Blueprints to Blog Posts: A Technical Communicator’s Journey to Content Creation

Ever eyed those content creator job postings with a mix of longing and doubt because you’re ‘just’ a technical writer? I know I have. It’s time to shake off that misconception. In this post, we’re diving into the surprisingly transferable world of technical skills and unveiling the creative prowess that powers great technical writing. Yes, you’ve got this, and I’m here to show you why.

Transferrable Skill #1 – Know Thy Audience

Think of this as the commandment of communication: “Thou shalt know thy audience.” It’s the cornerstone of technical writing, and guess what? It’s exactly the same in the world of content creation. To craft impactful content, you need a clear picture of who will be consuming it. While the spectrum of online audiences is vast, the focus remains sharp.

• Conduct Audience Research: Dive into analytics to get a snapshot of who’s engaging with your content.
• Create Personas: Sketch out personas that encapsulate the key traits of your audience segments.
• Tailor Your Message: Shape your content to match the understanding and needs of your readers.

It’s not a leap; it’s a step — one that you, as a technical writer, are already well-equipped to take.

Transferrable Skill #2 – Simplify Complex Ideas

At the heart of a technical communicator’s craft lies the talent to distill complexity into clarity — and that’s gold in the content creation world. Whether it’s to enlighten or prompt action, your content must cut through the noise and complexity. This is your bread and butter as a technical writer:

• Using Analogies: Just like explaining a complex gadget with a simple comparison, use analogies to bring your content closer to home for your audience.
• Employing Visual Aids: What’s a user manual without its diagrams? Infographics, charts, and videos in content play the same pivotal role in simplifying the complex.
• Iterating for Clarity: The draft, revise, repeat process you know so well ensures that your content strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and depth.

Your technical writing toolkit is already stocked with these skills; it’s time to use them in new creative territories.

Transferrable Skill #3 – Optimize Content Structure

Structure is second nature to any technical communicator, right? It’s the scaffolding upon which effective content rests. And when it comes to content creation, the rules are no different:

• Use Headings and Subheadings: Just like the clear signposting in a user guide, headings help readers navigate your content with ease.
• Incorporate Lists and Bullet Points: Who doesn’t love a good list? They’re your go-to for clarity and conciseness.
• Emphasize Key Points: Bold and italics aren’t just for decoration; they signal to readers what’s crucial, just like warning notes in a manual.

Starting to see the similarities? Your knack for structure is a superpower in the content realm!

Transferrable Skill #4 – Focus on Storytelling

This might seem like a stretch to you, but I assure you every technical document you write has a story to tell. And you might already incorporate direct storytelling to clarify your points. Content creators basically rely on these storytelling attributes to engage readers:

• Find the Story: Every piece of content should have a beginning, middle, and end.
• Make it Relatable: Use real-world scenarios to illustrate how technical information applies to everyday situations.
• Engage Emotionally: Stories that evoke emotion can enhance engagement and retention

Transferrable Skill #5 – Encourage Engagement

Isn’t the ultimate goal to get your audience nodding along, responding, and interacting? Whether it’s in the form of a technical guide or a blog post, sparking engagement is key:

• Invite Feedback: Just as you’d seek user input to improve a manual, encourage your content readers to comment and engage.
• Include Calls to Action: Propel your audience to take the next step, whether it’s signing up for more information or testing a new feature.
• Be Responsive: The conversation doesn’t end at publication. Stay active and involved by replying to your audience’s insights and questions.

Technical communicators are community builders by nature — it’s time to extend that skill to every content piece you craft.

Transferrable Skill #6 – Continuously Update Your Skills

Just as technology never stands still, neither do we. As technical communicators, we’re in a constant state of learning and adapting—our documents evolve, and so do our methods. This principle is just as vital in content creation:

• Learn About Digital Marketing: It’s more than writing; it’s understanding how your content fits into the digital ecosystem and drives business goals.
• Keep Abreast of Trends: Stay ahead of the curve by tuning into industry insights through blogs, webinars, and workshops.
• Experiment and Analyze: Make data your ally. Track how your content performs and tweak your tactics accordingly.
• Embrace SEO: Dive into the world of SEO to ensure your content ranks well and reaches your target audience effectively.

Your journey as a technical communicator has already honed a mindset of continuous improvement—carry that forward into content creation.

By blending the precision of technical communication with the creativity and engagement strategies of content creation, you can produce content that not only informs but also captivates and inspires. Remember that at the heart of both fields is effective communication: the goal is to share knowledge in a way that is accessible, interesting, and actionable. With these tips, technical communicators can become masterful content creators, poised to thrive in the digital landscape.