Writing website copy for technical companies can sound like a tedious and boring process, but there is no reason why it should be. Like all forms of copywriting, the aim is to produce content that is not only informative, but interesting to read as well.
When writing content for a technical website, the writer needs to keep the audience and the client in mind. Is the copy correctly expressing the client’s products, services or needs; and will a website visitor be able to understand the content – even if they are not technically minded?
5 tips for writing about technical subjects
There are no ‘golden rules’ for copywriting for technical websites, but there are some guidelines that can make it easier to the get the job done:
- Know your stuff! Technical copywriting often requires that the writer know something about the subject. Make sure you know what you are writing about and double check all your facts.
- Stay up to date. Technology can literally change overnight so be sure that you remain current with the newest advances in the subject you are writing about.
- Keep it simple. Avoid complex words and explain, where possible, the terminology used in the writing. You do not have to write down to the reader, but it is safe to assume that the reader is, at best, an average person with basic or no knowledge of the subject.
- Be concise. Include all the details and all the information that the reader needs to know. Even leaving out small details can make it hard for the reader to understand what you are trying to explain.
- Make it readable. Technical copywriting is at the best of times a dry and boring area of writing. People usually read it because they have to, not because they want to. Make your writing interesting, but also easy to read with a logical flow and clear separation of important subjects.
Technical writing may be one of the more difficult forms of copywriting out there, but with a little practice and some careful thought, it can also be one of the most rewarding.