Becoming a tech doc ace requires a multitude of competencies

Technical writing, that’s just being good at tech and writing step-by-step instructions, right? Well, if you want to do a really good job, there’s quite a lot more to it. Becoming a tech doc ace requires a multitude of competencies.

Text & images by: Karin Askeroth

There are many different kinds of knowledge that is useful to be successful in the role of a technical writer, and we have listed the ones we find most important:

• Writing: User manuals, technical documentation, policies and procedures, as well as case studies all require writing with excellent readability, accurate wording and compliant with applicable standards.
  

• Editing: Text review, proofreading, typography, tone of voice and technical vocabulary ensures functional accuracy as well as flawless texts that speak with the voice of the company.
  

• Information architecture & Document management: The ability to structure the documentation in a good way will help you from day one. This goes for both structuring of the content, and for ensuring a good structure within every single document.
  

• Design: Information design, typography and graphic design basics helps make the content easier to grasp and absorb, while ensuring the material represents the company.
  

• Research: Even if you know the product well, research is always a part of technical writing. This includes research of both the specific product and of its end users.
  

• Teamwork: The ability to work with many different kinds of people, organizing, planning, conflict-solving, decision-making and problem-solving.
  

• Single-sourcing: A great way to save yourself from starting from scratch when creating new documents is to have a master source file that can be repurposed when new needs arise.
  

• User experience: In order to write great user guides you need to investigate how the end users will use the product. It may not always be the exact same way that the business analysts and the development team have pictured.
  

• Technical writing tools: There are plenty of tools for technical writing. It’s useful to at least learn the basics of a few.

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Technical writing offers specialization possibilities

One single person can not have all this knowledge, and other skills than the ones mentioned can also be useful. Technical writing is a field with great opportunities to broaden your knowledge and to specialize in what interests you the most.

Our advice to you: Once you have the basic knowledge you need in order to work as a technical writer, see what specialized areas you are most interested in. In most cases; what you find easy to do is where you’ll be able to specialize the most.

The Future of Technical Writing: 2024 Trends and Predictions

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the demand for skilled technical writers is also on the rise. So far, we’ve gotten by fairly well by being talented writers with basic technical knowledge, and skills in content management systems and user experience. To really thrive in 2024, technical writers will need to possess an expanded set of skills to stand out in the competition. Here is our take on trends in technical writing for 2024, based on our experiences and tentacles into the next year. 

Written by: Karin Askeroth

Data literacy

The ability to read, understand, create and communicate data as information.

Data has become an integral part of our digital language, and the ability to effectively integrate it into your technical document is non-negotiable. Being data literate will give technical writers a competitive edge in a data-driven world.

• Learn the fundamentals of some data analysis tools

• Be able to work with large datasets

• Have a basic understanding of statistical concepts

• Be able to interpret data visualizations

AI literacy

Basic understanding of AI technologies and their implications.

With the rise of AI technologies, understanding AI and machine learning basics will be invaluable for technical writers. They can automate the documentation process, making it faster and more efficient. They can also improve the quality of technical documentation by eliminating human errors, improving language and clarity.

If you don’t already have a fundamental understanding of AI and machine learning, this is the time. 

Basics of SEO in technical writing

If your technical content is online and public, it’s necessary to consider Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This allows your content to be discovered via a search engine's organic search results.

Considering the amount of content on the internet, and the billions of daily searches, SEO is necessary to help your technical content stand out.

Make sure you understand concepts like keywords, metadata, and search algorithms, as well as how to use them practically.

Visual communication

The use of visual elements to convey ideas and information.  

In an age of shrinking attention spans, effective visuals can augment your text and make your content more engaging. Different people like to be able to interact with the documentation, not just read it - and in different ways. They may want videos, images, and graphics, not just text. For instance, a video demonstration can be more effective than a lengthy text explanation. Skills such as graphic design, video editing, and creating animations will be highly valued.

Familiarize yourself with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Snagit. Stay updated on trends in visual communication.

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity

Accessibility and inclusivity are important considerations in software documentation. 

Documentation should be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Trends like voice-activated documentation, screen reader-friendly documentation, and inclusive language are making documentation more accessible. 

Staying updated with these trends allows you to create documentation that everyone can use, regardless of their abilities or background.

Self-promotion and social media engagement

Actively engaging with online communities to build a personal brand and network.

Online engagement isn't just for influencers; it's for technical writers, too. Self-promotion and community involvement will be necessary for career growth, especially in building a personal brand and networking.

• Start building a professional reputation

• Optimize your social media profiles

• Share your knowledge

• Engage in industry discussions

Our advice to you: Do an inventory of your current skills, and investigate how you would like your career to look in a few years. Based on that, decide which areas will be most important for you to learn more about. 

Images by: Wix