Want to learn how to make money writing technical articles? Let me tell you a story.
It was a beautiful spring day, and the sun was shining. After putting in a full day’s work at my day job, I decided to head to the park and take a walk. As I walked, I saw a man sitting on a bench with an easel and paints set up next to him. He appeared to be painting a landscape.
I stopped to watch him for a moment, and he noticed me. “Hello,” he said. “Do you like my painting?”
“It’s very beautiful,” I replied. “You’re very talented.”
The man smiled and went back to painting. I watched him work for a few more minutes, admiring how he’d captured the light and shadows of the scene in front of him.
“What do you do?” the man asked me after a while.
“I write technical articles,” I replied. “I help people understand how to use complex products and technologies.”
The man nodded. “I can see how that would be useful. People are always looking for information on how to use new products and technologies. And it can be hard to find good, reliable information.”
“That’s true,” I said. “And writing these articles is a great way to make money fast.”
If you have experience with complex products and technologies, or if you enjoy learning about new products and technologies, then writing technical articles may be the perfect career for you. In this article, we’ll explore what technical articles are and how you can get started writing them.
Table of Contents
What are Technical Articles?
Technical writing is a specialized form of written communication that focuses on conveying information about specific topics or processes to an expert audience.
Unlike other types of writing (which is one of 10 skills to make money online), technical writing is typically very factual and objective, with a clear emphasis on accuracy and clarity. It often includes in-depth explanations of complex ideas, diagrams, or other visual aids, and may also include highly detailed instructions or step-by-step guides for completing a given task or solving a particular problem.
Technical writers use their specialized knowledge to ensure that the content they produce is engaging and easy to understand for readers who are familiar with the subject matter.
Whether you’re interested in getting started as a technical writer yourself or trying to better understand articles produced by this genre, there’s no better place to start than with a basic introduction to technical writing.
Types of Technical Writing
Several types of technical writing are used in a wide range of industries, including:
Instructional Manuals
Instructional manuals are perhaps the most widely used type of technical writing. They typically include step-by-step instructions for how to use a product, complete a task, or solve a problem. These manuals can take many different forms, from printed how-to guides to online video tutorials.
How-To Articles
How-to articles are another common type of technical writing. These articles provide readers with detailed instructions for completing a specific task or solving a particular problem. How-to articles are often published in magazines or online and may be accompanied by video tutorials or other visual aids.
Technical Specifications
Technical specifications are documents that provide detailed information about a product or technology. They typically include information about a product’s size, weight, capacity, performance, or other technical details. Specifications are often used by engineers or other professionals who need to know precise information about a product before using it.
Installation Guides
Installation guides are another type of technical writing that is frequently used in a wide range of industries. These documents provide detailed instructions on how to install or set up a product, system, or service. Installation guides are often published by the manufacturers of products and may be included with the product itself.
Troubleshooting Tips
Many technical writers also specialize in writing troubleshooting guides. These articles provide readers with step-by-step instructions for fixing a problem with a product, system, or service. Troubleshooting guides are often published online and may be accompanied by video tutorials or other visual aids.
Product User Guides
A product user guide is a document that provides information about the use and functionality of a particular product, system, or service. These guides typically include detailed instructions for how to use the product, information about its various features, and troubleshooting tips for common problems.
Online Help Documentation
Online help documentation is a type of technical writing that is specifically designed to provide users with information about using a particular software application or website. Help documentation may include FAQs, tutorials, troubleshooting tips, instructional articles, or other types of content that is tailored to the needs of specific users.
White Papers
White papers are documents that provide information about a particular topic or issue. These articles can include detailed research and analysis of a specific problem or issue and are often used to promote a particular solution or product. White papers are typically published by businesses or organizations and may be distributed to potential customers or clients.
Case Studies
A case study is a type of article that provides detailed information about a particular person, company, or event. These articles often include an in-depth analysis of a particular situation, along with information about the outcomes or results of that situation. Case studies are commonly used to promote products or services and may be published in academic journals or online.
Blog Posts
In addition to writing longer articles, many technical writers also create shorter online content such as blog posts. Blog posts are typically used to provide readers with information about specific topics or issues and are frequently published on company websites or a personal blog. Some technical writers also create video tutorials or other types of visual content to accompany their own blog posts.
