Technical writing is often one of the most overlooked aspects of product development, but it's a critical component of any successful launch. When you're ready to outsource your technical writing services, there are a few things you need to do first. This blog post will discuss ten things you should do before handing your project to the experts. By following these tips, you'll ensure that your project is in good hands and that you get the most out of your investment!

Make sure you're fully prepared before outsourcing your technical writing services.

If you're thinking about outsourcing your technical writing services, there are a few things you need to bear in mind. First of all, you need to make sure you're fully prepared. It's no good just diving in headfirst without knowing what you're doing - that's how people end up messing up things. For example, imagine if you were trying to build a house without prior experience or knowledge. You wouldn't just start hammering nails into wood willy-nilly, would you? No, you'd take the time to read up on some DIY manuals, talk to some experts, and ensure you had all the right tools for the job.

The same goes for outsourcing your technical writing. Again, you need to research, choose the right partner and ensure they have the skills and experience to get the job done correctly. If you don't, you could end up with a shoddy service that doesn't meet your needs or expectations. So take your time, do your homework and ensure you're fully prepared before taking the plunge.

Do a trial run with a small project to ensure the process works for you.

Technical writing is a bit like going to the dentist. You know it needs to be done, but it's never much fun. And so you put it off, even though you know that it will get more expensive the longer you leave it. But eventually, you bite the bullet and make an appointment. And then, when you sit down in the chair and get started, you realise it's not so bad after all.

The same is true of outsourcing technical writing. It can be a daunting prospect, but if you take the time to find a good provider and set up a trial project, you'll quickly see that it's not nearly as complicated or painful as you thought. So go ahead and make that appointment - your business will thank you for it later.

Choose the right company to work with - one with a good reputation and knowledge of your industry.

When you outsource your technical writing, you need to be sure that you're working with a company that knows what they're doing. Otherwise, it's like entrusting your new car to a blindfolded three-year-old. Sure, they might be able to do the job - but do you want to take that chance?

Do your research and work with a company that has a good reputation and is knowledgeable in your industry. They'll be able to get the job done right and save you a lot of headaches (and potential damage) in the process.

Establish clear communication channels and expectations from the start

You need to establish clear communication channels with your chosen company. Without this, you'll be left in the dark about what's happening, which is never a good thing. Secondly, you need to make sure that they have a clear understanding of your expectations. You're likely to be disappointed with the results if they don't. And finally, you need to be prepared for a bit of give and take.

Just like any relationship, there will be times when you have to compromise. But if you stick to these three things, then you should be able to find a technical writing partner that's a perfect fit for your needs.

Be available to answer questions and provide feedback throughout the project.

Imagine you've decided to bake a cake. You've never baked a cake before, so you outsourced the job to a professional chef. However, instead of simply handing over the ingredients and leaving them to it, you decided to stay in the kitchen and offer your opinion on every single step of the process. You stand over their shoulder as they measure the flour, offering a running commentary on how much they should use. You question their decision to use butter rather than margarine and suggest adding an extra egg for extra richness. In short, you make a complete nuisance of yourself.

The same is true when it comes to outsourcing technical writing. Trust the experts, keep out of their way and let them get on with the job, but be available to answer questions and provide feedback when needed. If you try to micromanage the process, you'll only end up slowing things down and frustrating everyone. Otherwise, you'll end up with a half-baked mess.

Ensure the company you're working with has a solid understanding of your product.

When it comes to technical writing, you need a company that knows its stuff. Ideally, they should have a team of highly-skilled writers who are familiar with your product, its features, and how it works. They should also have a good understanding of your target audience to produce clear and concise documentation that meets their needs. If a company doesn't have this level of knowledge, then they're likely to produce sub-standard documentation that will do more harm than good. So when outsourcing technical writing, ensure that the company you're working with is up to the task. Otherwise, you'll end up with a bunch of manuals that nobody can understand. And we all know how frustrating that can be.

Clarify what you need and want from the project - be as specific as possible

You need to be clear about what you want from the project. It's like ordering a curry. You might think you want something hot and spicy, but when it arrives, you realise that you can't handle the heat, and you end up with a mouth full of tears and regret. So before you send the project off to India, please take a moment to consider what you want from it. Do you want something cheap and cheerful, or are you looking for something with a bit more oomph?

Once you've decided, you can start looking for the right team to make your vision a reality. But whatever you do, don't just go for the cheapest option.

Give the company a timeline for when you need the project completed.

There's one crucial thing you need to remember: set a deadline. Otherwise, you'll find yourself twiddling your thumbs while the company you've hired dithers and procrastinates. It's like when you take your car to the garage for a service: if you don't specify when you need it back, they'll just keep it until they get around to it. So make sure you're clear about when you need the project completed, or you'll be very frustrated.

Set a budget for the project

When setting a budget for your project, one important thing to keep in mind: don't be a Tightwad McScrooge. Just because you're trying to save money doesn't mean you should skimp on quality. After all, when it comes to technical writing, you get what you pay for.

If you're considering outsourcing your technical writing to a cheaper provider, think of it like this: would you rather have a team of professional writers who know how to communicate complex information clearly and concisely? Or would you rather have a bunch of amateurs who will end up making things more confusing than they need to be? The answer is obvious.

So yes, set a budget for your project - but make sure it's realistic. Otherwise, you'll end up with a subpar product that doesn't do what it's supposed to. And that's the last thing you want.

Get everything in writing!

It's all too easy for things to get lost in translation (literally) when you're dealing with different time zones and cultures. By getting everything in writing, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page. In addition, whereas verbal agreements are easily forgotten or misinterpreted, a written contract is a concrete record of your agreement. So save yourself some headaches down the line and get everything in writing!

Wrap up

So that's it! If you follow these simple tips, you'll be well on successfully outsourcing your technical writing needs. Just remember to do your research, set clear expectations, and get everything in writing. And then sit back and relax while the professionals take care of everything for you.