How to Excel as a Technical Writer According to 8 Experts
To help you excel as a technical copywriter, we’ve gathered insights from top CEOs, founders, and directors in the industry. From mastering your subject and engaging readers to staying impersonal and simplifying jargon, here are the top eight pieces of advice these experts shared to help you succeed in your technical copywriting career.
- Master Your Subject and Engage Readers
- Prioritize Spelling and Grammar
- Blend Creativity With Accuracy
- Balance AI Assistance With Human Touch
- Research Thoroughly for Success
- Implement Technical Copywriting Strategies
- Know Your Target Audience
- Stay Impersonal and Simplify Jargon
Master Your Subject and Engage Readers
To excel as a technical copywriter, it’s important to become a subject matter expert, be able to simplify complex information and connect with your audience. Dive deep into the technical topics you write about, but remember to break down complicated ideas into easy-to-understand language.
Tailor your writing style to resonate with your specific audience, making sure it’s relatable and engaging. Keep yourself updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field through continuous learning and attending conferences. By combining your expertise, simplifying information, connecting with your readers, and staying current, you’ll thrive as a technical copywriter.
Josh Amishav
Founder and CEO, Breachsense
Prioritize Spelling and Grammar
Spelling is still the most significant predictor of reader trust, so double-check everything, even after your extra checks of Microsoft Word or Grammarly. Your content still needs to be accurate, well-structured, and interesting long after you’ve triple-checked the grammar, punctuation, and syntax.
Look out not only for incorrect words but also for missing words, phrases that sound awkward, and anything that could be interpreted differently than intended. Depending on the niche and the voice you want to create, vary your vocabulary and speak more passively (high-level technology) or more actively (pet supplies). In the end, investing extra time in the text is well worth it—without your words, your copy is virtually useless.
Matthew Ramirez
CEO, Rephrasely
Blend Creativity with Accuracy
While accuracy is key when writing technical material, creativity should not be overlooked! After all, having the ability to capture the readers’ interest while maintaining clarity can go a long way in making your writing stand out from others who lack imagination or creativity.
Rick Elmore
CEO, Simply Noted
Balance AI Assistance With Human Touch
Generative AI is already a game-changer for copywriters in all verticals. For technical copywriters, I predict it will be even more important, given the specificity of the writing and how much it relies on source material.
The important thing is to stay human. If you just copy and paste from the AI engine, you have brought little to the table. It will be the human touch and distinct writing style on top of the AI assistance that will make you stand out.
Trevor Ewen
COO, QBench
Research Thoroughly for Success
As a technical copywriter, you’ll frequently be writing about extremely specific topics. To be successful in this profession, you must perform extensive research. Dive deep into the subject, learn about the industry, and stay up to date on the current developments.
Learn technical vocabulary, industry-specific concepts, and developing technology. To get correct information, consult reputable sources such as research papers, industry magazines, and credible websites. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to create high-quality, accurate content.
Tim Allen
Director, Oberheiden P.C.
Implement Key Technical Copywriting Strategies
To excel as a technical copywriter, there are several key strategies you can implement.
First, simplify complex concepts to make them easily understandable for readers. Break down detailed information, and use clear language. Thorough research is essential to becoming an expert in the subject matter. Invest time in understanding technical details and the needs of your target audience.
Tailor your writing to your target audience, adjusting your style and tone accordingly. Strive for a balance between technical accuracy and readability. Engage with technical professionals to gain insights, additional information, and clarification on complex topics.
Edit meticulously to ensure accuracy and professionalism, paying attention to detail and reviewing for errors. Seek feedback for improvement, embrace a growth mindset, and actively seek opportunities to enhance your skills.
By implementing these strategies, you can excel as a technical copywriter and produce quality content.
Vikrant Shaurya
CEO, Authors On Mission
Know Your Target Audience
Understanding who you’re writing for is essential in order to craft effective copy that speaks directly to them. What sorts of topics might they be interested in? What language do they use? Get familiar with their preferences before you write.
David Bui
Director and Automotive and Business Specialist, Schmicko
Stay Impersonal and Simplify Jargon
To excel as a technical copywriter, staying impersonal is vital. Technical copywriters don’t have the slightest cushion to describe the product with a personal interest, and if they insert their personal interests, they will not only fail themselves but the campaign or documentation as well.
Since technical copywriters deal with technical documentation such as user manuals, instruction guides, technical reports, reference guides, etc., they need to have a detailed focus on simplifying the tough business jargon. This is not possible without staying impersonal.
Ben Miller
Founder, Focus On Digital
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