

6. Analyze the potential impact of your content headlines

Size up headlines with the Advanced Marketing Institute’s Headline Analyzer , which reveals an emotional marketing value score.

This headline example — 14 Ways Marketing Automation Helps B2B Companies Succeed — earns an emotional marketing value (EMV) of 37.5%. Most professional copywriters’ headlines typically have a 30% to 40% EMV score.

This headline example — 14 Ways Marketing Automation Helps B2B Companies Succeed — earns an emotional marketing value (EMV) of 37.5%.

The same headline in a similar tool, CoSchedule Blog Post Headline Analyzer , earns a score of 77 out of 100. This analysis looks at word balance, headline type, sentiment, reading grade level, clarity, and skimmability. It also identifies areas for improvement, such as the use of uncommon, emotional, and power words.

The same headline in a similar tool, CoSchedule Blog Post Headline Analyzer, earns a score of 77 out of 100.

7. Adjust title formats with this content writing tool

Speed your formatting tasks with TitleCase . The tool converts your title into various circumstances — all caps, hyphen, etc., so you don’t have to rekey or reformat.

8. Write headlines with words that resonate

BuzzSumo research consistently identifies “how-to” or guidance-focused headlines that resonate far better with audiences than any other type.

It makes sense. Audiences are seeking information that will help them in their lives, and they have a lot of content from which to choose. By writing phrases like “how to” in a headline, you tell them clearly what they’re going to get.

Get more tips from CMI’s article How To Create Headlines That Are Good for Readers and Business .

9. Focus on clarity for web content

Explaining your product or service can get cumbersome, but it shouldn’t if you want the audience to quickly understand how your company can help solve their pain points.

In this example, Zendesk succinctly highlights three results gained by the enterprise clients of its customer service platform:

  • Drive better conversations
  • Maximize agent efficiency
  • Adapt faster to change

The three- and four-word headlines are followed by short explanations (two sentences) and a link to the product’s relevant features for that category.

In this example, Zendesk highlights three results gained by the enterprise clients of its customer service platform: drive better conversations, maximize agent efficiency, and adapt faster to change.

10. Write to win over readers

How does your content inspire readers or get them to care?

Some suggestions include:

  • Focus on actionable content they could use right away.
  • Establish instant credibility and expertise so they understand why you’re the go-to resource.
  • Add value they wouldn’t see or find elsewhere.

This ad for the Content Marketing Institute newsletter works well as a sample of website content writing. It illustrates how to motivate the audience to see that the content is relevant for them. Its headline “Looking for Fresh Content Inspiration?” speaks directly to the reader. Its follow-up sentence explains in detail what the reader will get — expert advice, standout examples, and creative ideas.

The Content Marketing Institute headline, “Looking for Fresh Content Inspiration?” speaks directly to the reader. Its follow-up sentence explains in detail what the reader will get — expert advice, standout examples, and creative ideas.

11. Choose words that motivate actions

Sometimes, it’s a simple word or phrase that prompts someone to take the next step. Buffer offers a list of more than 150 words . These 19 words and phrases are examples of how to gain the audience’s trust:

  • Bestselling
  • Endorsed by
  • Money-back guarantee
  • No obligation
  • No questions asked
  • Recommended
  • Transparent
  • Try for free

In this web page example, OptinMonster opts for one of those words in its headline — How To Create a Fail-Proof Digital Marketing Plan in 5 Steps .

In this web page example, OptinMonster opts for one of those words in its headline — How To Create a Fail-Proof Digital Marketing Plan in 5 Steps.

12. Keep it brief but convey a lot

Given your audience reads on screens, your web writing usually appears in a small space. Yet, it still must reflect a strong message.

For example, this American Express Business web copy uses five words to indicate that it gets the reader’s problem — “Don’t stress over seasonal surges.” Then, it uses another five words to indicate that it has a solution — “Help you keep your business thriving.” On the right, it shows the product name that will do all that (American Express business line of credit.)

This American Express Business web copy uses five words to indicate they get the reader’s problem — “Don’t stress over seasonal surges.” Then, it uses another five words to indicate it has a solution — “Help keep your business thriving.” On the right, it shows the product name that will do all that (American Express business line of credit.)

13. Create compelling content with better words

Choosing a single word to convey the perfect sentiment makes the most of your available content space. To help, Jon Morrow of Smart Blogger offers a collection of words that can make a difference in your writing: 801+ Power Words That Make You Sound Smart . Here are 15 of them:

  • Frightening

In this headline — Firefox Hacks for Everyone: From Cozy Gamers to Minimalists and Beyond — the Mozilla blog opted for one of the power words, “hack.”

In this headline — Firefox Hacks for Everyone: From Cozy Gamers to Minimalists and Beyond — the Mozilla blog opted for one of the power words, “hack.”

 I’ll issue a caveat on this option: Power words can quickly become overused. “Hack” is coming close to saturation.

14. Length isn’t everything

I like to know content length rules and preferences. They give me guideposts for my web writing.

Google makes 30 characters available in its ad headlines, and it’s hard to go shorter than that. This simple sample — Best Enterprise CRM Platform — is 28 characters.

This simple sample — Best Enterprise CRM Platform — is 28 characters.

On social media, though, the character parameters are greater, and you could improve engagement by falling short of the upper limits.

Instagram is a perfect example of where writing content short of the 2,200-character maximum caption is a better decision. In fact, experts say the ideal length is 125 characters, which takes up the space visible before the viewer must click to read more.

Still, sometimes writing fewer than 125 characters can work well and draw attention in a crowded feed, as this sample from Grammarly shows. Its caption — “Learn actionable strategies for leveraging Gen AI to elevate your team’s productivity.” — totals just 88 characters.

Grammarly's caption — “Learn actionable strategies for leveraging Gen AI to elevate your team’s productivity.” — totals just 88 characters.

Of course, exceptions exist. If your content’s primary goal is search engine optimization, longer content is almost always best. As a website ages, it may be able to get by with shorter pieces because it’s already established authority and has more pages, inbound links , etc. However, extended content often helps generate high rankings for targeted keyword phrases and similar words.

