When I first dipped my toes into tech writing, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I wasn’t a developer, and honestly, “Java” was a jargon to me. I was just one out of the million budding tech writers around. But I loved storytelling, and I was fascinated by how technology shapes the world. Fast forward to now, I’ve learned a thing or two (mostly through trial and error), and I want to share what I wish someone had told me at the start.
Here are five major lessons every budding tech writer needs to know:
1. Budding tech writers? You don’t have to be a tech genius
Let’s get this out of the way: You don’t need to know how to code to write about tech. When I started, I thought I had to master Python, JavaScript, and all those intimidating buzzwords just to have a voice in the space. Turns out, I was wrong.
What you really need is curiosity and the ability to break things down. Think about it: your audience probably isn’t made up of tech wizards either. They’re regular folks trying to figure out why their phone keeps overheating or how to make sense of this “AI revolution.”
Here’s what worked for me:
- I started asking “dumb questions” (which aren’t dumb at all). For example, “What’s the difference between cloud storage and regular storage?”
- I used analogies to explain things. For instance, think of RAM as your desk and storage as your filing cabinet. The bigger your desk, the more work you can handle at once.
- I read blogs, watched YouTube tutorials, and followed tech influencers. Over time, I got comfortable with the basics, and writing became easier.
Pro Tip: Focus on clarity, not jargon. If you can explain a concept to your non-techie friend, you’re on the right track.
2. Write for people, not robots
When I started, I thought every tech article had to be crammed with buzzwords like “synergy” or “disruptive innovation.” I was wrong again. People (yes, even in tech) want content that’s engaging, relatable, and human.
Here’s what I learned:
- Avoid the trap of being overly formal. You’re writing for people, not machines. Use conversational language. Crack a joke or two if it fits.
- Put yourself in your reader’s shoes. Ask yourself: Why would someone care about this topic? What’s in it for them?
- Tell stories. For example, instead of explaining blockchain in dry terms, I’d say: “Imagine you’re passing a secret note in class, but everyone in the room has to agree on what’s written before it gets passed. That’s blockchain.”
Remember, your goal isn’t just to inform—it’s to connect.
3. Stay curious, stay updated
Tech moves fast. Like, ridiculously fast. One minute everyone’s talking about the metaverse, the next it’s all about AI chatbots. As a tech writer, you need to keep up.
Here’s how I do it without losing my mind:
- Follow trends, but don’t chase them blindly. Not every shiny new thing deserves an article. Focus on topics that add value and have staying power.
- Engage with tech communities. Platforms like Twitter (or X, if you’re fancy), Reddit, and LinkedIn are goldmines for insights. Follow developers, startups, and industry leaders to see what’s buzzing.
- Experiment with tech yourself. I once downloaded a blockchain app just to understand how it worked. It was confusing at first, but writing about it later felt authentic because I had firsthand experience.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Alerts or Feedly to stay on top of breaking tech news. Even a quick skim can spark ideas for your next piece.
4. Master the art of research, as budding tech writers
Good tech writing is rooted in thorough research. Your credibility depends on how well you understand the subject matter and present it to your audience.
Here’s how to research effectively:
- Look for credible sources. Industry whitepapers, developer blogs, and expert interviews are gold standards.
- Verify your information. If you’re quoting statistics or facts, cross-check them with multiple reputable sources.
- Take notes as you read. Highlight key points, jot down interesting quotes, and organize your research for easy reference later.
Pro Tip: When diving into complex topics, break them into smaller chunks. Research one chunk at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Build a portfolio early
As a budding tech writer, your portfolio is your calling card. It’s how potential employers or clients gauge your skills and expertise.
Here’s how to start building:
- Write sample articles. Pick a tech topic you’re passionate about and write as if it’s for a real audience. Use Medium, LinkedIn, or a personal blog to showcase your work.
- Collaborate on projects. Offer to write for startups or contribute to open-source documentation. It’s great practice and adds credibility.
- Highlight versatility. Show that you can write different types of content—how-to guides, opinion pieces, reviews, or explainer articles.
Pro Tip: Update your portfolio regularly. As you gain experience, replace older work with newer, stronger pieces.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Write like you speak. You don’t need to sound like a professor or a tech exec to write compelling tech stories. Be curious, stay relatable, and always put your readers first.
And remember, every tech writer starts somewhere. The first few articles might feel awkward or even overwhelming, but keep at it. With time, you’ll find your voice—and that’s when the magic happens.
Now go write the next big thing! Just don’t forget to back up your files (speaking from experience here).
Do you have any questions about getting started in tech writing? Kindly drop a message. I’m happy to share more lessons I’ve learned along the way!
Leave feedback about this