About
AboutLearn about @straygoat
About
Learn about @straygoat
I’ll help solve your content problems (or go doolally trying).
Hello, I’m Craig, and I’m a technical writer based in Derbyshire, UK. Don’t be fooled by the “technical writer” title, I’m a trained content designer and copywriter too, and can help you with all sorts of content problems.
Here, you can find out about my approach to content work, my background as a writer, and hopefully a little taste of what I’m all about.
Your content works better when it is user-focused
Whether it is a sales page on your website or an article in a help centre, the same principle applies – you need to put your customer first. The content needs to “speak” to them in their language and address things from their perspective.
To make sure your content hits the right spot, I follow the principles of content design (although when working solo, the crit is more of a review).
1. Discovery
All good content begins with research. I find out who your audience is, what they need, and what words they use.
2. User Story
What do your readers want to achieve and why? I use the answers to figure out what your content needs to cover.
3. Write
I craft content that is accessible. Short sentences, minimal jargon, and a clear structure are what’s needed.
4. Crit
Through reviews with SMEs and others, I make sure your content is accurate and meets the needs of our audience.
What’s my background?
Lots of people ask me this, I guess to check my credibility and to see if I’m a techie who writes or a content writer who dabbles in tech. For the record, I’m a content writer who is pretty comfortable with technology. So here’s the CV bit:
Experience
Years' Experience
Industries I’ve created content for:
- Industrial monitoring and control (SCADA)
- Data centre cooling
- Healthcare
- Data encryption
- Content management software
- Car scrappage and recycling
- STIM health devices
- Timecode synchronisation devices
- Financial software
Content Tools
I have used a wide variety of content creation tools.
- Paligo CCMS 70%
- MadCap Flare 85%
- Atlassian Confluence 35%
- Adobe InDesign 65%
- Adobe FrameMaker 70%
- MS Word 80%
- Zendesk 50%
Qualifications and Training
Technical Writing
BA Hons Technical Communication
Fellow of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC)
Certified MadCap Flare Advanced User v11
Content Design
Content Design training (Content Design London)
Copywriting
SEO Copywriting
(Success Works)
Copywriting
(Institute of Copywriters)
Thorough
Committed
Considerate
PS4 Gamer
Dog Lover
Helpful
Independent
Football Fan
Nordic Noir Fan
Introvert
Walker
TV Addict
FM Manager
Fair
Gym Goer
Open