15. Choose short words for your web writing

You don’t need to use a lot of words to get your point across. Short ones can work in your favor. Consider these common examples of better choices:

  • “Show,” not “indicate”
  • “Get rid of,” not “eliminate”
  • “Use,” not “utilize”
  • “To,” not “in order to”
  • “Help,” not “facilitate”
  • “Get,” not “obtain”

16. Use a tool to keep track of word counts

Meet your word count goals and improve your word choice with the WordCounter tool. It also helps identify keywords and their appropriate frequency of use.

17. Recognize common writing mistakes

Grammar Girl , created by Mignon Fogarty, founder of Quick and Dirty Tips, outlines some common mistakes, such as this example on the use of that vs. which in writing.

“The simple rule is to use ‘that’ with a restrictive element and ‘which’ with a non-restrictive element … The cupcakes that have sprinkles are still in the fridge. The words “that have sprinkles” restrict the kind of cupcake we’re talking about. Without those words, the meaning of the sentence would change. Without them, we’d be saying that all the cupcakes are still in the fridge, not just the ones with sprinkles.”

18. Use parallel construction

Parallel construction organizes the text and relieves your readers of expending mental energy to piece together the thoughts.

  • For example, this mish-mash list is not parallel because the sentence structures vary:
  • It could be time to look over your business software contract.
  • Consider the best products.
  • If you want the product to benefit your company, include others’ points of view.

The list is parallel because every sentence starts the same way – with a verb .

  • Review your business software contract.
  • Shop for the best products based on features, costs, and support options.
  • Ask key members of your team for their perspectives, including productivity barriers.

19. Know when to break the infinitive rule

Avoid splitting infinitives. However, sometimes you might need to bypass grammatically correct in favor of unawkward content.

Pro Writing Aid explains that split infinitives are nothing new — their use dates back to the 1300s. However, there is a time and place for them, as shown in this example from Northern Illinois University’s Effective Writing Practices Tutorial :

  • Split infinitive but easily understood: It’s hard to completely follow his reasoning.
  • No split infinitive, but awkwardly written: It’s hard to follow completely his reasoning.

20. Be conscious of pronouns

A conversational approach typically works best when you’re creating web content. Writing in the first or second person can accomplish this.

Embracing inclusivity also fosters a conversational atmosphere.

When you’re using pronouns, make sure it’s clear to what the pronoun refers. Given some people use they/them pronouns, ensuring pronoun clarity is especially important.

In those cases where the reader may be confused, explain the person’s use of the plural non-gendered pronoun in the text, for example, “Alex Alumino, who uses they/them pronouns …” Even better, just repeat their name in the sentence so there’s no need to explain and no misunderstanding.

21. Don’t overuse words

Redundancy bores. To figure out if you’re committing this sin, paste your text into the Word It Out tool. The word cloud reveals those used most often in your text.

We input a recent CMI article about user stories to create a word cloud for that content sample. It is no surprise that “user” shows up front and center, but it’s also an indicator for us to review the article to see if “user” is overused. “Katie” also shows up prominently in the word cloud as it’s the first name of the source for the article, and CMI uses first, instead of last names, on second and subsequent references. A review of the article could reveal it unnecessarily references the source too many times.

difference between creative writing and content writing

Similarly, WordCounter detects whether you’re using the same words too often. Use Thesaurus.com to find alternatives.

22. Try this content writing tool to replace jargon-like words

You need to speak your audience’s language, but that doesn’t mean you need to adopt the industry’s jargon. De-Jargonizer is designed to help analyze the jargon in scholarly articles, but the tool works just as well with your content writing.

In this example from a CMI article about building a social media plan , De-Jargonizer identifies four “rare” words — ebbs, inhospitable, clarifies, and actionable.

De-Jargonizer identifies four “rare” words — ebbs, inhospitable, clarifies, and actionable.

You can upload a file or paste your text to discover those rare words, aka potential jargon, in your content writing. Then, you can find more reader-friendly replacements.

23. Check your readability score

Even if readers can understand the jargon and complex sentences, they still don’t want to work hard to understand your content. To help understand if your writing is on the easier side, use a tool like Web FX’s Readability Test . It scores your content’s average reading ease and targeted readership age.

In this example, it evaluates the Fedex.com website and concludes it has a reading ease of 27.8 out of 100 and is targeted at 14- and 15-year-olds.

In this example, it evaluates the Fedex.com website and concludes it has a reading ease of 27.8 out of 100 and is targeted at 14- and 15-year-olds.

You can scroll down to see other readability scores, including Flesch Kincaid reading ease, Flesch Kincaid grade level, Gunning Fog, Smog Index, Coleman Liau, and Automated Readability Index.

The bottom of the evaluation includes the statistics about the evaluated text, including:

  • Total sentences
  • Total words
  • Complex words
  • Percent of complex words
  • Average words per sentence
  • Average syllables per word

Adjust your writing to meet the preferred readership level of your audience.

24. Evaluate sentence structure with the Hemingway App

Want more help to write content that’s easy to read? Consider tools like the Hemingway app, which provides immediate and detailed feedback on content structure, including sentence formatting. With the website version, you can replace the default text with your own.

The Hemingway app identifies potentially unnecessary adverbs, warns about passive voice, and triggers alerts to dull, complicated words.

In this web writing example from its home page, Hemingway App highlights one of the 13 sentences as very hard to read, one as hard to read, two weakener phrases, and one word with a simpler alternative.

In this web writing example from its home page, Hemingway App highlights one of the 13 sentences as very hard to read, one as hard to read, two weakener phrases, and one word with a simpler alternative.

25. Get web writing right with good grammar

Proper grammar is a necessity; you want to get everything correct to satisfy readers (and bosses). Try Grammarly .

Improve your writing with this cloud-based, AI editor. Grammarly automates grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks, often giving better, cleaner content options. The tool also alerts writers to passive voice, suggests opportunities to be concise, and assesses overall tone.

You also can save time and energy with ProWritingAid . It eliminates the need to reread to polish your content. This AI editing software offers more than grammar checks. It checks for vague wording, sentence length variation, and overuse of adverbs and passive voice. The tool also identifies complicated or run-on sentences. (“Content Writing Examples, Tips, and Resources”)

26. Read your web content in scanning mode

Here’s some sad news for content writers: Readers won’t consume every word in your content. They skip and scan a lot to see if the content is a good fit for them, and then they hope they can glean the relevant information without having to consume all the content.

