Time for #DEVDiscuss β right here on DEV π
Inspired by @blackgirlbytes's Top 7 post, tonightβs topic is...ultimate tips for writing technical content!
Based on her experience as a Developer Advocate, RizΓ¨l Scarlett has written an incredible, comprehensive guide to writing technical content β seriously, take a look π
So let's talk about it!
Questions:
- Which of the points in the ultimate guide have served you well as a technical content writer?
- What are your top tips for writing technical content? Where or how did you learn them?
- Any triumphs, fails, or other stories you'd like to share on this topic?
Top comments (2)
What are your top tips for writing technical content? Where or how did you learn them?
My answer: Through a few wise individuals in a tech Twitter Space on content creation, I learned that the topics people write about is not always. Creators in some fashion speak out about the same thing. What gets people to read your tech content are the following:
Its presentation
The level of popularity you have (this can be debateable)
Which of the points in the ultimate guide have served you well as a technical content writer?
My answer: Writing tech blog posts is only one aspect of writing tech content. It's important to have some form of knowledge on how to maintain a product's documentation. Note: I am aware the focus is on writing technical content, but I've noticed and used to think that creating technical blog posts is often seen as the only way to gain experience to become a technical writer.
Ultimate Tips for Writing Technical Content include focusing on clarity, accuracy, and simplicity, ensuring that your audience can easily understand complex concepts. Break down the content into digestible sections, use clear headings, and provide real-world examples to make the material relatable. Additionally, avoid jargon unless absolutely necessary, and make sure to proofread your work for any errors. For instance, when writing about app features, like the Scarlet iOS app, clearly explain its functionality, benefits, and how users can download it, helping your audience grasp the value easily while maintaining technical precision.