Building a Personal Brand as a Technical Writer (for Early-Career and Freelance Writers)
- Gigi Kenneth
- Aug 26, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Building a personal brand can feel like a buzzword, but it can be a game changer for a technical writer. Whether you’re just starting out or working as a freelancer, having a personal brand is like having your own professional North Star. It helps you stand out, attract the right opportunities, and make a name for yourself in a field that can sometimes feel crowded.
But how do you actually go about building this brand? In this post, I’ll walk you through some practical strategies that you can start using today to build and grow your personal brand as a technical writer — no fluff, just actionable tips.
Let’s take a walk…
1. Figure Out What Makes You Unique
First things first: What makes you different from every other technical writer out there? This is your unique value proposition (UVP) — like most startup founders try to figure out early on, and this should be the foundation of your personal brand.
Specialization: Are you great at breaking down complex software for non-techies? Or maybe you appreciate detailed API documentation?
Experience: Have you worked in a specific industry that gives you an edge, like healthcare, finance, or tech?
Style: How do you approach your writing? Maybe you’re known for making technical content easy to understand or for creating user-friendly documentation.
Action Step: Take some time to jot down what you bring to the table. Write a short mission statement that sums up who you are, what you do, and why someone should hire you. This will be your brand’s core message. Go easy on yourself as you gain more experience, this may evolve.
2. Get Your Online Presence in Order
These days, if you don’t exist online, you pretty much don’t exist at all — at least in the eyes of potential clients or employers. So, let’s get you set up.
Build a Simple Website: This doesn’t have to be fancy. A clean, professional website with your portfolio, a bio, and a way for people to contact you will do the trick.
Need some help? Here’s how to write a kickass bio.
Spruce Up LinkedIn: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is polished. Use a professional photo, write a summary that reflects your UVP, and list out your experience and skills. Add links to your work and make your “Featured” section as catchy as possible.
Start a Blog (or Update It): Blogging is a great way to showcase your knowledge and help people find you. Share insights on technical writing, comment on industry trends, or explain complex topics in a simple way in a field you’re interested in.
Action Step: If you don’t already have a website, start one today using platforms like WordPress, Wix, Google Sites, Framer, Webflow or Squarespace. If you do, give it a once-over to make sure it reflects your brand.
3. Join the Conversation
You don’t have to go it alone — there’s a whole community of technical writers out there. Engaging with others in the field can boost your visibility and help you learn from the best.
Social Media: Follow relevant hashtags on Twitter or join LinkedIn groups where technical writers hang out. Comment on posts, share your thoughts and connect with others.
Forums and Communities: Places like Reddit, Stack Overflow, or specialized technical writing forums are great for networking and sharing your expertise. In a subsequent blog post, I’ll share a couple of them that I know.
Conferences and Meetups: Even if you’re just attending, conferences can be great for networking. If you’re feeling bold, aim to speak or join a panel to really boost your credibility.
Action Step: Pick a few communities to get involved with. Start by leaving thoughtful comments, sharing helpful resources, or asking questions.
4. Show Off Your Work
Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of your best work — it’s your chance to tell your story and show potential clients or employers what you’re capable of.
Curate Wisely: Pick work that aligns with the kinds of jobs you want to attract. Show off your range, but also make sure it reflects your brand.
Tell a Story: Don’t just drop in a link to a user manual you wrote — give context. Explain the challenge, how you tackled it, and the impact your work had.
Collect Testimonials: Nothing builds trust like a good recommendation. Ask former clients or colleagues to share a few words about what it’s like working with you.
Action Step: Take a look at your portfolio. Is there anything that feels outdated? Freshen it up with recent work and consider adding a case study or two.
5. Keep Learning and Adapting
The world of technical writing doesn’t stand still, and neither should you. Staying on top of industry trends and continuously building your skills is key to keeping your brand relevant.
Keep Up with Trends: Follow industry blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and join professional organizations to stay in the loop.
Learn New Tools: Stay ahead by familiarizing yourself with the latest tools and technologies in technical writing — whether it’s new documentation software or content management systems.
Invest in Education: Take courses, attend workshops, or earn certifications to boost your skill set and show potential clients or employers that you’re serious about your craft. Platforms like Hubspot Academy and Semrush Academy offer free courses.
Action Step: Identify one area where you’d like to improve and find a course or certification to help you grow. Then, share your learning journey on your blog or social media to keep your audience engaged.
Conclusion
Building a personal brand as a technical writer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on what makes you unique, establishing a solid online presence, engaging with the community, showcasing your work, and continuously learning, you’ll be well on your way to creating a brand that stands out.
Remember, your brand is more than just a logo or a website — it’s a reflection of who you are and the value you bring. So make it authentic, make it strong, and let it guide you as you build your career.
If you’re ready to start building your personal brand, begin by defining what makes you unique and take steps to establish your online presence. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences — how are you building your brand as a technical writer? Drop a comment below, share this post with others who might find it useful, and don’t forget to follow me on Medium for more insights on technical writing and content strategy.
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