Technical and non-technical content writing is very different. The former has more depth in the quality of the language used and explanations provided, while the latter is more about prioritizing practicality and easy readability. However, both types have their own importance and target audiences.
Technical writing is meant for experts in their field, while non-technical content is usually written for the general audience who aren’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 an individual glance over what technical and non-technical content writing means.
What Is Technical Writing?
Technical content can be difficult to write because it requires knowledge of the subject matter and extensive research. Technical writing is not just limited to engineering and scientific fields; any field can have technical documents and manuals if there are products in that domain. Technical writers write about their specific fields of expertise, whereas non-technical writers write about more general topics. Technical content writers may work with engineering, science, programming, or law topics.
Technical content writing requires you to have a deeper knowledge of your industry than just what you see on the surface level. You need to be able to write out processes and procedures as well as explain them in a way that will make sense for your audience.
For example, if you are developing a new app, then the user manual that comes with it becomes technical writing. Similarly, suppose there’s a new technology that’s patented in your country or is an export product. In that case, there will be documents related to the patent application and the machine’s prototype.
So technical writing includes all these things. It can also include anything written for students at the university level who are learning about specific subjects. The writer has to ensure his work is error-free so that students can learn without confusion.
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.
For example, let us assume that you are purchasing something online. If you are looking for information about how to use or install your product, then there are certain things that need to be taken into account. You will see entire sentences with no grammatical errors in them; the language has to be easy enough for everyone to understand regardless of their education level, and it should make sense without ambiguity.
This type of writing falls under the category of non-technical writing because it requires good command of vocabulary since most users aren’t experts in fields like engineering or Science. Non-technical content writers may work with marketing, finance, or health care topics.
Difference Between Technical And Non-Technical Content Writing
Technical information is usually more detailed and requires a higher level of understanding on the reader’s part than non-technical information. In most cases, technical information is appropriate only for those in the target industry who need to know specific details about how something works. For this reason, it’s generally not appropriate to use technical language in a blog post unless it’s directed at an audience with high levels of expertise in that area. Many people have a misconception about technical and non-technical content writing services.
Technical Content Writing Example: How Often You Should Change Your Engine Oil?
Processes and procedures are a type of technical writing because it requires you to know what you’re talking about before you put anything down on paper.
Technical content writing would require you to research oil changes for a specific make and model of car as well as explain the process step by step as if someone is performing this task for the first time without any prior knowledge or experience.
This is where understanding your industry really comes in handy; 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 which will allow your audience members to know exactly when they should consider changing their oil.
Also, all types of documentation, manuals, etc., come under technical writing.
Non-Technical Content Writing Example: 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 technical specifications that someone who is writing on engine oil change will need to have. Technical writers write about their specific fields of expertise, whereas non-technical writers write about more general topics.
Non-Technical Content Writing vs. Technical Content Writing Comparision
Technical content writers may work with topics that include engineering, science, medicine, computer science, engineering, and programming, the law. Non-technical content writers may work with topics like marketing, finance, historical events, opinions, biographies, or personal care. There are many ways to break down the differences between technical and non-technical content writing. Technical content typically consists of a list of instructions, features and benefits, and specifications. Non-technical content is written primarily for your blog readers or a general audience. Non-technical content refers to any type of writing that is not primarily intended for the purpose of conveying information about a commercial product or service (e.g., an article, essay, story, or speech). Depending on your industry and your business type, one type of writer will be more suitable for your needs.
| Point Of Difference | Technical Content Writing | Non-Technical Content Writing |
| 1. Concept | The technical writing field includes any instruction manual, how-to guide, or process/procedure that needs to be communicated to the audience in a simple way for them to understand and read while also making sense. | Non-technical content isn’t so much information-based as concept-driven; this type of writing does not require you to know anything outside of what you would research online or, in general, about your industry if it’s non-technical. |
| 2. Knowledge | Technical content requires you to be very knowledgeable about your topic. | Non-technical content writing is any sort of writing that doesn’t require a deep knowledge of your industry or job title. |
| 3. Type Of Content | It is more difficult than just simply stating an opinion on something because everyone has their own different opinions on certain subjects. | This type of writing is about stating your opinion or experience on a specific topic. |
| 4. Audience | Technical content writing is writing out processes and procedures to an audience who has some basic knowledge about tech terms. | Non-technical content writing is meant for general audiences and can be something completely new based on someone’s personal review or experience. |
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 passionate about what you write about?
3. Do you enjoy non-technical topics?
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.
The Final Words
If you are looking to publish research papers, your standards must be different from someone who writes fiction. Different businesses require different types of content writing. Technical writing and non-technical writing both provide businesses to accommodate all types of required content types.
Author Bio
Kanchi is an SEO writer who enjoys creating content. She is a relentless work bee, buzzing with innovative ideas. A cheerful person, a creative mind, and an articulate professional, she believes in taking life one day at a time.
