What’s the difference between a content writer and a technical content writer?

Overview 

These two career paths; content writer and technical content writer might appear to be very comparative on the surface, however, technical writer services and content writing are based on two very different concepts, regardless of whether their work processes overlap. 

In the event that you're keen on learning more, or you're pondering which path you should consider, make sure you read on to learn the difference between content writers and technical content writers.

Learn the difference between a content writer and a technical content writer

Put simply, a content writer is somebody who makes content covering a scope of topics. This can be anything from pages on sites to blogs, reviews, social media posts, and even print media. A decent content writer will always bear search engine optimization and keywords in mind, to reach a specific audience and attract new readers to websites.

Technical writing, then again, is very different. In technical writing, everything revolves around simplifying complex wording while making sure the information provided stays authentic, scientific, and relevant to the topic. Frequently, a strict format is followed and the tone is more professional. A technical writer will in like manner have more noteworthy knowledge about a specific subject to make content for tutorials, user guides, manuals, and product specifications.

Key skills

Although excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation are essential for both professions, there are specific skills for each. For instance, content writing needs to grab the reader’s attention and hold it, so having the option to convey the message swiftly is critical. A content writer will likewise have to work intimately with the business they're making content for to comprehend their objectives and tone of voice.

On the other hand, technical content writing is tied in with delivering complex information more precisely. Technical writers will every so often need to go through enormous amounts of information to comprehend and rebuild the information so a layman can get a hold of it. Contingent upon the client’s ultimate objectives, this will require a ton of research, so research skills are an absolute necessity.

Learn about the common skills

Indeed, using time effectively is one of them. Making a legitimate plan and dealing with your time are similarly significant for both job roles, although a technical writer will normally follow a documentation plan while a content writer will work off a content plan.

Impeccable communication is fundamental for both occupations, as each job role will require the writer to talk with their manager or client about specific task details. Writers may likewise need to attend meetings and reach out to subject-matter experts for advice and guidance.

Accepting that they're composing manuals or informational tutorials for the users, a technical content writer may wish to go to QA and development conferences to speak with developers.

Take a closer look at technical writing 

Considering technical writing requires extensive knowledge of a specific field, technical writers will most of the time have higher education in a particular area of writing. Writing texts of a technological nature is a huge responsibility, and some writers may struggle to handle the pressure this entails. Usually, technical content writers will be approached to make:

• Instruction manuals on how to operate or maintain the hardware and equipment

• Descriptions of production systems

• Articles and documents on technical topics

• User manuals 

• Product specifications 

• Documentations 

• FAQs

There are a lot of sectors that require technical writing such as manufacturing, energy, finance, consulting, and engineering. However, in this digital age, technical writing isn’t limited to these areas. 

Having the option to give clear information or guidelines to a specific audience is more critical than any other time in recent memory, so technical writers likewise work in industries like telecom, media communications, transport, health, publishing, and so on and so forth.

Wrapping up 

Both technical writing and content writing are concerned with the writing skills of an individual, however, the procedure is altogether different. The technical content writer may have the fantastic technical aptitude to work in varied domains, on the other hand, content writers possess an accurate eye-catching writing style to make the reader engaged in a particular topic.

If you are seeking impeccable technical writing skills, then it is highly advised to research thoroughly and hire a reputed agency that has a team of the best technical writers offering professional technical writing services.