Technical Writing Vs Content Writing

Technical writing and Content writing are two different aspects of writing. At first sight, both look similar as they do overlap sometimes but are based on totally different concepts.

Let us look at the similarities and differences between the two.

Similarities

Technical writing and content writing share similarities in the following things:

1. Grammar rules - Both need to use an active style in writing to connect with the reader. Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and spelling is vital for both.
2. Audience analysis - Both need to analyze their audiences properly before writing the content to achieve the end goal.
3. Research skills - Both need to have excellent research skills to gather information about the product.
4. Planning and time management skills - Both need to have excellent planning and time management skills.
5. Communication skills - Both need to have excellent communication skills to understand the given information and convey the same.
6. Originality: Both needs to maintain originality in their writings and avoid plagiarism.
7. Writing skills: Both the writers require good writing skills and should be good at grammar. The author can be a daily reader, which will help them enrich their vocabulary. Both the writers should express their content to the targeted audience with minimal effort.
8. Topic Knowledge: Both should be aware of the trends in their field. So that, they can write about the topic.

Differences

The differences between technical writing and content writing can be seen in the following table:

S.no.	Features	Technical Writing	Content Writing
1.	Definition	Technical writing involves an explanation of a technical subject without using technical jargon.	Content writing involves a general subject explanation without using terms the reader might not be aware of.
2.	Kind of Subject	The technical subject includes any technology such as electronics, mechanical, heavy equipment, computer software, etc.	The general subject includes history, management, fashion, even technology, or any random subject.
3.	Tone for content creation	Technical writing involves the creation of content with a neutral tone and an altruistic approach that helps the reader achieve the task at hand.	Content writing involves the creation of content with an attention-grabbing writing style. It makes the reader attracted to the content.
4.	Language used	The content uses informative and productive language.	The content uses assertive and persuasive language.
5.	SEO knowledge	The content is created for imparting knowledge for the internet as well as help documents. It does not require knowledge of SEO.	The content is created for the internet or print media. The content writer should know about SEO and how to place relevant keywords throughout the content too.
6.	Authoring tools	For this, knowledge of various authoring tools is required like Madcap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe Robohelp, etc.	For this, no specific tools knowledge is required. Knowledge of a basic text editor will suffice.
7.	Style guidelines	The content is consistent throughout the document. Strict style guidelines are followed.	No rules for content as long as conveys the message. No specific structure of the content.
8.	Purpose of content	The purpose of the content is to educate, inform the audience how to use the product effectively.	The purpose of content is to inspire, educate, entertain, or inform. Thus creating relationships with the audience so that over time these can lead to sales.
9.	Result of content	It involves explanation and documentation of the product.	It involves image and brand creation of the product.
10.	Scope of understanding	It does not involve the writers’ opinions. There is no scope for misconception and misunderstanding.	It involves the opinions and personal suggestions of writers. Hence more chances of misconception and misunderstanding.
11.	5 C’s	5 C’s of technical writing are clarity, conciseness, correctness, completeness, and cohesiveness.	5 C’s of content writing are clarity, conciseness, compulsion, credibility, and call to action.
12.	Approach Rule	It follows DITA(Darwin Information Typing Architecture) approach. (DITA is an XML standard, an architectural approach, and a writing methodology.)	It follows AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) model.( AIDA model is considered as a guideline to maximize interaction with the customer.)
13.	Writing style standard	Writing style requires the knowledge of various standards like the Chicago Writing Style Manual, Microsoft Writing Style, or company own writing guide.	No specific writing style knowledge is required.
14.	Programming knowledge	Knowledge of programming will be an added advantage.	No knowledge of programming is required.
15.	Feedback loop	The feedback loop involves continuous feedback from various SMEs before the final release of the document.	The writer is required to take feedback from the client once or twice for the right message conveyed or not about the product.
16.	Consultation	The writer deals with developers, analysts, managers, SME’s, customers, and the support team to gain knowledge about the product and write about it.	The writer deals with the client only. Once the product purpose is understood, the writer depends on the internet to understand more about product feasibility in the market and writes individually about it.
17.	Examples	Technical writing includes API documentation, instructions, user manuals, descriptions of production systems, articles and documents on legal topics, product specifications, memos, FAQs, datasheets, etc.	Content writing includes blog posts, product descriptions, web pages, E-books, social media posts, category pages, etc.