How to Get Started as a Web3 Technical Writer
Web3 is taking over the internet, and if you’re interested in blockchain, cryptocurrencies, decentralized apps (dApps), and everything in between, becoming a Web3 technical writer might just be your next big move. Web3 is built on decentralized technology, so clear, concise writing is needed to explain these concepts. Whether you’re writing guides for users, documentation for developers, or blog posts about the latest blockchain trends, the world of Web3 is waiting for talented technical writers to step in and make it all make sense.
But what exactly does a Web3 technical writer do, and how can you get started? Let’s break it down, starting with the basics.
What Does a Web3 Technical Writer Do?
A Web3 technical writer is all about translating complex technical jargon into simple, understandable language for a wide audience. Whether it’s explaining how to use a cryptocurrency wallet, breaking down a new blockchain protocol, or writing documentation for decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, a Web3 technical writer’s job is to make these technologies approachable.
For instance, imagine you’re writing a tutorial on how to interact with an Ethereum smart contract on MetaMask – you’ll need to know the ins and outs of Ethereum, MetaMask, and smart contracts to create easy-to-follow steps for users.
But it’s not just about writing tutorials. Web3 technical writers also create:
- API documentation (think: guides on how developers can interact with blockchain APIs like Infura or Alchemy).
- Whitepapers (like the one Vitalik Buterin wrote for Ethereum, explaining the vision for the Ethereum network).
- Product documentation (guides for users to understand how to use decentralized applications built on blockchains like Polygon or Solana).
Why Is Web3 Technical Writing So Important?
With Web3, people are getting into decentralized technologies, but it’s not always easy to understand them. That’s where Web3 technical writers come in. They bridge the gap between the technical side of things and the end-users who want to benefit from these technologies but don’t necessarily understand how they work under the hood.
Think of Uniswap – one of the most popular decentralized exchanges (DEX). Understanding how to swap tokens, connect wallets, and avoid pitfalls can overwhelm a new user. A Web3 technical writer helps by breaking down all these steps in clear, simple language. Without their expertise, people would struggle to get involved in the space, limiting adoption.
Skills You Need to Become a Web3 Technical Writer
Being a Web3 technical writer requires a unique mix of technical and writing skills. You don’t need to be a blockchain developer, but you do need to understand Web3 concepts deeply. Here’s a list of skills you’ll want to hone:
1. Understanding Blockchain and Web3 Concepts
It’s essential to have a solid understanding of blockchain technology, as it forms the foundation of Web3. Some concepts to familiarize yourself with include:
- Ethereum: Learn about Ethereum’s smart contracts, their work, and the ecosystem surrounding them.
- Solana: Solana is a rapidly growing blockchain known for its high-speed transactions. Understanding it can give you an edge.
- DeFi: Decentralized Finance, like Aave, Compound, or MakerDAO, is revolutionizing the financial industry, and understanding it is a must.
- NFTs: These non-fungible tokens are a huge part of Web3 culture, whether for digital art or gaming. Familiarize yourself with platforms like OpenSea and Rarible.
- Smart Contracts: Understanding how they work is critical since they’re the backbone of a bunch of Web3 projects, especially those in DeFi and NFTs.
The more you know about these technologies, the better equipped you’ll be to write about them clearly and accurately.
2. Strong Writing Skills
This one’s pretty obvious. As a technical writer, your primary responsibility is to simplify complicated stuff. Whether you’re writing documentation for a developer working on Polkadot or a user guide for MetaMask, communicating clearly and concisely is key. You need to ensure your audience – whether a developer or someone new to Web3 – can follow along without getting lost.
Here are some tips to strengthen your technical writing:
- Write for your audience: A beginner’s guide to NFTs on OpenSea should differ from technical documentation for a smart contract on Solidity.
- Break it down: Use visuals, bullet points, and simple language to help your readers understand the material.
- Be clear and concise: Avoid long, drawn-out explanations. Get straight to the point and focus on the reader’s needs.
3. Familiarity with Tools and Platforms
Web3 technical writing isn’t just about writing. You’ll need to be comfortable with various tools and platforms commonly used in the Web3 space. Here’s a list of tools to get familiar with:
- Markdown: A lightweight markup language widely used for writing documentation in GitHub repositories.
- GitHub: A platform for version control and collaboration. Numerous Web3 projects host their code and documentation on GitHub, so being comfortable with this tool is essential.
- Notion or Confluence: Tools used by teams to organize and manage documentation. Many companies, including Web3 startups, use these to store and share documentation.
- Jupyter Notebooks: Sometimes used for interactive code examples, especially in educational content for blockchain projects like Chainlink or The Graph.
4. Research Skills
Blockchain and Web3 are constantly evolving, and to be a successful Web3 technical writer, you need to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies. Whether it’s a new Ethereum upgrade like Ethereum 2.0, a new DeFi protocol like SushiSwap, or updates from Polkadot or Cosmos, knowing how to find and understand the latest information is crucial.
You’ll need to:
Steps to Start Your Career as a Web3 Technical Writer
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to get started:
1. Learn the Basics of Web3 and Blockchain
Begin by educating yourself on the core concepts of Web3 and blockchain. This can be done through free online courses, like Coursera, Udemy, or edX. Some popular blockchain-related courses include:
- “Blockchain Basics” by the University at Buffalo (Coursera)
- “Ethereum and Solidity: The Complete Developer’s Guide” by Stephen Grider (Udemy)
Dive into the technical docs from Ethereum or Polkadot and start playing around with testnets or developer tools like Remix IDE for Solidity.
2. Start Writing and Build a Portfolio
Once you know, start writing! Create your blog or publish articles on platforms like Medium, Dev.to, or even LinkedIn. Write about interesting topics – explaining how Uniswap works or sharing your thoughts on the Metaverse.
A solid portfolio will help when applying for writing jobs or freelance gigs. Companies like Chainlink, Aave, and SushiSwap often need technical writers to help document their products.
3. Contribute to Open Source Projects
One way to gain experience and get noticed is by contributing to open-source Web3 projects. Numerous blockchain projects are open-source and need help with documentation. Platforms like GitHub host repositories for Web3 projects, and by contributing, you boost your skills and build connections with other developers and writers in the Web3 space.
4. Apply for Freelance or Full-Time Jobs
As your portfolio grows, start applying for freelance gigs or full-time positions. Freelance websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr have Web3 writing jobs available, and startups often post job listings on platforms like AngelList. Look for companies that need technical writing support for their Web3-related projects.
5. Stay Updated
The Web3 world moves fast. New projects, updates, and trends are always on the horizon. Keep learning and updating your knowledge to stay competitive in this rapidly changing field.
Conclusion
The Web3 space is buzzing with opportunity, and technical writers are in high demand. You can break into this exciting field by learning the basics of blockchain technology, sharpening your writing skills, and staying up to date with new trends. Whether you’re writing tutorials for MetaMask users, creating documentation for Polygon, or explaining the latest trends in DeFi, Web3 needs your skills! Start writing, build your portfolio, and jump into the world of Web3 technical writing.
