Have you ever read a technology article that made you feel… stupid? You know the type – filled with words like “synergistic paradigms” and “blockchain-enabled ecosystems” that seem designed to confuse rather than clarify?
Here’s a little secret: that feeling of frustration you get when reading jargon-filled tech content is actually your greatest qualification for writing about technology.
I’m going to let you in on the biggest open secret in tech writing: the most successful write for technology aren’t necessarily the biggest tech experts. They’re the best translators.
Why Your Voice Matters Now More Than Ever
Let me hit you with some numbers that might surprise you. While 85% of American adults use technology daily, only 37% feel “very confident” in their ability to learn new digital tools (Pew Research Center, 2023). That’s a massive gap between use and understanding – and it’s exactly where great tech writers thrive.
Meanwhile, the global content marketing industry is valued at $417 billion (Statista, 2024), with technology being one of the fastest-growing segments. Companies are desperately seeking writers who can make their complex products feel human and approachable.
The Three Rules for Writing About Tech Without Sounding Like a Robot
1. Start with “Why Should Anyone Care?”
Before you write a single word about features, ask yourself this crucial question. The answer is never “because it has a faster processor.”
- Instead of: “Our software features machine learning algorithms with predictive analytics capabilities.”
- Try: “Remember spending hours on sales reports that are outdated by the time you finish? Our tool automatically analyzes your data and shows you which leads are most likely to convert – saving you 10 hours per week.”
See the difference? One is a spec sheet. The other is a solution to a real human problem.
2. Talk Like You’re Explaining to a Friend
Read your writing out loud. If it sounds like something you’d actually say to another person, you’re on the right track. If it sounds like a corporate manual, start over.
A Nielsen Norman Group study found that conversational content is 40% more engaging and memorable than formal writing. Contractions like “don’t” instead of “do not” aren’t just acceptable – they’re preferable.
3. Become a Master of the Analogy
Technical concepts stick when they’re connected to things people already understand.
- Explaining APIs: “An API is like a waiter in a restaurant. You don’t go into the kitchen to cook your meal – you tell the waiter what you want, and they bring it to you.”
- Explaining cloud computing: “Think of cloud storage like a bank vault for your files. It’s more secure than keeping cash under your mattress, and you can access it from any ATM in the world.”
A Real-World Case Study: How Simple Language Built a Million-Dollar Business
I want to tell you about my friend Jessica. She started a blog about cybersecurity for small businesses. Her competitors were writing about “multi-vector DDoS attacks” and “zero-day exploits.” Important topics, but completely overwhelming for a bakery owner just trying to protect their customer data.
Jessica took a different approach. She wrote posts with titles like:
- “Your Password Is Probably Terrible – Here’s How to Fix It in 5 Minutes”
- “The One Security Setting Your Employees Are Ignoring (And How to Change It)”
- “Why That ‘Security Update’ Pop-up Isn’t Annoying – It’s Your Best Friend”
She used stories about real small businesses that got hacked. She explained concepts using sandwich shop analogies. She made readers feel smart, not intimidated.
Within two years, her simple, clear writing attracted over 100,000 monthly readers and built a consulting business that now helps hundreds of small companies stay safe online. All because she remembered that her readers cared about protection, not protocols.
click here:https://www.searchengineinsight.com/write-for-us-technology/
Balancing Data with Heart: The Google-Friendly Formula
Yes, you need to include statistics and research to meet Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). But data should support your story, not replace it.
The formula that works:
- Start with a relatable problem or story
- Introduce a statistic that shows why it matters
- Explain the solution in simple terms
- End with the positive outcome
For example:
“Feeling overwhelmed by AI tools? You’re not alone. A recent Salesforce study found that 62% of workers feel unprepared for the AI revolution. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to understand how AI works to use it effectively. Start with one tool that solves one specific problem – like Grammarly for writing or Otter.ai for meeting notes. Within a week, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.”
See how the statistic gives weight to the problem, but the solution remains practical and human-centered?
Your Toolkit for Getting Started Today
- Find Your Niche: Don’t write about “technology.” Write about “technology for teachers” or “smart home gadgets for renters” or “productivity apps for overwhelmed parents.”
- Create an “Idea Bank”: Keep a notes app where you jot down questions you hear people asking about tech. “How do I backup my photos?” is a better topic than “Cloud Storage Solutions.”
- Practice the “Grandma Test”: After you write something, ask: “Would my grandma understand this?” If not, simplify.
- Embrace Your Inner Beginner: Your ability to remember what it was like not to know something is your superpower. Don’t lose it as you learn more.
The World Needs Your Voice
Here’s the truth: technology is becoming more embedded in our lives, not less. The people building these tools need translators who can help the rest of us understand, adopt, and benefit from them.
Your curiosity? That’s your research department.
Your ability to explain things clearly? That’s your competitive advantage.
Your frustration with jargon-filled writing? That’s your quality control.
The next time you figure out how to use a new feature or solve a tech problem, pay attention to how you explain it to someone else. That moment of connection, that “aha!” look on their face – that’s what great tech writing feels like.