As you write, think about how the text will look visually. Make it easy for readers to scan your content by including:

  • Short paragraphs
  • Bulleted lists
  • Bolded text
  • Words in color

27. Read aloud

If your content doesn’t flow as you speak it, it may not work for the reader . Pay attention to when you take too many pauses or pause in places where no comma exists. Adjust your text — add a comma or break the sentence into two.

Microsoft Word offers a read-aloud feature through its immersive reader tools, while Google Docs can use a Chrome extension to give a voice to the content .

28. Use plagiarism checkers

In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence have prompted growth in automated plagiarism checkers. Microsoft Word embeds the feature option in its software as does Grammarly. You also can use tools dedicated to ensuring that the content writing isn’t a copycat (or being copycatted), including:

  • Unicheck – Verify the originality of work with plagiarism detection. You can spot outright copying and minor text modifications in unscrupulous submissions.
  • Copyscape – Protect your content and your reputation. Copyscape uncovers plagiarism in purchased content and detects plagiarism by others of your original work.

Of course, no plagiarism checker is 100% accurate, so before you accuse a content writer of plagiarism, triple-check the results (and add a human touch whenever appropriate).

29. Use a topic tool for writing inspiration

HubSpot’s Ideas Generator works well to get your creative content writing juices flowing. Just fill in the fields with three nouns to get some ideas.

For example, if you input the words car, truck, and SUV, HubSpot delivers these ideas along with the targeted keywords for the topic:

  • Keyword: Top truck accessories
  • Keyword: Comparing SUV models
  • Keyword: Truck bed organization ideas

For example, if you input the words car, truck, and SUV, HubSpot delivers these ideas along with the targeted keywords for the topic.

HubSpot’s topic generator also allows users to pick a title and have an outline created for that article.

You also could perform a similar exercise by writing the prompts in other generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini .

NOTE: Always review the titles and accompanying data to ensure accuracy. In the HubSpot sample, the generator included a headline — Discover the Best SUVs for Families in 2021. Yet, it’s 2024.

30. Know SEO responsibilities in web writing

Sometimes writers create content with multiple purposes. They have the burden of blending SEO into the content . I frame it as a burden because it’s one more variable to deal with. If you have a knack for SEO and goals you can measure, it’s not a burden.

Unfortunately, you sometimes don’t know what realistic keywords to pursue. Aim too low and you use rarely searched keywords. Aspire for something too competitive, and the content won’t rank.

How are you evaluating keywords? Learn how to find your sweet spot with keyword selection (and how to appear on the first page of Google). Identify potential keywords by using tools like:

  • Moz Keyword Explorer
  • Google’s Keyword Planner
  • Keyword Tool
  • AnswerThePublic
  • Neil Patel’s Ubersuggest

31. Monitor relevant topics to get ideas for your content

With Feedly , you can stay informed about what matters most and avoid information overload. This AI assistant learns your preferences, then culls and curates content from the internet that you want and need.

Share your favorite writing tricks

What content creation and copywriting productivity tools do you favor? What do you do each day to make your writing tasks just a little easier? Please tag CMI on social media using #CMWorld.

All tools mentioned in this article were suggested by the author. If you’d like to suggest a tool, share the article on social media with a comment.

Register to attend Content Marketing World in San Diego. Use the code BLOG100 to save $100. Can't attend in person this year? Check out the Digital Pass for access to on-demand session recordings from the live event through the end of the year.

HANDPICKED RELATED CONTENT:

  • 7 Ancient Archetypes That Give Your Content Fresh Relevance
  • How To Write Faster With or Without an AI Assist
  • How To Get Branded Content Right: Examples, Ideas, and Tips
  • How To Catch Audiences With Extraordinary Hooks
  • New Study Reveals Clear Writing Tips for B2B Marketers
  • 6 Easy Things You Can Do To Improve the Content Experience for Your Audience
  • How To Turn Old Content Into a New Work of Art With an AI Assist

Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute

Ann Gynn

  • Software Testing Course
  • Software Engineering Tutorial
  • Software Development Life Cycle
  • Waterfall Model
  • Software Requirements
  • Software Measurement and Metrics
  • Software Design Process
  • System configuration management
  • Software Maintenance
  • Software Development Tutorial
  • Software Testing Tutorial
  • Product Management Tutorial
  • Project Management Tutorial
  • Agile Methodology
  • Selenium Basics

Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing

1. Technical Writing : Technical writing is a piece of writing which focuses on factual and straight forward content and technical papers are published to inform and instruct and educate the user about some specific topic. There exists specific readers who prefers technical papers. It gives readers information about some technical topics or it gives directions on how to do something.

2. Creative Writing : Creative writing is a piece of writing which focuses on imaginative and symbolic content and creative papers are published to entertain, provoke, inspire the user. There is no such specific readers who prefers creative papers. Anyone if wants can read creative paper and it gives readers a theme, message, moral or lesson which is helpful in their real lives or gives a temporary entertainment to the reader.

Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing :

S.No. TECHNICAL WRITING CREATIVE WRITING
01. Technical writing is based on facts and concepts. General writing is based on imaginations and creativity.
02. Technical writing focuses on factual and straight forward content. Creative writing focuses on imaginative and symbolic content.
03. Technical writing has its specific reader/audience. Creative writing has general reader/audience.
04. The purpose of technical writing is to inform and instruct and educate the user. The purpose of creative writing is to entertain, provoke, inspire.
05. It follows formal and standard style of writing. It follows informal and artistic style of writing.
06. It gives readers information about some technical topics or it gives directions on how to do something. It gives readers a theme, message, moral or lesson which is helpful in their real lives or gives a temporary entertainment to the reader.
07. It uses text features like the table of contents, index, labels, charts, photos and graphs. It uses narrative elements such conflict, character, theme, setting and resolution.
08. The tone of technical writing is objective. The tone of creative writing is subjective.
09. It is based on specialized vocabulary. It is based on general, evocative vocabulary.
10. It is organized in a sequential and systematic manner. It is organized in an arbitrary and artistic manner and may not be systematic.
11. In technical writing graphics are included to give more information to the topic. In creative writing graphics are included to give more attraction to the topic.
12. Technical writing depends on any result, research, information etc. Creative writing depends on schedule and mindset of the writer.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

  • Difference Between
  • Software Engineering

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

 alt=

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Creative Writing vs Content Writing: Understanding the Key Differences

avatar

Understanding the Basics of Creative Writing and Content Writing

Creative writing and content writing are two distinct forms of expression, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. Understanding the differences between them is essential for aspiring writers and content creators.

