Many people have a misconception about technical and non-technical content writing. Technical and non-technical content writing differ significantly. Both types have their own writing processes, styles, levels of importance, and target audiences.
Technical writing is meant for experts in their field, while non-technical content is usually written for a general audience that isn’t familiar with certain technical terms.
This article will explain the key differences between technical and non-technical content writing. However, let us first have a glance at what technical and non-technical content writing means.
What is Technical Writing?
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the term ‘technical’ means connected with the practical use of machines, methods, etc., in science and industry. This means that in any field or industry, if we are writing about the technical aspect (practical use/technique/method), it is technical content writing.
Technical content writing requires you to have a deeper knowledge of your industry than just what you see on the surface level. Technical content writers can write processes, aspects, methods, specifications, and procedures, and explain them in a way that makes sense to their audience.
Examples of technical content writing in various industries:
- How to repair a refrigerator compressor? (Manufacturing)
- How to set up a Kubernetes cluster using Helm charts? (IT)
- How to install Python on Windows 11? (Software)
- MRI contraindications for patients with metallic implants (Medical)
- Wiring a three-phase induction motor to a VFD drive: A complete guide (Electricals)
- Waterproofing methodology for below-grade basement structures (Construction)
- How to calculate Value at Risk (VaR) using Monte Carlo simulation? (Finance)
- How to cycle count inventory using the ABC analysis method? (Inventory Management)
- Legal compliance checklist for mergers and acquisitions due diligence (Law/legal)
- API integration guide for implementing a payment gateway for your Shopify site using Razorpay webhook configurations (E-commerce)
Technical content can be difficult to write because it requires knowledge of the subject matter and extensive research. Technical writing is not limited to engineering and scientific fields; any field can have technical documents and manuals if it has products in that domain.
For example, the technical aspects of a refrigerator product can be written only by someone with engineering-level knowledge of its manufacturing and the specifications involved.
Other Examples:
- User manuals
- Technical reports
- White papers
- API Documentation
- Research papers
Format
- Step-by-step guides
- Code snippets
- Detailed explanations
- Diagrams and flowcharts
What is Non-Technical Writing?
Non-technical content writing is any piece of text that isn’t about computers, code, or other technical topics. Non-technical writing can include blog posts, product descriptions, and review articles. A non-technical writer could work in any field, including journalism and copywriting.
Examples of non-technical writing in various industries:
- 5 signs your refrigerator needs a replacement (Manufacturing)
- What is cloud computing? (IT)
- How does POS software help retailers expedite the billing process? (Software)
- 7 Signs of high cholesterol in your body (Medical)
- How to save electricity in your farmhouse: A complete guide (Electricals)
- How to get rid of Mould and dampness in your basement: DIY guide(Construction)
- How to invest in stocks and lower risks? (Finance)
- How to manage inventory during peak selling seasons and festivities? (Inventory Management)
- How to hire the best legal advisor for your company? (Law/legal)
- 5 best payment gateways for your e-store? (E-commerce)
The above articles are meant for a general audience, and everyone can understand them. The language has to be easy enough for everyone to understand, regardless of their education level, and it should be unambiguous.
Examples:
- Blog posts
- News articles
- Marketing content
- Social media posts
- Product descriptions
Format:
- Narrative style
- Conversational tone
- Visuals like images and videos
- Infographics
Difference Between Technical And Non-Technical Content Writing
- Technical content is intended for an audience with a high level of expertise in that area. Non-technical writing is intended for laymen.
- Technical content writing is usually more detailed and specific. There has to be a process, method, or well-defined criteria to follow in technical writing, whereas in non-technical writing, there is some liberty for the writer to tweak content as per their understanding or opinion.
- In most cases, technical information is appropriate only for those in the target industry who need specific details on how something works. (Like a software engineer looking for specific codes/instructions for a complicated software installation.)
Example: Technical Content Writing: How to Change Your Car’s Engine Oil?
Processes and procedures are a type of technical writing because they require you to know what you’re talking about before you put anything down on paper.
Technical content writing would require you to research oil specifications for specific car models and explain the process step by step, as if someone were performing this task for the first time with no prior knowledge or experience. This is where understanding the topic/industry’s technicals really matters.
If you were hired to write an article about how often people should change their oil, you should be able to come up with some pretty accurate numbers based on each different scenario (car model, engine type, viscosity of the oil, tools required, oil quantity, etc), which will allow your audience members to know exactly how to change their car oil.
Also, all types of documentation, including manuals, fall under technical writing.
Example: Non-Technical Content Writing: Why Netflix is So Popular?
Non-technical content writing talks about concepts and ideas without any steps to get there or processes required. This type of writing does not require you to know anything outside of the general overview of your industry.
Why Netflix is so popular won’t require any writer to have a profound understanding of the technical specifications that someone writing about an engine oil change will need. Technical writers write about their specific fields of expertise, whereas non-technical writers write about more general topics.
Comparison Table:
| Aspect | Technical Content | Non-Technical Content |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | Non-technical writers mostly work on topics that focus on advertising, marketing, information, and the education side of various fields and industries. | Non-technical writers mostly work on topics that focus on advertising, marketing, information, and the education side of various fields and industries. |
| Complexity | High | Low to Moderate |
| Language | Specialized jargon, technical terms, industry-specific and domain-specific language | Everyday/colloquial language, minimal jargon |
| Purpose | Educate, instruct, inform, sell, teach | Entertain, inform, persuade |
| Audience | Experts, professionals, technicians | General public, consumers |
| Examples | Manuals, technical reports, research papers, technical know-how, how-to-do, etc. | Blogs, news articles, social media posts |
| Tone | Objective, precise, formal | Informal, engaging, persuasive |
How to Decide Which Type of Writer You Will Be?
There are many factors that go into deciding which type of content writer you will be. While some people may find writing about something they know more rewarding, others may prefer the challenge of writing about a topic they know nothing about. If you’re reading this article and have no idea what type of content writer you want to be, consider these three questions:
1. Do you enjoy technical topics?
2. Are you willing to learn the technical side of any industry, products/services, or domain?
3. Can you write for topics with detached objectivity?
- If you answered yes to all three questions, then it’s likely that technical content would suit your needs best.
- If any one of them is a “no,” then it’s most likely that non-technical content writing would suit your needs better.
The most important thing is to find something that interests and excites you, whether it’s technical or not.
Also, you can be both (a non-technical writer for some industries and a technical writer for some fields based on your knowledge and interests.
The Final Words
Different businesses require different types of content writing. Both technical and non-technical writing allow businesses to accommodate all required content types.
For instance, in IT, technical documentation needs will require a technical writer, but the same IT company will also require non-technical writers to market their products through user-friendly blogs or social media content.
If you need technical content writing services or non-technical content writing services, reach out to us at info@eloritescontent.com or call us at +91 8849540702.
