In a nutshell, tech writing is blending journalism and marketing to attract a wider audience and generate more revenue. Writers post articles to deal with both consumer and business-related topics pertaining to technology. Although the demand for this type of content is increasing, the field is still considered a bit of a mystery to those who aren’t experienced in writing for the web. This article will shed some light on what is Tech Writing Like Online at OSU and how to become a successful writer for the information age.
Why Tech Writing?
The demand for quality content is growing every day. Bloggers and news websites alike are looking for freelance writers to provide high-quality content for their blogs and websites on any given subject or topic. The more a writer can demonstrate their skill in handling different subject matter, the faster and more confident they can land their next contract.
Although the field of tech writing is still somewhat of a mystery to those who aren’t experienced in this area, the demand for high-quality content and the increasing number of platforms and opportunities make it easier for anyone to jump in and become a successful writer. Being a top-notch tech writer will not only get you more work but also allow you to network and establish credibility in a community of passionate professionals who are frequently finding jobs through networking and referrals.
What is Tech Writing Like At OSU?
According to Pete Meyers, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Digital Strategy at the University of Oregon, “Tech writing is blending journalism and marketing to attract a wider audience and generate more revenue.”
Based on his observations while teaching a class called “The Future of News and Information Platforms,” Meyers says that journalists typically get paid less for content published on large platforms like Google and Facebook because those platforms can afford to pay higher rates.
“For the freelancers who provide content for these platforms, it’s a chicken-or-the-egg situation,” says Meyers. “They need to have a large audience to have higher rates, and the higher rates attract more and more people to the platforms. So the more the platforms get used, the more they need freelancers to sustain their operations. It’s an endless circle.”
With so much dependence on algorithms and automation, it’s essential that journalists become more fluent in marketing and have the communication and media skills to build and maintain effective relationships with their target audiences. This cross-disciplinary approach to journalism is exactly what makes tech writers uniquely qualified to navigate the constantly changing world of digital communication and attract a following in a community of passionate professionals.
How to Become a Successful Tech Writer
Like any other professional or skilled trade, those who want to become tech writers should start with the fundamentals. Journalism and marketing are two areas of expertise that will set you apart from others who are just looking for work. Both require thorough knowledge of writing mechanics as well as familiarity with various platforms, software, and hardware used for online communication and marketing.
By understanding how algorithms work and how online audiences engage with content, you will be able to create more compelling and influential stories for your audience. You’ll also know what strategies are most effective for getting work published online and how to properly pitch and promote your work to secure your first freelance contract.
Here are some of the things you should do to become a successful tech writer:
Study Online Writing
If you’re serious about becoming a successful tech writer, the first thing you should do is study online writing. Why study online writing? It’s one of the best places to learn how to write effectively and earn money from writing. Even for experienced journalists and bloggers, mastering the art of writing for the web is still considered a bit of a mystery.
With so much content produced and published online, platforms like blogs and news websites are a treasure trove of learning opportunities for those who want to become serious writers. Not only will you be able to master different genres and platforms, but you’ll also have the opportunity to improve your writing and learn from some of the best writers in the industry.
Start by taking a look at some of the top-quality blogs and websites in your industry. What do you notice about these blogs and websites? The content is usually well-written and organized; the tone is consistent throughout; and the language and examples used are easy to understand and relevant to the topic at hand.
From there, you can move on to some of the more prominent news websites and blogs in your industry. What sets these websites apart from each other? The content is usually more in-depth and professional; the writing and editing are of a high caliber; and the content is more frequently updated.
Join Online Communities
The next thing you should do to become a successful tech writer is to join online communities. Why should you do this? It’s one of the best places to learn from other experienced writers. When you’re new to the field or even if you’re just looking to improve your craft, you’ll have the opportunity to network with other journalists, bloggers, and content creators.
There are a variety of communities on the web that can help you gain knowledge and establish credibility as a writer. Some of the more prominent communities in the industry include:
- Reddit – The front page of reddit is a gold mine of information and learning opportunities for those who want to learn more about their industry. The site is completely open to the public so anyone can contribute; thus, the wealth of information available on the topic of writing and journalism.
- Quora – Similar to Reddit, Quora is another excellent resource for journalists and bloggers who want to build credibility and expose themselves to maximum amounts of potential customers. Just remember to follow the guidelines and keep your answers relevant and engaging.
- Medium – One of the larger networks of blogs and websites that focuses on journalistic and cultural content, Medium is used by many high-profile publications and businesses. Just remember to follow their guidelines and contribute high-quality content.
- Youtube – One of the biggest and most popular video platforms, Youtube can be a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to learn more about their industry. Like most other platforms, Youtube’s goal is to provide users with content that they will find valuable. As a result, the content is usually short, informative, and very relevant to the overall theme of the channel.
- Facebook – With 1.5 billion active monthly users, Facebook is the largest and most popular social media platform. If you don’t sell anything on the site, you can become a paid “content creator” and promote and sell your own products and services.
- Instagram – With over a billion active monthly users, Instagram is the most popular social media platform among Gen Z. The content on the site tends to be fairly simple and easy to understand, but you’ll have the opportunity to engage with potential customers through sponsored content pieces and product reviews.
- Twitter – With nearly a billion active monthly users, Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms. Just like Instagram, Twitter’s goal is to provide users with content that they find valuable. As a result, the content is usually short and to the point, and the language and examples used are easy to understand and relevant to the topic at hand.
- LinkedIn – If you already have a professional network, consider using LinkedIn to help you find a job in a field that interests you. With over 500 million users worldwide, LinkedIn is the largest professional network on the web. As a member of this network, you’ll have access to millions of jobs and opportunities across the globe.
Get A Portfolio Ready
When you join a community, you’ll likely have the opportunity to contribute content to various publications and blogs. Although this may not seem like a regular part of your job description, contributing to a writer’s portfolio can be a wonderful way to attract potential customers and increase your visibility in your industry. As a rule of thumb, you should take this opportunity to establish yourself as an expert in your industry. The more you can show that you are an authority in your field, the more likely those who are interested in your product or service will be able to find you.
A writer’s portfolio is simply a collection of published articles or blog posts that you’ve written. A well-curated and presented writer’s portfolio can do wonders in terms of getting you a job in your chosen field. What makes up a successful writer’s portfolio? The general rule of thumb is to include some content that is highly authoritative and well-written. Some other content that is more of a promotional nature can also be included.