But it DOES mean writing credibly
Of course, it’s still vital that your copy conveys credibility and authority, so it must contain some technical detail. Perhaps a lot. But that detail must be included strategically and with intent. And it must be expressed using the right language, metaphors, jargon and social idioms, in the right ways at the right times.
This is particularly important when you’re writing for technical audiences. They possess an uncanny – almost supernatural – ability to detect technical imposters.
And they don’t take kindly to them.
In other words, your technical copywriter must be, at once, both expert and reader. The former very knowledgeable, the latter probably quite ignorant. No mean feat.
So not everyone’s
cut out to be a
technical copywriter
Naturally, with all of these challenges, technical copywriting isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It requires a very logical and systematic way of thinking, the ability to learn fast, and an affinity for technology.
It helps if you have broad exposure to a lot of different technical subject matter (ideally hands-on). And experience working in technical environments, with technical people.
It also helps if you have experience with plain technical writing. It’s not essential, but there’s definitely something to be said for having years’ of practice explaining technical stuff in plain English.
And finally, it helps if you love it.