Differentiating Creative Writing from Content Writing

When it comes to creative writing , the emphasis lies in embracing imagination . Creative content writers have the freedom to explore diverse themes, create fictional worlds, and craft compelling narratives that captivate readers. On the other hand, content writing focuses on delivering information. It requires a keen focus on facts, clarity, and precision to effectively convey messages to the audience. Content writers must understand the audience's expectations and tailor their content to meet those needs effectively.

The Role of Structure and Style

In creative writing, authors are tasked with crafting engaging narratives that transport readers into imaginative realms. The use of descriptive language is pivotal in painting vivid imagery and evoking emotions. Conversely, content writing demands objectivity and a clear communication style to ensure that information is presented accurately without bias.

Importance of Research and Authenticity

Creative writing often incorporates personal experiences to add depth to storytelling while creating fictional worlds that resonate with readers' emotions. In contrast, content writing relies on validating information sources to present factual data accurately.

Balancing Creativity and Purpose

Expressing emotions and ideas through unique storylines is a hallmark of creative writing. It allows authors to delve into uncharted territories of imagination while ensuring relevance and value in their content remains paramount in content writing.

Statistical Data:

The content writing industry has been gaining popularity over the last five years. Figure 1 shows the increasing popularity of the keyword “content writing” on Google over the last five years. 75% of large companies outsource content writers.

method : Textual Description - Plain text or using > for blockquotes.

Scientific Research Findings:

method : "Warning" Notices - can be simulated with blockquotes.

Warning: No scientific research findings available at this time.

Exploring the Key Elements of Creative Writing

Creative writing encompasses a myriad of elements that contribute to its distinctiveness, including language and expression, character development and storytelling, as well as setting and atmosphere. Understanding these key components is essential for aspiring creative writers seeking to captivate their audience through imaginative narratives.

Language and Expression

In creative writing , the choice of language is paramount in evoking emotions and imagery. Writers utilize evocative language to immerse readers in captivating worlds, eliciting authentic emotional responses. On the other hand, content writing emphasizes concise and informative language to effectively communicate information without unnecessary embellishments.

Character Development and Storytelling

One of the fundamental aspects of creative writing involves creating compelling characters that resonate with readers. This process allows writers to develop intricate plots that engage audiences on an emotional level. In contrast, content writing focuses on showcasing realistic characters and presenting real-life scenarios to convey information effectively.

Setting and Atmosphere

In creative writing , vivid settings are crafted to transport readers into immersive worlds filled with rich detail and authenticity. The goal is to create an atmospheric experience that captivates the audience's imagination. Conversely, content writing depicts realistic environments and authentic locations to provide accurate information in a clear and concise manner.

Behind the Scenes

Case studies illustrating successful content marketing campaigns, including the strategies used , audience engagement, and campaign performance metrics .

Philosophical or Ethical Arguments:

Creative writing allows the writer to invent characters, scenes, and plot from scratch...

Creative content writing is created simply for the enjoyment of readers...

The Role of SEO in Content Writing

In the digital landscape, understanding the principles of SEO is paramount for content writing . By strategically incorporating keywords , optimizing content for search engines, and enhancing readability, content creators can effectively boost their online visibility and engage with a broader audience.

Understanding SEO Principles

When delving into the realm of SEO content writing , it's essential to understand the foundational principles that drive organic traffic and user engagement. Incorporating keywords strategically within the content allows search engines to recognize the relevance and significance of the material. Furthermore, optimizing content for search engines involves structuring articles in a manner that enhances their discoverability and ranking potential. This process also entails implementing meta descriptions and tags to provide search engines with valuable insights into the content's context and relevance.

Creating Engaging and SEO-Friendly Content

Crafting compelling headlines and subheadings not only captures readers' attention but also plays a crucial role in enhancing SEO by signaling the main topics of the content. Well-structured content not only enhances user experience but also aligns with search engine algorithms, contributing to improved rankings. Leveraging multimedia elements such as images, videos, and infographics further enriches the content's appeal while balancing SEO requirements with quality writing ensures that both search engines and human readers find value in the material.

Adhering to Ethical and Effective SEO Practices

Ethical SEO practices are fundamental in maintaining credibility and fostering sustainable growth in online visibility. Avoiding keyword stuffing and unnatural language preserves the integrity of the content while prioritizing user intent ensures that readers find relevant information that meets their needs effectively. Building organic backlinks from reputable sources adds authority to the content, contributing to enhanced visibility. Additionally, monitoring and analyzing SEO performance metrics provides valuable insights into areas for improvement, allowing for continuous refinement of content writing strategies .

