Do you want to be a great technology writer and editor? A person who can use the written word to persuade and explain in high-value areas of computing and telecommunications.
You might also cover other topics, like home improvement, business, cars, or car maintenance. Technology is increasingly important. You might be an editor, content producer, or someone who needs to understand and improve tech-related copy. No matter the topic, the fundamentals of writing are universal. However, you will need to have other skills and knowledge in order to create or edit compelling technology articles. These seven tips will help.
1. Be aware of who you are writing for
This is the first rule for any type of writing. But it’s even more crucial when writing about technology. How you write will be influenced by your target audience. There is a huge difference between writing about gadgets for consumers and information technology (IT), for businesses.
Writing for high-level executives is a must if you want to communicate your message.
Are you writing for chief technology officers (CTOs), chief information officers, or chief information security officials (CISOs). Are you also looking for second-tier IT managers to target? Tech writers are increasingly being asked to write for other business lines, as technology becomes more important for chief financial officers (CFOs), chief marketers officers (CMOs), and chief operations officerss (COOs). Knowing your target audience will allow you to write in the right voice and assume the necessary knowledge. CIOs, for example, are more interested in how technology can be used to help run a business. CTOs, on the other hand, are more technical and are interested in innovation.
2. Understanding the technology that you are writing about
You won’t be able to write about technology if you don’t know it. It will be difficult for you to understand complex concepts and write persuasively. Worse, you may make mistakes that could alienate your readers. Many technologies can appear complex and abstract. What’s the solution? Google is your friend, according to the old tech industry saying. Searching the internet can reveal a lot about technology.
Even so, it can seem overwhelming. It is possible to break it down into the steps below.
- What does it signify? Look up “what is [the tech]”.
- What is the process? You might need to understand some technologies as computer engineers or data scientists, but you can grasp the concept of technology by writing.
- What are the best ways for people and organizations to use it? This is a crucial step. This step is crucial. You can find case studies and other ‘use cases’ of the technology by searching for them.
- What are the benefits it offers for businesses and individuals? These three steps will help you not only understand the technology’s advantages but, most importantly, how they provide those benefits.
- Is it transforming businesses, jobs, or communities? It’s clear that technologies like artificial intelligence are changing the way we live and work. However, it is important to understand why they do this.
- Some sources may be better than others. Webopedia, and the Computer Glossary both provide clear explanations. Wikipedia and HowStuffWorks provide more details.
Many technology vendors offer useful case studies. Industry specialists like Gartner and IDC provide in-depth whitepapers on technologies. Interviewing subject matter experts and going directly to the source can help you learn more. We recommend that you do your research first and get a good understanding of the technology before you ask the right questions. Regularly reading tech articles will help you increase your knowledge base, which will make it easier to research your tech writing jobs.
3. Be clear about tech terms, but don’t use jargon
Technology articles can help you understand technical terms in a way that doesn’t make you sound like a novice technie. The cloud can be singular or plural. But the key is to know how to use them all. While ‘the cloud’ refers to all cloud services, an organisation can have multiple clouds. A company can use a cloud service’ or a ‘cloud provider’ but not a cloud.
- Although it may sound great, what does the following sentence mean?
- This product consolidates all of your data in one pane.
- This is, however, more precise and easier to comprehend:
This product allows you to quickly and easily access all of your data through one dashboard.
Some words that are too common can be difficult to replace. One such word is ‘Platform’. It can be used to refer to any combination of technologies that serve a specific purpose. Platforms can be “built on” or enhanced with technology such as APIs, which allow organizations to create applications faster.
4. Keep it simple, but don’t dumb it down
As a technology writer, one of your most important tasks is to simplify complex topics and make them simple to understand. Talking down to your readers is a problem, especially if you are writing for business or technical audiences.