About

Learn 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 too, and can help you with all sorts of content problems.

Here, you can find out about my approach to content work and get a little taste of what I’m all about.

 

About straygoat writing services

I write content. I don’t do ironing, as you can see.

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 your 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:

Years' Experience

Industries I’ve created content for:

  • Industrial monitoring and control software (SCADA)
  • Data centre cooling software and hardware
  • Healthcare working processes
  • Data encryption software
  • 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% 70%
  • MadCap Flare 85% 85%
  • Atlassian Confluence 35% 35%
  • Adobe InDesign 65% 65%
  • Adobe FrameMaker 70% 70%
  • MS Word 80% 80%
  • Zendesk 50% 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)

What geographical areas do I cover?

For the vast majority of my projects, I work remotely and use web tools to collaborate with other people. I function better without a commute, that’s for sure. But if you need me to be on site part of the time, then I can work in these areas:

Chesterfield

Derbyshire

Sheffield

Nottingham

Leeds

I’m here to help. Tell me what you need

Tell me about your documentation problems and I’ll try to solve them for you. I’m happy to start new projects or to help on projects that are already up and running. 

Tell Me About Your Project

5 + 1 =

Let's get your content project started. Get in touch and let me know what you need.

craigwright@straygoat.co.uk

+44 07954141761

Contact Craig
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