Top 5 Reasons to Celebrate Technical Writers: The Unsung Heroes of Effective Information Transfer

Many professions have a recognized day of celebration, from Administrative Assistants Day (April 24) to IT Professionals Day (September 17). At ProWrite, every day is Technical Writers Day—and it’s high time the world recognized the contributions tech writers make to everyone’s life.

Top 5 Reasons to Celebrate Technical Writers Every Day

1. We Help Consumers
   
   In a world crackling with technological growth, it’s often the shiniest product or newest service that grabs the spotlight, and rightfully so. Behind every innovation there needs to be documentation that explains how to set up and use that product or service.
   
   Consider this all-to-familiar scenario: You purchase a smart appliance or alarm system, only to find the accompanying user manual impossible to understand. The instructions are vague, the diagrams are not labeled, and there is no rhyme or reason for the order of information. You’ve spent your hard-earned money on a state-of-the-art product but don’t enjoy it because you can’t figure out how to set it up, let alone use its “smart” features (which is why you bought it in the first place). 
   
   Most likely, the user manual was written by someone who did not possess technical writing skills. They may have known the system but couldn’t transfer their knowledge into user-friendly language. 
   
   This is where qualified technical writers come into play! Technical writers are trained in taking complex technical jargon and translating it into easy-to-follow instructions. Through in-depth research and collaboration with subject matter experts, we learn the products and draft installation guides, user manuals, and other critical documentation for the consumer. In other words, we decipher “tech talk” for you.
   
   
2. We Support Companies and Their Employees
   
   Technical writers can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line and the safety of its employees. In industries where safety and accuracy are of extreme importance, technical writers can ensure that employees and other users have clear instructions to follow, helping reduce the risk of errors, accidents, and costly liabilities. 
   
   Five hundred manufacturing companies participated in a 2022 survey on the impact of poor documentation on the industry. The survey results, published in The Manufacturer, showed poor documentation caused “downstream damage,” including missed sales opportunities and product launch delays. As many as 40% of respondents reported wasted product and product defects resulting from “slow or delayed creation of critical product content.” It seems like stronger documentation would result in fewer losses down the line—a fact that 73% of respondents are aware of, as they are “actively seeking ways to improve documentation workflows.”
   
   In addition to promoting effective communication, well-written standard operating procedures and work instructions can expedite employee onboarding. When employees quickly understand how to use a product, they can become more productive sooner, increasing efficiency across the company.
   
   According to an article in SafetyCulture, well-documented processes are listed as one of the five primary good practices in the manufacturing industry.
   
   
   
   The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers establish or update operating procedures in the workplace and provide continuous training to employees on the procedures to meet safety and health requirements. As technical writers, we are often called upon to help manufacturers make those critical updates. 
   
   
3. We Strengthen Product Development
   
   Products and services are constantly changing, as evidenced by the recent rush to launch the next big artificial intelligence (AI) product. Tech writers are experts at documenting the move from old to new. A good technical writer can accurately record updates and changes, using consistent tone, terminology, and style to minimize confusion.
   
   When a product or service is launched, technical writers work closely with product developers to create documentation. We are adept at working with growing companies and enabling efficient training of unaccustomed users, whether for a specific product or an entire line.
   
   Research suggests that companies that provide high-quality technical documentation can improve customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Clear and comprehensive documentation can also reduce the need for customer support calls. Think about it: Would you rather have one technical writer create an effective product installation manual, or have hundreds of dissatisfied customers calling your company’s support line in confusion and frustration?
   
   
4. We Enhance Global Communication
   
   In both business and everyday life, people can connect with each other instantly all around the world. Technical writers can help transcend language barriers and cultural differences by creating localized content that contains images, infographics, and translations.
   
   By facilitating effective cross-cultural communication, technical writers enable companies to expand their global reach, foster international partnerships, and deliver seamless user experiences to diverse audiences.
   
   
5. We Make Products More Accessible to More People
   
   Technology has the potential to empower all individuals, but only if it’s accessible. Technical writers understand how crucial it is that every person has access to information that can better their lives. Diverse audiences, including those with varying levels of technical expertise, physical abilities, and linguistic backgrounds, should be able to find the information they need.
   
   By adopting inclusive design principles and plain language, technical writers ensure that no one is left behind. We all know how frustrating it can be when we can’t find documentation that is easy to understand. (Remember the smart appliance you purchased earlier?) Tech writers get this. Through our expertise, we simplify the impact of innovation, helping people to live better lives and navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with confidence.
   
   

   Here’s to Technical Writers!
   

   
   In celebrating technical writers, you acknowledge a profession that often operates behind the scenes, yet has an incredible impact on effective communication. Our role as technical writers is always expanding, but at the end of the day, our goal is to help consumers understand current and future technologies and to help companies produce the best user experience possible. Next time you read a helpful user guide, standard operating procedure, or installation manual, thank the technical writer behind it. And next time you read an unhelpful one—give ProWrite a call to fix it!
   
   Here at ProWrite, we celebrate technical writers and their contributions because that’s who we are: a pro team of writers, editors, and proofreaders. Join our celebration by reaching out and seeing how ProWrite can solve your company’s communication needs.
   
   Cheers!