The rapid evolution of technology in the last years gave us a lot of software, mechanisms, and devices that improve our lives day by day. As all that has appeared companies faced a real demand in the experts who can explain how everything works. That`s when technical writing started to flourish. And technical copywriting as well. But what is the difference between these two notions? Let`s try to figure out.

Technical Writing

The main idea of technical writing is to explain things: how to use, how to maintain, what to do, etc. In this sphere, it is essential to use clear and unambiguous language, organize the content in a proper way to make the reader`s life easier. Technical writers create the following types of documents: user guides and manuals, maintenance manuals, API documentation, procedures, and others. In this article, you will find more information about the types of technical documentation.

So, if you want to find an expert to take care of those who use your product to support them — you need to hire a technical writer. They will teach people how to use a microwave oven and how to fix a plane =)

Technical Copywriting

As for technical copywriting, its idea is quite different from technical writing`s one. The main goal of technical copywriting is to create documentation leading to sales. It must encourage users to buy or at least to get acquainted with the product. Technical copywriters mark out specific features of this or that product to make it competitive on the market. They create the following documents: sales letters, landing pages, press releases and so on. If you want to make your product appealing to the public, you need to hire a technical copywriter. They will make you buy a hadron collider or a calculator =)

The main difference between the two fields of writing is that the first one requires deep technical knowledge and the second one needs marketing skills. It is a great question whether the experts can successfully merge from one sphere to another, but one should pay attention to the fact that each sphere requires totally different faculties.

The writing field is so diverse that anyone may find an occupation according to their skills. What would you choose if you were looking for a job in this sector? That would be great if you shared it in the comments.

Have a nice day!

Bradley Nice, Content Manager at ClickHelp.com — best online documentation tool for SaaS vendors