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The Art of Technical Writing
| Guest post by: David Beairsto |
Article Overview: Treating technical writing as an art form is the privilege of master marketers because they always place the relationship with prospective customers ahead of selling. Customer service begins the moment you begin communicating with prospects and instructions they need to follow send a very strong message about how much you care. Even if the entire set of directions is contained in three easy steps you can add a few pictures or graphics and make non-technical consumers more comfortable.
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The Art of Technical Writing
HUH?
I sympathize with anyone who's ever had trouble assembling or configuring a product they've purchased because of the technical writing in the owners manual. As a former tech support specialist I've spent years interpreting tech-speak into English or just re-writing the material so that people understood the directions.
It's not polite to bash anyone. The circumstances surrounding each and every technical writing task are unique but the burden shouldn't be on the consumer.
Some manuals are like following a top end GPS system complete with pictures of the intersections and surrounding buildings. Other manuals read like secret code that only makes sense after you've found the cipher key that cracks the code.
Step By Step
Not only is a step by step approach to technical writing helpful to everyone but a major bonus feature for marketing professionals.
Some manufacturers actually include the steps on the outside of the packaging. Who doesn't want that? You've already read the directions and understood them.
However, just because you're providing steps doesn't mean that whoever gets to follow them will arrive at the same conclusion.
Clarity
I have 4 girls and not one of them hears the same set of directions or follows them the same way. This process:
• Reading
• Comprehending
• Applying
isn't the same because different people process information based on personality, education and experience.
When you have to design a guide or manual it must be from the perspective of the person who has to process that information.
The Artistic Approach
Unless a variety of conversations have taken place between various people who've all tried to use your instructions beforehand, you can expect a few conversations after you've published your tech manual.
On the surface it looks more practical than artistic because including feedback before finalizing the book just makes good sense.
What makes for artistic writing of otherwise boring material is how well the information takes away any potential for confusion. Good art takes time to refine; great art takes even more time.
Why It Matters
Most people won't make a conscious note of the frustrations caused by the operating manual on their new hardware but the brand suffers.
That manual can keep tech support response time short or as in my experience busy re-writing the manual via emails so that customers can get on with their lives.
Any information that describes your product or service reflects on your brand. Since you don't want your brand to be ambiguous, you don't want any copy surrounding it to be confusing or frustrating; clear concise copy makes for satisfied customers.
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Article Tags: configured, customer service, instructions, operating instructions, step by step, tech manual, technical writing, training materials
Referred by: http://jaykubassek.com
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About the Author: David Beairsto RSS for David's articles - Visit David's website I work with aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners that are looking to unravel the mystery of online business. The mission of my Internet Marketing Company is to enable anyone with a desire to succeed online to overcome any technical obstacles or confusion. I've written two books designed as guides so that people can establish their online presence or create their 'Online Business World.' Both are available at lulu.com: "3 Online Anchors Every Business Needs" "How To Create Your Online Business World In 6 Days" If you're serious about making a change in your life that will produce financial security and personal freedom visit my website at: http://WorkAtHomeBusinessFromAnywhere.com It doesn't matter where you live, your education level or background. All that matters is a serious unwavering commitment for positive and permanent change in your lifestyle. Click here to visit David's website   Science of Getting Rich Think and Grow Rich Acres of Diamonds As A Man Thinketh |
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