Who Pays for Technical Articles?
There are many different types of organizations that publish or purchase possible articles. Some examples include:
Tech Companies
Many tech companies pay writers to create content about products, services, technical tutorials, or article content focused on specific technologies like cloud hosting, data science, software development, programming languages, software engineering, frontend development, machine learning, web development, or other various technical topics. This content can be used in marketing materials, on the company website, or in user or installation guides.
Educational Institutions
Technical articles are commonly used in educational settings to provide students and instructors with information about using specific software or equipment. These paid articles may be published in journals or online and may be used in conjunction with classroom instruction.
Government Organizations
Federal, state, and local government organizations often need technical writers to create user guides, manuals, and other types of documentation for technical education. Government agencies may also purchase articles for use in training materials or to provide information to the public.
Getting Started Writing Technical Articles
Technical writing is a challenging and rewarding career, but getting started can be daunting. There are many different types of technical writing, from user manuals to online help documentation, and each has its own set of standards and conventions. However, there are some basic principles that all technical writers should follow.
First and foremost, technical writing should be clear and concise. It should be free of jargon and unnecessary detail and should focus on communicating information in a way that is easy to understand.
Second, technical writing should be well-organized, with each piece of information presented in a logical order.
Finally, technical writing should be designed to meet the needs of the audience. For example, a user manual will need to be different from an operator’s manual for a machine. By keeping these principles in mind, anyone can start writing technical articles that are both informative and easy to read.
Process for Writing Technical Articles
To get started writing technical articles, follow these steps to ensure that your content is well-written and accurate:
Do Your Research
Before you start writing upcoming articles, it is important to do your research and gather all of the necessary information. This may involve reading technical manuals, conducting interviews, or observing processes. Once you have gathered all of the relevant information, take some time to familiarize yourself with it so that you can understand it fully.
Choose a Topic
Next, you will need to decide on a specific topic for your article. Some common topics include how to use certain software programs, troubleshooting tips, or step-by-step instructions for completing a task. Once you have decided on a topic, narrow it down so that you can focus on a specific issue or problem.
Create an Outline
Once you have decided on a topic, the next step is to create an outline of your article. This will help you to organize your thoughts and ensure that your article flows smoothly. Start by listing the main points that you want to cover and then decide how those points should be organized.
Write Your Article
Once you have created a rough outline, you can start writing your article. Begin by introducing the topic and then present the information clearly and concisely. Be sure to proofread your article carefully before publishing it to ensure that it is free of errors.
Edit and Revise Your Article
After you have written your article, it is important to edit and revise it to ensure that it is both informative and well-written. Be sure to check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as any factual inaccuracies. You may also want to have someone else read your article to get their feedback.
Submit Your Article for Publication
Once you have edited and revised your article, it is time to submit it for publication. Many different publications accept technical articles, so you may want to start by researching potential publishers. Some common options include industry journals, trade magazines, and online publications. Once you have selected a place to publish articles, follow their submission guidelines carefully.
Market Your Article and Build Your Portfolio
To succeed as a technical writer, it is important to market your article and build up your portfolio. Start by creating an online presence for yourself, such as a blog or social media profile. This will help to promote your writing skills in technical subjects and attract potential clients. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations or networking with other technical writers to get more exposure. With persistence and hard work, you can build a successful career as a technical writer.
Benefits if You Write Technical Articles
There are many benefits to writing technical articles, including:
- Increased visibility and exposure in your field
- Opportunities to connect with other professionals
- Chance to share your knowledge and expertise
- Build up your portfolio
- Earn income from your writing (get paid)
Let’s look at each of these in detail.
Increased Visibility and Exposure
As a technical writer, one of your goals should be to increase your visibility and exposure in your field. By writing articles for publication, you can showcase your knowledge and skills to a wide audience. This, in turn, can lead to more opportunities for networking and collaboration. Additionally, publishing articles can help you to build up your portfolio and attract potential clients.
Opportunities to Connect with Other Professionals
Another benefit of writing technical articles is that it can help you to connect with other professionals in your field. By joining professional organizations, attending industry conferences, and networking online, you can build relationships with other experts in your field. These connections are a great resource and can lead to new opportunities and collaborations, as well as potential sources of income.
