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Yes, you can justify the pricing ROI for professional Technical Writing. Here's how...

Updated: Feb 12


pricing for technical writing and training development

Technical Writing & Training Development Pricing Definitions

Most people will want to start analyzing a project by obtaining pricing for their technical writing or training development project to help justify the ROI. A simple definition of return on investment (ROI) is: “An approximate measure of an investment's profitability.”

Another closely related term is Cost-Benefit Analysis. Cost-Benefit Analysis uses measurable financial metrics such as revenue earned or costs saved as part of decision-making to pursue a project.


Types of ROI

Most Technical Writing “Return On Investment (ROI)” metrics fall into two categories: Quantitative and Qualitative. In many situations, quantitative metrics provide direct dollar savings back to the company or organization. Qualitative metrics provide indirect savings to the company or organization.


Examples of QUANTITATIVE metrics include:

  • Reduced re-work and/or waste during manufacturing

  • Easily found answers and solutions, stopping the mass set of emails, phone calls, and video meetings to find a solution

  • Reduced customer complaints

  • Reduced support costs/calls

  • Less regulatory fines


Examples of QUALITATIVE metrics include:

  • Quality – A subjective metric that depends on the accuracy, completeness, comprehension, and complexity of your content.

  • Usability – Documentation that is “good” but not easy to use when required is really common, but not good! You want documentation that is easy to navigate and structured well.

  • Improved audit results leading to reduced time and energy answering audit findings.


Overall the cost of hiring a professional writer to help to create correct and user-friendly documentation will yield a positive ROI. Working with a Technical Writer or Technical Writing Agency is a value-added contribution to any company or organization. As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for".

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