<<>> What's Next? The future of ethical SEO lies in an increased focus on user experiences, compliance with evolving search engine guidelines, and reader-focused content creation. <<>> Content Writing Strategies for Effective Marketing In the realm of content writing, effective marketing strategies are essential to engage audiences, promote brand identity, and anticipate evolving consumer behaviors. By understanding audience preferences and leveraging the power of storytelling, content creators can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their target demographic. Understanding the Audience and Market Trends Conducting Audience Research for Tailored Content : Thorough research into audience demographics, interests, and behaviors is crucial to tailor content that resonates with specific consumer segments. Analyzing Market Demands and Preferences : Identifying market trends and consumer preferences allows content creators to align their messaging with current demands effectively. Adapting Content to Evolving Consumer Behaviors : Anticipating shifts in consumer behaviors enables content writers to proactively adjust their strategies to remain relevant and engaging. Anticipating and Addressing Audience Needs : By understanding the needs of their audience, content creators can develop solutions and insights that add value to consumers' lives. Statistical Data : method : "Statistic" Sidebars - can be simulated with blockquotes or lists. Statistic: 97% of marketers report a significant increase in personalization efforts in 2020. Statistic: 80% of companies report seeing an uplift since implementing personalization. Statistic: A 20% increase in sales when using personalized experiences . Statistic: Open rates can increase by up to 26% . Leveraging Content for Brand Promotion Showcasing Brand Values and Identity in Content : Integrating brand values into content fosters brand loyalty by creating a sense of alignment between consumers' beliefs and the brand's identity. Creating Compelling Calls-to-Action for Marketing : Crafting persuasive calls-to-action encourages audience engagement, driving them towards desired actions such as making a purchase or subscribing to a service. Building Brand Loyalty Through Engaging Content : Consistently delivering high-quality, engaging content nurtures long-term relationships with consumers, fostering brand loyalty over time. Aligning Content with Brand Messaging and Goals : Ensuring that all content aligns with the overarching brand message reinforces brand identity while working towards achieving strategic goals. Interviews : method : "Challenge" Sections - can be simulated with blockquotes. Challenge: Interviews with marketing experts discussing the role of storytelling in effective brand promotion and consumer engagement. Challenge: Marketing strategy and effective storytelling have never worked hand in hand better than they do today . Challenge: Coca-Cola’s content marketing strategy has its roots in the brand’s “Content 2020” campaign . Challenge: By using visual content strategically, you can capture attention , communicate messages, build brand identity, support storytelling, and improve social media performance. Harnessing the Power of Storytelling Using Narratives to Connect with Audiences : Crafting compelling narratives creates an emotional connection between brands and consumers, fostering a deeper level of engagement. Evoking Emotions and Empathy Through Stories : Emotionally resonant stories have the power to evoke empathy among audiences, leading to stronger connections between brands and consumers. Creating Memorable Brand Narratives : Developing unique brand narratives enhances memorability while differentiating brands from competitors within crowded market spaces. Integrating Brand Stories into Content Marketing : Seamlessly integrating brand stories into content marketing initiatives ensures consistent messaging across various platforms while reinforcing core brand values. Creative Writing Techniques for Engaging Content Crafting captivating content through creative writing techniques is essential to engage and enthrall readers. By employing various strategies, writers can draw audiences into their narratives, evoke emotions, and encourage active participation. Captivating Readers with Creative Hooks Crafting Intriguing Openings in Creative Writing The art of crafting an intriguing opening in creative writing lies in capturing the reader's attention from the very first sentence. Anecdotal evidence suggests that incorporating storytelling techniques can greatly enhance articles. A strong narrative can captivate readers and make content more engaging. Beginning with a compelling introduction that grabs attention and sets the tone is crucial. Engaging Audiences from the First Sentence Emotion is the catalyst that keeps readers immersed in a story. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, fear, anticipation, or anger, the power of emotion captivates readers, making them involved in the unfolding narrative. It’s through these emotions that readers foster a strong connection with the characters, empathizing with their joys and sharing their tribulations. Building Suspense and Curiosity in Creative Writing Building suspense and curiosity within creative writing keeps readers eagerly turning pages or scrolling down screens. The use of vivid language and descriptive details paints a picture in the reader's mind while structuring articles like a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end enhances engagement. Drawing Readers into the Content from the Start Creative content writing has always done its job well. Stories can make readers cry, laugh, think and discover. They can also bring across points and raise questions about current issues. The internet is chock-full of creative writing from people of all backgrounds and talents. Evoking Emotions and Empathy Creating Emotional Resonance in Creative Writing In creative content , evoking emotions is pivotal to creating an immersive experience for readers. By infusing stories with emotional depth, writers can resonate with their audience on a personal level. Connecting with Readers on a Personal Level Establishing a personal connection through storytelling allows writers to bridge emotional gaps between themselves and their audience. This fosters empathy while making the content relatable. Eliciting Empathy and Understanding Through Writing By eliciting authentic emotional responses through storytelling elements such as character development and plot progression, writers can create impactful narratives that resonate deeply with their audience. Generating Authentic Emotional Responses Authenticity in emotional portrayal within creative writing leads to genuine responses from readers who are drawn into the narrative's emotional landscape. Encouraging Interaction and Engagement Prompting Reflection and Response from Readers Encouraging reflection on themes presented within creative works prompts meaningful engagement among audiences as they ponder over thought-provoking ideas. Encouraging Dialogue and Discussion Through Writing Fostering dialogue around creative works encourages active participation among readers who share insights or perspectives related to the content's themes or messages. Fostering Engagement and Participation Creating interactive elements within creative writing such as interactive fiction or multimedia components invites active engagement from audiences who become part of the narrative experience. Understanding the Nuances of Content Marketing In the realm of modern marketing, content marketing stands out as a strategic approach that focuses on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. It differentiates itself from traditional advertising through its emphasis on providing value, building relationships, engaging audiences through educational content, and contrasting with direct sales and promotions. Differentiating Content Marketing from Traditional Advertising Highlighting Value and Information in Content Marketing Content marketing places a strong emphasis on delivering value to the audience through informative and engaging content. By providing valuable insights, tips, and solutions to their audience's challenges, brands establish themselves as trusted sources of information. Building Relationships Through Content Marketing Unlike traditional advertising that often focuses on immediate sales pitches, content marketing aims to build long-term relationships with the audience. By consistently delivering high-quality content that addresses their needs and interests, brands foster trust and loyalty among consumers. Engaging Audiences Through Educational Content Educational content is a cornerstone of