Chance to Share Your Knowledge and Expertise
When you write technical articles, you have unique knowledge and expertise in your field. By writing articles for publication, you can share your insights with a wide audience. This is a great way to contribute to the body of knowledge in your field and potentially help others who are just getting started. Additionally, writing upcoming articles can be a great way to stay up-to-date on current trends and developments in your field.
Build Up Your Portfolio
As a technical writer, it is important to build up your portfolio or comprehensive list of published work. This can help you to attract potential clients and land jobs. Additionally, having a strong portfolio of a great post on a technical topic can help you to negotiate higher rates for your services.
Earn Income From Your Writing
Finally, one of the most obvious benefits of writing technical articles is that it can help you to get paid for your writing. By publishing articles in industry journals or online publications, you can build up a following of readers and potential clients. Additionally, many technical writers also offer services and critical skills such as editing and proofreading, which can further increase their income potential.
How Much Can You Make Writing Technical Articles?
When it comes to making money from writing technical articles, there are several different factors to consider. On the one hand, the amount you can earn will depend on the type of publication you decide to write for.
While smaller publications may not pay as much as larger ones, they often provide more opportunities for exposure and growth. Additionally, your rate of pay will also be influenced by your expertise level, skill level, and success in finding clients or landing well-paying jobs.
In general, however, it is safe to say that with hard work and determination, you can make anywhere from a few hundred dollars per article to several thousand dollars per article depending on your goals and abilities.
So if you’re looking to make some serious cash in the world of technical writing, just remember that with the right strategy and motivation, anything is possible!
FAQ – Make Money Writing Technical Articles
What is a technical article?
A technical article is a short piece of writing about a specific topic for an audience that has some specialized knowledge in that area. Technical articles are usually found in magazines or journals that focus on a particular field or industry, and they are often used to explain new developments or products in that industry. Technical articles are also sometimes published online, on websites or blogs that focus on a particular field or industry.
Who pays for technical articles?
Many companies and organizations pay for technical articles, including research institutes, technology firms, software companies, and government agencies. In addition, many online publications pay you to write technical articles, and some of these may even be willing to pay higher rates than print publications.
How can I get started writing technical articles?
The first step to getting started as a technical article writer is to do some research and find out which publications or websites are looking for writers in your field. Once you have a list of potential markets, you can start contacting editors and pitching your ideas. It is also a good idea to have some writing samples ready to show editors, so they can see your style and approach. Once you start getting paid for writing jobs, it is important to be professional and reliable with your deadlines, so that you can build a strong reputation as an expert in your field.
What kind of technical topics should I write about?
There is no one right answer to this question, as the most in-demand topics will vary depending on the industry or field. Some potential topics for technical articles include new products or services, industry trends, how-to guides, case studies, and analysis of data.
How much can I make writing technical articles?
The amount you can make as a technical article writer will depend on several factors, including the publication or website you are writing for, your experience as a writer, and the quality of your work. Most writers who have established themselves in this field can earn between $50 and $200 per article, although rates will vary depending on the publication or website.
Can software developers start writing technical content?
Yes, software developers can start writing technical articles, but it is important to remember that these articles will need to be aimed at a more general audience. In addition, you will need to have a good understanding of the field or industry you are writing about, as well as the specific topic you are covering. If you are not sure about your ability to write a technical article, it is always a good idea to get in touch with an editor or other professional writer to get feedback on your work. With experience, patience, and a willingness to learn, you can become a successful technical article writer.
What are some other ways to make money writing?
In addition to technical articles, many other types of writing can be profitable, including writing for blogs or websites, writing ebooks to sell on Amazon, copywriting, and content marketing. Starting a freelance writing business can also be a great way to earn income from your writing. To learn more about ways to make money writing, check out our other articles on the subject.
Are there any websites that pay you to write technical articles?
Many websites pay you to write technical articles, and the rates can vary depending on the publication or website. You can search for specific publications or websites that pay for technical articles by using a search engine or online directory, such as Google Scholar. There are also many freelance writing platforms and marketplaces that connect writers with clients looking for technical articles, such as Upwork and Freelancer.com.
