Startup cost
$200–$2k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Technical Writing Business
Decision Snapshot
Technical Writing
Idea Score
70
Profit margin
41%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Part time
Part 1 - How to start a Technical Writing business - Background
A technical writer works with technical information to fulfill a number of company objectives. Their job may include writing manuals, official documentation, or how-to guides. They may work for technical companies and write for technical audiences, or they may work with everyday businesses and write for lay people.
You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Technical Writing business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a technical writing business?
There are very few costs involved to open a technical writer business, especially if a person isn’t planning to take additional classes to prepare for their job. Writers can work out of their home with the help of a computer and internet connection. Technical writers should invest in an online presence, but they don’t necessarily need to spend money on online advertising. Sites such as SquareSpace offer DIY websites that can be completed for less than $200 a year.
What are the ongoing expenses for a technical writing business?
Much like start-up costs, ongoing costs for technical writers can be kept very low. Standard wi-fi, computer maintenance, and website costs can all be kept to the bare minimum.
Who is the target market?
Most companies need some type of technical writer to document official processes, which makes the target market fairly wide. Even a non-profit may hire a technical writer to create reference resources for employees. This could be anything from simple SOPs (standard operating procedures) to complex style guides to instruction manuals for using a robot. Technical writers may work as an independent entity for one company, but most will freelance their services across different companies.
How does a technical writing business make money?
Technical writers will either charge by the word based on the amount of research necessary or by flat rate for a document. Highly specialized technical writers (e.g., those who write solely for PHP developers) may charge a flat rate per word based on their level of expertise.
How much can you charge customers?
In-demand technical writers can charge the going rates are for their field. A person writing about complex computer concepts can easily make $2 a word or more. However, most technical writers start off making $.20 a word or less. It all just depends on the complexity of the material and the company who’s hiring.
How much profit can a technical writing business make?
A technical writer would need to write about 33,000 words to make $50,000 a year if they’re charging $1.50 per word. Technical writer make an average of $70,000 a year or so, but this number can go up significantly for someone who’s willing to put in extra work.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Writers can consider offering marketing services to their clients in an effort to bring highly technical work to a larger audience. For example, they may begin developing an advertising campaign to introduce complex robotics to a lay audience.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a technical writing business?
Technical writers won’t necessarily spend the whole day writing and may actually put more time into researching their topics and organizing their ideas. Additional activities may include invoicing clients, advertising their services, or estimating the amount of time needed for each assignment. As technology changes, writers may also need to get continuing education to ensure they continue to meet company objectives.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful technical writing business?
Technical writers don’t necessarily need formal education, but they may have difficulty scoring higher paying jobs if they don’t at the very beginning. Writers are more likely to be hired based on their previous work rather than their credentials, so they should budget in some time to learn the ropes at the beginning. It will be more difficult (though not impossible) to learn technical concepts on-the-fly without the help of a trained instructor.
What is the growth potential for a technical writing business?
There isn’t a lot of competition for technical writers, as most writers prefer to do something on the more creative side. People who are able to grasp high-level technical information will either choose real-world applications for their skills or do independent consulting for a living. Someone who loves to write and can easily adapt and conform to a company’s style can have unlimited growth potential.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a technical writing business?
Technical writers will need plenty of samples to show clients when they get started. Preferably, these samples should span across several topics if a technical writer isn’t planning to specialize in one particular topic. If they don’t have any formal writing online or in an academic journal, they should at least have a blog or an online portfolio where clients can peruse their particular writing style.
Even though it’s not the most competitive field, technical writers may want to consider lower-paying jobs if they’re having difficulty attracting the bigger fish. Some company owners are hesitant to hire someone without a lot of experience, which means a technical writer may want to focus on the breadth of their sample size before doing anything else. Studying style guides can also help you be more adaptable as you start getting more clients. Every company will have their own preferences when it comes to how their writing is formatted and presented.
Everyone knows what it’s like to be given an instruction manual that is so complicated, it’s essentially useless. Technical writers should prove to companies that they can deliver crisp, clean sentences that don’t overwhelm or confuse the reader. Consider specializing in one particular type of technical writing so you can really build your craft and make connections in the right circles.
How and when to build a team
Technical writers don’t necessarily need to build a team immediately, if at all. For those who don’t want to handle the administrative tasks associated with technical writing, they can consider hiring a part-time secretary or an assistant to help manage their calendar, invoicing, and deadlines. You can also consider hiring additional writers to pick up the slack if your workload becomes unmanageable.
Part 2 - Is a Technical Writing business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Technical Writing business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Technical Writing Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Technical Writing business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.