Start A Tech Writing Business - Business Ideas
Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.
Tech writing is a business that involves creating technical documents, such as user manuals, how-to guides, and product specifications, for companies that produce or use technology products. These documents help users understand and effectively use the technology they have purchased or are working with.
In this business, a tech writer might work with a team of subject matter experts and designers to research, organize, and write technical information clearly and concisely. They may also edit and review documents and create and maintain a company’s style guide.
To run a successful tech writing business, it is important to have strong research and writing skills and an understanding of technical concepts. It is also essential to have excellent communication skills, as tech writers often work with clients and team members from various departments and industries.
One tip for success in tech writing is to stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends. This can be achieved through continuous learning and networking with professionals in the field. It is also important to be organized and efficient, as tech writers often work on tight deadlines and may have multiple projects at once.
Overall, tech writing is a rewarding business for individuals with a passion for both writing and technology. It offers the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and industries, and to constantly learn and grow in the field.
Starting a tech writing business requires a great deal of effort, dedication, and most importantly passion.
If you're interested in how to sell tech writing, or selling tech writing online, you can use this page as a guide for everything you'll need to know.
Key Stats
Startup Costs
Min Startup Costs | Max Startup Costs | |
---|---|---|
Office Space Expenses |
$0 |
$7,000 |
Employee & Freelancer Expenses |
$150 |
$250 |
Website Costs |
$223 |
$7,015 |
Business Formation Fees |
$600 |
$4,700 |
Software Expenses |
$162 |
$2,894 |
Advertising & Marketing Costs |
$0 |
$1,400 |
Total Startup Costs |
$1,135 |
$23,259 |
Case Studies
Successful Businesses
Business | URL | Rank | |
---|---|---|---|
|
Delaware Technical Community College |
dtcc.edu |
51,062 |
|
Fox Valley Technical College® |
fvtc.edu |
60,856 |
|
Cincinnati State |
cincinnatistate.edu |
84,240 |
|
St. Cloud Technical Community College |
sctcc.edu |
163,103 |
|
Trionds |
trionds.com |
190,750 |
|
Content-Whale Private Limited |
www.content-whale.com |
479,726 |
|
Sobiaonline |
sobiaonline.com |
506,819 |
|
JobSearch Ghana |
jobsearchgh.com |
546,773 |
|
Untold Content |
untoldcontent.com |
774,679 |
|
Society for Technical Communication |
stc.org |
848,856 |
|
Technical Communication Center |
technicalcommunicationcenter.com |
1,348,151 |
Pros & Cons
Pros | Description |
---|---|
Flexibility |
You can put as much time into the business as you'd like. If you like the work and have some initial experience, you can start small and manage all aspects of the business on your own. |
Ability to start your business from home |
It's not necessary to have a physical storefront or office space to get your business started. You can do everything from the comfort of your own home, at least in the beginning! |
Little startup costs required |
The cost to start a tech writing business costs significantly less money than most businesses, ranging anywhere from 62 to 23,259. |
Rewarding work |
Starting a tech writing business can be really rewarding work. After all, you are solving an immediate issue for your customer and you're working on something you truly care about. |
Scalable |
With businesses and processes changing daily, there will always be demand for new features, products and services for your business. Additionally, there are several different business models and pricing tiers you can implement that will allow you to reach all types of customers. |
No overhead costs |
To get your tech writing business started, there are no costs associated with overhead, storage, packaging, etc. This will save you a lot of time and money! |
Cons | Description |
---|---|
Crowded Space |
Competition is high when it comes to your tech writing business, so it's important that you spend a good amount of time analyzing the market and understanding where the demand lies. |
Longer Sales Process |
A tech writing business can be a big time and money investment for your customer, so it's important you plan and predict a longer conversion funnel and stay in communication with potential customers. |
Work can be inconsistent |
As a tech writing business, the amount of work assigned to you and schedule tends to be more inconsistent, which may make your income less stable. It's important to set boundaries and budget accordingly based on the amount of work you plan to have. |
Lack of benefits |
With a tech writing business, you are typically self-employed and responsible for finding your own insurance, which can be quite costly and time-consuming. |
Isolation |
Often times, as a tech writing business, you typically work alone and do not have much face-to-face interaction with other team members. |
Taxes |
As a tech writing business, you typically pay self-employment taxes which can be quite high. It's important to understand what you will be paying in taxes each year so you can determine if the work you're taking on is worth it. |
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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