content marketing , offering audiences valuable knowledge while positioning brands as industry authorities. This approach creates opportunities for meaningful engagement while empowering consumers with actionable information. Contrasting with Direct Sales and Promotions While traditional advertising often directly promotes products or services, content marketing takes a more subtle approach by focusing on providing value first. This indirect method fosters brand awareness and loyalty without aggressive sales tactics. Crafting Successful Content Marketing Campaigns Developing Compelling Content for Marketing Campaigns The success of content marketing campaigns hinges on the creation of compelling content that resonates with the target audience. This involves understanding their needs, pain points, and aspirations to deliver relevant and impactful messaging. Implementing Multi-Channel Distribution Strategies To maximize reach and engagement, successful content marketing campaigns leverage multiple distribution channels such as social media platforms, email newsletters, blogs, podcasts, videos, and more. This multi-channel approach ensures that content reaches audiences across various touchpoints. Measuring and Analyzing Campaign Performance An essential aspect of effective content marketing campaigns is the ability to measure performance metrics such as website traffic, engagement rates, conversion rates, and social media interactions. Analysis of these metrics provides valuable insights into campaign effectiveness. Adapting Content to Diverse Marketing Platforms Diverse marketing platforms offer unique opportunities for reaching varied audiences. Successful content marketing campaigns adapt content to suit each platform's nuances while maintaining consistency in brand messaging across all channels. Maximizing Content Impact and Reach Leveraging SEO and Keywords for Content Visibility Optimizing content for search engines through strategic use of keywords enhances visibility within search results pages. By aligning content with relevant search queries using targeted keywords effectively increases organic traffic. Amplifying Content Through Social Media and Influencers Social media platforms serve as powerful tools for amplifying content reach. Strategic partnerships with influencers further extend this reach by leveraging their established audiences to promote branded content effectively. Expanding Content Reach Through Collaborations Collaborating with complementary brands or industry influencers expands the reach of content marketing efforts , tapping into new audience segments while fostering mutually beneficial relationships. Optimizing Content for Viral Potential and Shareability Creating shareable content that resonates with audiences' emotions or provides exceptional value increases its potential for virality. Encouraging sharing through compelling storytelling or interactive elements enhances overall reach. Comparing Creative Writing and Content Writing When delving into the realm of creative writing and content writing , it becomes evident that both forms of expression possess distinct characteristics and serve unique purposes. Understanding the nuances of each writing style is essential for writers seeking to effectively engage their audience while delivering compelling narratives or informative content. Evaluating the Artistic and Informational Balance Balancing Artistic Expression and Information Delivery Creative writing allows for a more imaginative, free-flowing, and unfiltered approach to storytelling. Writers have the liberty to explore diverse themes, create fictional worlds, and craft compelling narratives that captivate readers through artistic expression. On the other hand, content writing focuses on delivering objective, informative, and structured content. It adheres to writing rules, SEO guidelines, and business objectives to ensure factual accuracy while meeting the informational needs of the audience. Weighing the Importance of Creativity and Factual Accuracy In creative content writing, there is a focus on imagination , originality, and emotional expression through literary devices such as poetry, fiction, songs, or plays. This form of creative expression can encompass both fiction and non-fiction narratives based on the writer's unique storytelling style. Conversely, content writing requires adherence to different SEO rules and regulations to generate content according to search engines' requirements. The emphasis lies in providing accurate information aligned with business objectives while maintaining a structured delivery. Assessing the Role of Imagination and Realism in Writing While creative writers enjoy artistic freedom in crafting imaginative narratives that resonate with emotions and experiences, content writers navigate within a framework that balances creativity with factual accuracy. The role of imagination in creative writing allows for captivating storytelling that transports readers into immersive worlds filled with rich detail and authenticity. In contrast, realism takes precedence in content writing by depicting realistic environments and authentic locations to provide accurate information in a clear and concise manner. Comparing the Impact of Emotion and Objectivity in Writing Emotion plays a pivotal role in engaging audiences through creative content by evoking authentic emotional responses from readers. Creative writers have the opportunity to connect with their audience on a personal level by fostering empathy through impactful storytelling elements such as character development and plot progression. On the other hand, objectivity remains integral in content writing as it ensures that information is presented accurately without bias or subjective influence. Addressing Audience Engagement and Communication Engaging Readers Through Creative and Informative Content Both creative writing and content writing aim to engage audiences through compelling narratives or informative material tailored to meet their needs effectively. While creative writers seek to captivate readers through imaginative storytelling techniques that evoke emotions, content writers foster engagement by delivering valuable insights aligned with audience expectations. Fostering Connection and Understanding with Audiences The essence of effective communication lies in fostering connections between writers/authors/content creators... Mastering the Art of Writing for Diverse Audiences Tailoring Content to Varied Reader Preferences When it comes to content writing , tailoring content to varied reader preferences is essential for engaging and retaining audiences. Understanding and meeting diverse reader expectations requires flexibility, creativity, and empathy . Writers need to adapt their writing style, tone, and language to suit their readers’ preferences and expectations. Whether producing articles, blogs, or any other form of written content, it's crucial to create material that resonates with different audience segments. Engaging Global and Multicultural Readerships Embracing diversity and inclusivity in content creation is paramount for engaging global and multicultural readerships. Building bridges across cultural and linguistic barriers allows writers to reach international audiences effectively. Respecting and reflecting global perspectives in writing fosters a sense of inclusivity while creating content that resonates with international audiences. Fostering Connection and Understanding Building empathy and understanding through writing is a powerful tool for fostering connection among diverse audiences. Encouraging dialogue and exchange across borders unites readers through shared experiences and stories, promoting mutual understanding and respect through content. Personal Experience : This is bold text This is italic text Social Media Content : First step in the guide Second step in the guide Third step in the guide About the Author : Quthor, powered by Quick Creator , is an AI writer that excels in creating high-quality articles from just a keyword or an idea. Leveraging Quick Creator's cutting-edge writing engine, Quthor efficiently gathers up-to-date facts and data to produce engaging and informative content. The article you're reading? Crafted by Quthor, demonstrating its capability to produce compelling content. Experience the power of AI writing. Try Quick Creator for free at quickcreator.io and start creating with Quthor today! See Also Utilizing Blogging and Content Marketing: Maximizing Their Synergy Differentiating a Writer from a Blogger: A Comprehensive Guide Deciphering the Contrast: Creator vs. Creater Mastering SEO Blog Writing: Strategies for Compelling Content Exploring 'Write': Beyond the Act of Putting Pen to Paper

Accelerate your organic traffic10X with Quick Creator

© Copyright 2024 Quick Creator - All Rights Reserved.

enago-life-sciences

Medical Writing Approaches: Key Differences Between Regulatory, Publication, and Commercial Writing

difference between creative writing and content writing

Overview of Medical Writing

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of pharmaceutical industry, effective communication is foremost. Medical writing plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap by translating complex scientific data into accessible information to a wider audience.

Medical writing is a diverse and specialized field that contributes significantly to drug development, regulatory compliance, patient communication and overall patient safety. Opportunities for medical writers are growing day-by-day. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field of technical writing will grow by 7% by 2032, a rate that is faster than average. 1 Whether the aim is to secure regulatory approval for new drug, to share ground-breaking research to the scientific community or craft compelling marketing material, understanding the difference between regulatory, publication and commercial writing is important.

This blog will explore about these three approaches providing insights into the unique characteristics and skills required to get success into each area.

Regulatory Writing: The backbone of compliance

Regulatory writing is crucial in clinical research for writing relevant documents for various authorities. The primary goal is to obtain approvals for new drugs, medical devices and therapies. Regulatory writers perform a central role from the development of protocols to filing and approval of drugs.

difference between creative writing and content writing

The most frequent clinical documents written by regulatory writers are Investigator Brochures (IBs), Clinical Study Protocols, Clinical Study Reports (CSRs), New Drug Applications (NDA)/ Marketing Authorization Applications (MAA) and the Common Technical Document (CTD). They also produce for the patients’ own documents like the clinical trial lay summary, patient’s information to be given before participating in a clinical trial and the informed consent form

The writing style for regulatory documents is precise, objective and highly structured. Clarity and consistency are paramount, even minor error can lead to delays in approval or request for additional information.

Key skills for regulatory writers include:

  • Attention to detail: Ensuring minute details are accurate and complaint with regulatory standards
  • Analytical Thinking: Subject to analyse complicated data and present it in clear and concise manner
  • Understanding of Regulatory Guidelines: Familiarity with guidelines such as International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) together with agency requirements.

Publication Writing: Sharing knowledge with the scientific community

Publication writing has a primary aim of making information derived from research available to scientific and healthcare communities. The publications must be clear, accurate and precise regardless of being a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal, a poster to be presented at a conference or an abstract.

In addition to the core content, publication extenders play a crucial role. This supplementary material such as extended data sets, appendices, extended data tables provide additional information and context that supports primary publication. They help enhancing the depth of the study. Additionally, Plain language summary for publication (PLS-P) helps in translating the complex scientific information to simpler language for patients and non-specialists, ensuring that key findings are understood by all stakeholders.

difference between creative writing and content writing

Key Skills Required

  • Scientific Literacy: A good scientific approach, research methodology and methods of data analysis
  • Critical Thinking: capability to evaluate research findings and interpret in context of broader scientific context
  • Writing Clarity: Translating intricate data into simpler and concise manner to be understood by experts and non-experts alike.
  • Ethical Awareness: Understanding basic of ethics, refer to the authorship and conflict of interest statements and data accuracy.

Commercial Writing: Crafting Persuasive and Engaging Content

Commercial writing in the medical field focuses on both communication and persuasion. Its aim is to create content that not only informs but also engages and motivates various audiences, whether they’re healthcare professionals, patients, or the general public.

The main goal of commercial writing is to promote products, services, or brands. Depending on the audience, this might involve providing detailed product information for healthcare professionals or creating understandable and reassuring content for patients about their treatment options.

difference between creative writing and content writing

The tone in commercial writing is usually persuasive and engaging, but it also needs to be precise and adhere to regulatory standards. It should connect with the audience effectively, whether that means making a compelling case to healthcare providers or offering clear and empathetic information to patients.

  • Creative writing simply means ability to write engaging content is crucial for conveying key messages
  • Marketing Insight: Target audience, market dynamics, product positioning.
  • Regulatory literacy: Writers must ensure that promotional material complies with legal and regulatory standards.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with marketing teams, legal departments, and medical reviewers to develop effective and compliant content.

Guidelines and Principles Governing Regulatory and Publication Documents

Publication writing concentrates on conveying scientific integrity which are driven by different institutions under a global community. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors ( ICMJE )2 outlines on publication transparency, and authorship criteria. The International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) has also published a set of good publication practices ( GPP ) 3 guidelines updated in timely manner.

Moreover, regulatory medical writing works under specific rules and guidelines laid by ICH, The guidelines ensure that the quality of all the scientific and technical requirements for registration are consistent throughout global network.

The ICH-specified guidelines are divided into four categories: quality, safety, efficacy, and multidisciplinary. Some of the critical guidelines include  E3  (Clinical Study Reports),  E6  (Good Clinical Practice), and  M4  (Common Technical Document). Many templates are available on the ICH website for the use by regulatory writers.

Regulatory, publication or commercial writing overlap in some respects but are aimed at different audiences, so each type of medical writer needs to focus on developing the required set of skills for their intended audience. Regulatory writing is about the precision and compliance, publication writing needs scientific rigor and clarity while commercial copywriting requires persuasion & engagement. Similarly, each type of writing needs a completely different skillset with details to attention and scientific literacy for academic content creation or creative thinking process as well as the market insight in marketing based on your choice. As the field continue to grow, the demand for skilled medical writer who can navigate these approaches will only grow, making this an excited and dynamic career path.

References:

  • (2024, June 24). How to become a medical writer. American Medical Writers Association . Accessed from https://blog.amwa.org/how-to-become-a-medical-writer on August 8 , 2024.
  • Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals. Accessed from https://www.icmje.org/icmje-recommendations.pdf on August 13, 2024.
  • DeTora LM, Toroser D, Sykes A, et al. Good Publication Practice (GPP) guidelines for company-sponsored biomedical research: 2022 update. Ann Intern Med 2022 Sep;175(9):1298-1304. doi: 10.7326/M22-1460.

difference between creative writing and content writing

Manasvi Joshi, Msc in Biotechnology Senior Scientific Writer 1, Enago Life Sciences Connect with Manasvi on Linkedin

difference between creative writing and content writing

Dhanya Mukundan, MDS (Oral Medicine and Radiology) Expert Scientific Writer, Enago Life Sciences Connect with Dhanya on  LinkedIn

difference between creative writing and content writing

Raghuraj Puthige, PhD., eMDP Function Head, Medical Communications – Enago Life Sciences Connect with Raghuraj on  LinkedIn

Ad Board Strategies and Planning: A MedComms Agency Perspective

Regulatory Insights and Writing Dilemmas in Medical Device Documentation

The Future of Research: AI-Driven Automation in Systematic Reviews

The Impact of AI on Medical Writing: How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing…

Enago Life Sciences at EASL Congress 2024: Connect with us for an exciting exchange…

Reimagining Medical Communications without Time and Money Constraints: A Thought…

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

IMAGES

  1. The Difference Between Creative Writing And Content Writing

    difference between creative writing and content writing

  2. Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing

    difference between creative writing and content writing

  3. One similarity between content writing and creative writing is a good

    difference between creative writing and content writing

  4. Difference Between Content Writing and Creative Writing

    difference between creative writing and content writing

  5. Difference Between Content Writing and Creative Writing

    difference between creative writing and content writing

  6. Difference Between Content Writing and Creative Writing

    difference between creative writing and content writing

COMMENTS

  1. Creative Writing vs. Content Writing: 7 Elements of Each Type of

    Most professional writing falls into two categories: creative writing—which includes novels, short stories, poems, and screenplays—and content writing, which includes manuals, guidebooks, and marketing products. Here are some key differences between the two types of writing.

  2. Creative Writing vs. Content Writing: What's the Difference?

    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. Source. The article that you are reading right now is a form of content writing too.

  3. What is the difference between content writing and creative writing?

    For Elise, the difference between content writing and creative writing comes down to the role of the client or brief; "I never talk about 'content writing' because I don't think of words as mere 'content'", says Elise, "this implies that there's some void to fill with obligatory stuff, rather than seeing words as integral to the ...

  4. Creative Writing Vs Content Writing: What Is The Difference?

    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.

  5. The Difference Between Creative Writing And Content Writing

    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.

  6. Creative Writing vs. Content Writing: What's the Difference

    Creative writing includes short stories, screenplays, novels, and other fiction works. Content writing, however, is writing that is either technical in nature or is used for marketing purposes. Content writing, while it may be clever or creative at times, has a purpose other than being entertaining. Content writing is there to persuade and ...

  7. 5 Basic Differences Between Content Writing Vs Creative Writing

    Content writing vs creative writing is completely two different forms of writing. Most people get confused between the two but one must understand the concepts. ... Hence, you must know the following five basic differences between content writing and creative writing to shape your write-up well. The learning will ensure that you nail your ...

  8. Difference between Creative Writing and Content Writing

    In contrast, content writing is more professional, with the writer liable to produce quality content that resonates with the company's target audience. In creative writing, the writer can let their imagination fly with words. In comparison, content writing has to be easily readable by its audience. 2. Universal Vs Trending

  9. Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing

    #6. Basic Nature(of creative and content writing) Creative writing is any writing outside the boundaries of journalistic, academic or professional kinds of write ups. In creative writing, the author tries to create scenes, events and characters. It can be based on true facts too. However, it has a touch of the author's personality to it.

  10. Creative writing and content writing, what's the difference?

    From an external perspective, writing is considered a general unit of work or study, but rather than giving a straightforward answer, it's essential to consider what writing can mean. That's ...

  11. The Difference between Creative Writing and Content Writing

    The Purpose: Creative writing, even when done for a commercial purpose, is mainly recreational. Content writing for the web, however, has a more commercial use and is a method of marketing. Creative writing entertains while content writing sells, and while being able to entertain while selling is an advantage, one needs to be more than an ...

  12. Copywriting vs. Content Writing: What's the Difference?

    Copywriting and content writing are two types of writing careers you could pursue in the marketing industry. If you're creative and enjoy using research and branding to create targeted marketing content, you might enjoy working as either a copywriter or content writer.Understanding how these two similar careers differ could help you refine your path and choose one to pursue.

  13. Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing

    7. Creative writing presents facts and deals with the commercial purpose, and the audience loves it. 8. It is considered as the form of art (literature). Creative writing is mostly lengthy. Content Writing. 1. It is more of an educational or informative writing style; it is generally based on facts and figures, information etc. 2.

  14. Creative Writing vs. Content Writing Made Crystal-clear

    The table below shows the differences between content writing and creative writing based on the goal, platform, language, and style. Creative Writing. Content Writing. Goal. Creative writing showcases how original a piece is. It also reflects personal thoughts and feelings that amuse and entertain readers.

  15. 5 Differences between Creative Writing and Content Writing

    Content writing for the internet has more commercial use as it is a part of marketing. 3. Content. Creative writing is not academic or technical. Types of creative writing include journals, diaries, essays, stories, poetries, memoirs, scripts, and free writing pieces. The content written is suggestive and creative.

  16. What Makes Creative Writing Different From Other Forms Of Writing

    Creative writing is art in its pure form. A major difference between Creative Writing and other kinds of writing is the use of language. It uses color, depth and is suggestive. It leaves the reader with factual information and language like other writing. But, at the same time is not just stating facts or information.

  17. Difference Between Creative Writing and Content Writing

    In this video, you will learn the difference between content writing and creative writing, which will help you if you are looking for opportunities in this f...

  18. Content Writing Examples, Tips, and Resources

    Great content writing must be powerful and effective to captivate your audience. But accomplishing that with your content writing isn't an easy task. Whether you craft words for B2B or B2C audiences, the challenges can be many. To help, I've compiled web writing examples, tips, tools, and resources.

  19. Difference between Technical Writing and Creative Writing

    01. Technical writing is based on facts and concepts. General writing is based on imaginations and creativity. 02. Technical writing focuses on factual and straight forward content. Creative writing focuses on imaginative and symbolic content. 03. Technical writing has its specific reader/audience.

  20. Creative Writing vs Content Writing: Understanding the Key Differences

    Differentiating Creative Writing from Content Writing. When it comes to creative writing, the emphasis lies in embracing imagination. Creative content writers have the freedom to explore diverse themes, create fictional worlds, and craft compelling narratives that captivate readers. On the other hand, content writing focuses on delivering ...

  21. Medical Writing Approaches: Key Differences Between Regulatory

    Creative writing simply means ability to write engaging content is crucial for conveying key messages Marketing Insight: Target audience, market dynamics, product positioning. Regulatory literacy: Writers must ensure that promotional material complies with legal and regulatory standards.