Why Companies Should Outsource Technical Writing (and Save Their Sanity)

It’s almost launch time for your newest product—exciting, right? But wait. There’s one big problem: You still need user guides. You don’t have a dedicated technical writer on staff, but that one marketing writer is pretty great, so they can just pivot to technical writing. After all, writing is writing, isn’t it?

You hand them an impossible deadline because you need the documentation ASAP. Oh, and they also still have to keep up with marketing because you can’t let that slide. The writer, being the rockstar they are, gives it their best shot, but quickly realizes that technical writing is a different beast. The project drags, revisions pile up, marketing suffers, and by the time you finally release the guide (riddled with unclear instructions), you start hearing complaints. Eventually, your writer patches things up, but the damage to your credibility is done.

There’s a better way. Instead of putting your writer, your reputation, and your bottom line through this avoidable mess, outsource your technical writing. You’ll get expert-crafted documentation, keep your marketing on track, and—bonus—save money. Here’s why it makes sense.

 

Clear, Accurate, and User-Friendly Documentation

Technical writers (TWs) specialize in turning complex information into clear, accessible content. They don’t just write; they translate technical jargon into language anyone can understand, often using Plain English or the more specialized Standard Technical English to ensure even people not familiar with your product can learn how to use it. Whether it’s user manuals, safety guides, installation instructions, or knowledge bases, they know how to create documentation that makes sense.

Plus, many TWs use AI-powered writing assistants and specialized technical writing tools like MadCap FlarePaligo, and Adobe RoboHelp to streamline content creation. These tools help ensure consistency, enhance readability, and even automate formatting—things your marketing writer probably won’t have the time (or patience) to learn on the fly.

Two smiling people standing by whiteboard, reviewing feedback on a project. Text under image reads: "Challenges create opportunities. Outsourcing service providers are very aggressively examining their products and services to create greater value and increase market share in these times. Companies are recognizing they need to use this as an opportunity to strengthen relationships with their partners because each one of those partners will make them a better company. -Michael Corbett, Founder and Chairman of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP)"

 

Save Time (and Your Team’s Sanity)

If you’ve ever tried writing product documentation, you know it’s no quick task—especially if the person writing it has a full plate of other responsibilities. Outsourcing technical writing allows your team to stay focused on what they do best while experts handle documentation efficiently.

With AI-assisted tools, technical writers can also speed up the process while maintaining high accuracy. Tools like Grammarly, PerfectIt, and AI-powered style guides help ensure the content is clear, professional, and tailored to your audience’s needs.

 

Cut Costs Without Cutting Quality

Who doesn’t want to save money while still getting top-tier documentation? Hiring an in-house technical writer means recruiting, onboarding, and paying a full salary (plus benefits). Instead, outsourcing gives you access to specialized expertise when you need it—without the long-term commitment.
Plus, an experienced contract TW is already proficient in your industry’s best practices and documentation standards. That means no steep learning curves, no wasted hours on training, and no trial-and-error experiments that slow down production.

Person sitting at computer, in virtual meeting from home office. Caption reads: “Just be really good at one thing. The best, actually. And let others handle what you’re not good at.” -Kevin E. Kruse, Founder & CEO, LEADx.

 

Get an Objective, User-Centered Approach

Your in-house team is deeply involved in the product. That’s great for development but not always for documentation. When you’re too close to a project, it’s easy to assume users know more than they do. A contract technical writer offers fresh eyes and an unbiased perspective, ensuring that documentation is truly user-friendly.

Additionally, AI-driven analytics tools can help writers understand user behavior, identify common questions, and refine documentation based on real-world usage data. This means your documentation isn’t just clear, it’s backed by data to ensure it actually meets users’ needs.

 

Professional Formatting and Brand Consistency

Great documentation isn’t just about content—it’s also about presentation. Poorly formatted guides make information harder to find and reflect poorly on your brand. TWs are skilled at using structured authoring tools, style guides, and templates to create polished, professional-looking documentation that enhances your brand’s credibility.

And thanks to AI-driven formatting tools, they can maintain consistency across multiple types of documentation without tedious manual adjustments. Whether it’s a quick-start guide, a help center article, or a compliance manual, everything looks clean and professional.

 

Case Scenario 1: StruggleTech Inc.

Person controlling smart home apps on tablet. Caption reads: “Company: StruggleTech Inc. Company Industry: Consumer Electronics. Product: Cutting-edge smart home security system. StruggleTech is launching their new smart home security system, tasking their marketing team with creating user manuals and troubleshooting guides. Effects on Employees: Marketing and sales teams were overwhelmed trying to juggle documentation and their regular responsibilities. Increased frustration and burnout due to unrealistic deadlines. Documentation took longer than expected and required multiple revisions. Outcomes: Poorly written manuals led to an influx of customer support calls. Delayed product launch due to last-minute rewrites. Overall decline in employee morale, productivity, and job satisfaction. Financial loss from high customer support costs and brand reputation damage.”

 

Case Scenario 2: SmartSolutions Corp.

Old house in the country with solar panels on one side of the roof. Caption reads: “Company: SmartSolutions Corp. Company Industry: Renewable Energy. Product: Solar panel monitoring software. SmartSolutions just released updated panel monitoring software, outsourcing documentation to a third-party expert in technical writing. Effects on Employees: Engineering and product development teams remained focused on innovation, leading to faster software improvements. Reduced workload and stress for internal teams, enhancing job satisfaction. Technical documentation was completed efficiently by experienced professionals. Outcomes: User-friendly guides helped customers easily install and use the software. Fewer customer support requests due to clear troubleshooting instructions. On-schedule product launch. Improved customer trust and adoption rates, leading to higher sales. Cost savings from reduced support needs and increased operational efficiency. “

The Bottom Line

Next time you need to create or update documentation, don’t pile it onto your already stretched-thin team. Instead, bring in an experienced technical writer who knows how to get the job done efficiently and effectively. You’ll save time, cut costs, and get top-notch documentation that keeps your customers happy.

Your team will thank you. Your customers will thank you. And most importantly, you won’t have to suffer through another product launch disaster.

Outsource your technical writing—you won’t regret it.

 
Related Blogs

9 Technical Writer Myths: Fact of Fiction? 

Technical Writing: Principles and Characteristics

The Anti-Buzzwords Revolution: Why Technical Writing in 2025 is About Clarity, Not Clout

 
Resources

“Best outsourcing quotes from business leaders.” SixEleven. Accessed 2/21/25. https://www.sixelevenbpo.com/blog/best-outsourcing-quotes/

Velasco, Cam. “Here are 20 Famous Outsourcing Quotes to Get Inspired Today.” Floowi. 4/12/2024. Accessed 2/24/25. https://floowitalent.com/here-are-20-famous-outsourcing-quotes-to-get-inspired-today