Ask HN: Is anyone familiar with Technical Content Marketing?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34795950

by dieselgate • 3 years ago

3 2 3 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Hello HN,

I have an undergrad degree in bio engineering and have been working as a javascript and ruby software engineer for about 5 years. Recently a startup reached out to me about a Technical Content Marketer (TCM) role - it seems a little interesting and somewhat of a hybrid between technical writing and interfacing with other devs.

I'm "curious" about the role and think it could be an interesting change of pace but it's not something I'd seek out myself normally. Ultimately, if/when I ever switch out of a "purely technical position" it would be with the goal of moving towards an Eng. Leadership/Director type role. It seems moving from a TCM position to Dev. