What is Technical Writing?

What is Technical Writing?

Technical writing is the documentation of complex, technical processes for everyday users. It falls under the broad umbrella of technical communication, a subfield of business communication.

According to the Society for Technical Communication (STC) – a professional association – “technical communication” is any form of communication that:

• Communicates topics that are technical or have a very specialized focus
• Leverage some technology, like web pages, social media, etc.
• Provide instructions to a defined audience through technical content

Compared to other forms of writing, technical writing has a much more targeted audience. STEM fields like computer science/information technology, engineering, biochemistry, medical sciences, physics, and finance require technical skills and communication.

Technical writing has different goals, including, but not limited to:

• Unambiguously defining a process
• Explaining how to use a tool/machine
• Discussing research findings
• Analyzing trends and forecasting something

The technical documents, videos, and other content produced by this type of writing take many forms, such as user manuals, reports, FAQs, wiki pages, etc.

There is no universal style guide for technical writing. The formatting, writing style, tone, and difficulty level are up to the organization or the person developing the content, as well as the audience.

However, the goal for any technical writing is the same: to be as unambiguous as possible when defining a technical process or sharing the results of your findings.

Check out our Technical Writing Certification Course to learn more about becoming a successful technical writer.

What Technical Writing Isn’t

Any content that does not provide technical information in a meaningful, unambiguous, and targeted way is not considered technical writing.

Still, it is challenging to draw the line between technical writing and other forms of technical writing plays even then.

To be a bit more specific, here are common examples of content that do not fall under “technical writing”:

• Regular blog posts with non-technical documents (on house decoration, management, or a personal journey)
• Any content explaining a technical concept when the audience doesn’t have to apply that knowledge in a professional setting
• Promotional or entertaining content shared on social media

7 Common Types of Technical Writing

Technical writing encompasses a broad range of fields.

There are many technical writing types, such as reports, journals, and manuals. Here are some of the most common types of technical writing.

Technical Documentation

Using a technical product (such as heavy-duty machinery or a handy tool) requires clear instructions.

Since the audience for such products includes engineers, mechanics/technicians, and scientists, they must understand the technicalities, especially if they’re not used to using them. Even the smallest error can cost thousands of hard-earned dollars.

Technical documents communicate instructions and ensure the user doesn’t make a fatal error. The most common types of technical writing are instruction manuals, maintenance checklists/guidelines, references, and engineering specifications.

Software documentation content must be as straightforward to ensure the end-user comprehends it.

Additionally, it can also be in the form of a training video, provided that the narration or captions meet technical writing requirements.

Instructions for the End-User

This form of technical writing is very closely related to the previous one, as it pretty much accomplishes the same goal – to help the end-user.

This form of technical writing is related to the previous one, as it accomplishes the same goal—to help the end user.

The only distinctions between the two are the target audiences and their intended products.

Unlike traditional technical documentation, these instructions are for day-to-day gadgets and software used by ordinary consumers and business professionals, not highly complex, industrial-level machinery or equipment.

Technical writing is included in the instruction manuals with our brand-new smartphones, car handbooks, and enterprise software instruction videos.

The goal is to minimize tickets/requests for the customer service department, as the users will have everything they need to set up and get started with their product.

Technical Writers’ Reports

Technical report writing encompasses a wide range of products.

In technical writing, these reports refer to documentation that tracks complex processes (such as a maintenance report) and product history.

They also include financial/feasibility reports. However, some prefer to classify them as “business writing.”

Technical reports follow strict writing and formatting rules determined by the organization preparing them. In some cases, those rules are set forth by an external party in case auditing is required.

Unlike most technical write-ups, feasibility reports inform an internal audience (like a board of directors or a committee). However, an external party, such as a potential investor, may view them.

Policies and Procedures

Every company has policies and pre-determined formal procedures that employees must follow to ensure productivity, create a safe working environment, and reduce liability risks.

Typically, technical writers prepare these policies under the supervision of a compliance officer or another member of the senior management.

Since they’re for employees across the company (or a specific team), they have to communicate expectations in a very straightforward way.

Doing so avoids potential lawsuits and upholds the organization’s reputation.

Business Plans and Proposals

Traditionally, technical writing didn’t encompass business plans.

However, due to the extensive research, number crunching, and laser-focused targeting that it entails, experts began considering it a part of technical writing.

For those with little or no experience with business writing, a business plan is a comprehensive document detailing the various strategies of a venture created for people willing to invest.

A typical business plan includes details of the following:

• Business Introduction/Elevator Pitch
• Business model
• Unique selling points
• Consumer research
• Competitor research
• Marketing strategy
• Financial projections/Feasibility report

A professionally-written business proposal can help aspiring entrepreneur bag the capital they need to launch their venture.

Case Studies

A case study is a detailed documentation of a project, event, or process. Its purpose is to provide guidance, insights, or proof.

Case studies are used for business, scientific, or engineering purposes and can cover many topics in various industries. However, they all have one thing in common–they leverage data to identify patterns.

White Papers

White papers are authoritative documents that present solutions to complex issues.

Organizations publish them to discuss their philosophies on different matters for defined audiences. The goals of a white paper could include:

• To persuade the reader to adopt or invest in a particular solution (like software, machine, or a crypto-currency)
• To establish the brand’s authority within the industry

Although not necessary, creating a white paper also entails engaging in graphic design.

How to Create Technical Writing

There are no strict rules for developing technical documents. However, certain best practices should be adhered to by all technical writers.

Here are the steps you should take to develop a technical piece of content:

Create (or Refer to) Personas

The first step in technical writing is to clearly describe who you’re writing the content for.

That’s because every type needs to be laser-focused on the audience it’s intended for. This helps choose the appropriate tone, select the right words, and drive the message home.

This entails creating detailed personas, including the age, occupation, level of education, and goals of the intended audience.

Keep Focused

The next and perhaps most important step in technical writing is conducting extensive research and gathering data.

This involves scouring the web to collect relevant information.

Furthermore, technical writers must collaborate with other organizational stakeholders for highly complex projects despite being subject matter experts. This ensures that the information they present is 100 percent accurate.

Use References

This doesn’t apply to all forms of technical writing.

However, it is recommended that content be accompanied by ample references—especially when sharing figures, making a claim, etc.

Doing so adds credibility to your content.

Speak Plain English

Last but not least, it’s important to use internationally-acceptable English when writing in this language.

This especially applies to content that people may read from other corners of the world.

For instance, if you’re a technical writer from the US developing content for an international audience, avoid using local phrases/idioms that might confuse the readers.

Become a Technical Writer

In the US, technical writers are well-compensated, and rightly so. However, aspiring technical writers might have trouble deciding how to proceed with this career path.

Here’s a quick roadmap for getting a technical writing job:

• Seek Relevant Education/Training – Before worrying about anything else, ensure you have the right background and relevant skillset for the job. Belonging to a technical field is a huge plus, but not mandatory. In any case, start by investing in a technical writing course.
• Stay Updated – Good technical writing rests on strong research. To become better at what you do, start consuming the content you’re interested in. Figure out how the writers present their thoughts (and what you can do to improve them).
• Develop and Sharpen In-Demand Skills – Naturally, you should be a great technical communicator (i.e., you should enjoy explaining complex concepts in easy words). To that end, strong communication skills are mandatory. Experience with document design/graphic designing is also a huge plus.
• Develop a Portfolio – Practice makes perfect. Put your technical writing skills to use and start developing technical articles as a hobby. Additionally, create an online portfolio that you can instantly share with recruiters.

Finally, apply for technical writing jobs and work on your writing discipline. Connect with recruiters from top tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple on LinkedIn and start creating a name for yourself in the industry.

Final Thoughts on Technical Writing

Technical writing is a sought-after skill, and its demand will continue to grow. If you have a knack for writing, discussing difficult, complex technical concepts well, and understanding certain subjects’ nuances, you can potentially build a lucrative career in this field.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about technical writing.

What is technical writing in simple words?

Technical writing is documentation that deals with a particular subject matter within a specialized field. It is used to explain technical information and instruct or guide people on how to do something, often related to work procedures and tasks. Technical writing focus on simplifying complex information.

What is technical writing and its purpose?

Technical writing is the documentation where technical writers simplify complex information. Technical writers create user manuals, how-to guides, assembly instructions, and other documentation to communicate complex information more effectively. They convert complex information into layman’s language

A technical document enables readers to comprehend technical information easily. Its purpose is to help readers better understand complex material by making it easier to follow and digest.

What is the average technical writer salary?

The average salary of a technical writer varies based on location, experience, industry, and education. According to recent data, the average salary ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually in the United States. However, experienced technical writers working in high-demand industries like technology and healthcare can earn upwards of $90,000 or more annually.

What are some examples of technical writing?

Both veteran and entry-level technical writers work for a particular industry. Here are some examples of other technical writers’ writing:

UX Writing

This type of writing enables users to understand the usage and interaction of software products. UX writers work on software documentation and create content for software products like mobile apps, desktops, or websites.

Grant Writing

Grant writing involves applying for funding from organizations or government bodies. The objective of this type of writing is to get financial support for non-profit organizations or individuals. Grant writers have an in-depth knowledge to write successful grants.

Proposal Writing

Proposal writing is a type of technical writing used to persuade potential customers or clients to accept a particular product or service. This type of technical writing differs from others and is common in businesses. It is used to win new contracts or clients and enables organizations to get funding for their projects from donors.

API Writing

API (Application Programming Interface) writing involves providing instructions on how to use a particular software program or application. It is a type of technical writing developers use to create software applications.

Medical Writing

Medical writing is a specialized form of technical writing that involves creating well-structured and precise documents related to the healthcare and medical fields. It requires a deep understanding of medical terminology, regulatory guidelines, and scientific concepts to communicate complex information to various audiences, including healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and patients. The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) is a key professional organization that supports medical writers by offering resources, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their skills and ensure the highest standards in medical documentation.

What is the meaning of a technical writer?

Technical writers are technical communicators for technical knowledge or specialized topics. They are trained to understand and simplify complex information and present it in a way that is easy for consumers to understand. A good technical writer also understands their target audience and writes content that is relevant and engaging. They also play a key role in the document lifecycle.

They contribute to user stories, participate in design reviews, and document product requirements. Technical writers work with SMEs (subject matter experts) to gather accurate information and convert it into user-friendly documentation. Technical writers are also involved in the Agile Scrum process. Unlike Waterfall, agile is an iterative process where the content is created in short sprints. It means that the technical writer has to be flexible and be able to adapt their writing style to the ever-changing product.

If you are new to technical writing and are looking to break-in, we recommend taking our Technical Writing Certification Course, where you will learn the fundamentals of being a technical writer, how to dominate technical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a technical writing candidate.