Posts

Tech writing

  Technical Genres – Writing with Purpose Not all technical documents are created equal. Each serves a unique function—and your writing should adapt accordingly. Common Genres You’ll Encounter: User Guides: Help users accomplish specific tasks step-by-step. Think of IKEA manuals—but clearer. API Documentation: Written for developers. It includes parameters, functions, endpoints, and examples. Knowledge Base Articles: Concise, searchable answers to common questions or issues. White Papers: Long-form, persuasive documents used in B2B settings to explain problems and propose solutions. SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures): Detailed, repeatable instructions for internal processes. Tip: Always match the tone and depth to your audience. Developers and end-users don’t need the same kind of detail or format.
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Looks matter

  Document Design – Because Looks Matter (a Lot) You can write the most brilliant documentation, but if no one can navigate it—it’s useless. Core Elements of Effective Design: Hierarchy: Use headers, subheaders, and bullet points to guide the reader. Typography: Choose readable fonts and maintain consistency. Visual Aids: Screenshots, diagrams, and tables can do what 200 words can’t. White Space: Don’t crowd the page. Let content breathe. Accessibility: Use alt text, good color contrast, and structure for screen readers. Tip: Think visually. A well-designed page reduces friction and boosts user confidence.
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Write for readers

  Audience Awareness – Write for Readers, Not Robots Technical writing is never one-size-fits-all. Every document has a reader—and understanding them is key. Steps to Know Your Audience: Define their experience level: Are they beginners or experts? Consider their context: What are they trying to do, and what’s at stake? Adapt your language: Avoid jargon unless your audience expects it. Cultural awareness: International audiences may interpret tone or icons differently. Tip: Create user personas to keep your audience top-of-mind throughout the writing process.
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Social media tips

  The Power of Social Media – Build, Share, Connect You might not associate hashtags with technical writing—but maybe you should. Why Social Media Matters: Visibility: Share your work, ideas, and insights with a broader audience. Networking: Connect with fellow writers, developers, and potential clients. Learning: Follow hashtags like #TechComm or #WriteTheDocs for trends and tips. Opportunities: Many jobs and freelance gigs are shared on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter/X. Tip: Build a professional presence. Showcase your writing, join conversations, and stay active.
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Tool tips

  Tools & Tech – Your Digital Toolbox The right tools can make your writing cleaner, faster, and more collaborative. Must-Know Tools: Content Editors: Markdown, Notion, Google Docs, MS Word Version Control: Git and GitHub for collaborative documentation Design Tools: Canva, Figma, and Snagit for visuals Documentation Platforms: MadCap Flare, Confluence, Docusaurus Style Guides: Microsoft Manual of Style, AP Style, custom org guidelines Tip: Don’t just learn tools—learn why they’re used. Technical writing is as much about process as product.
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Career tips

  Career & Portfolio – Start Strong Breaking into technical writing can feel daunting, but with the right steps, you can stand out. How to Launch Your Career: Build a portfolio: Include user guides, mock docs, blog posts, and more. Take on freelance projects: Even small gigs count. Get certified: Consider certificates from STC, Coursera, or Google. Tailor your resume: Highlight clarity, organization, and technical skills. Tip: Treat your portfolio like a product—keep it polished, purposeful, and up to date.
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Career

  Career & Portfolio Building Launching your career: How to build a writing portfolio (with or without job experience) Freelance vs full-time: Pros and cons Certifications and degrees: Are they worth it? Resume tips for tech writers Blog Posts (Dynamic Section) Regularly updated with: Case studies and interviews with working tech writers “A day in the life” features Deep dives into writing challenges Guest posts from industry experts Reviews of tools and courses Community Forum (Optional) Discussion boards for writing tips, tool questions, and feedback Job/internship postings Peer review & critique area
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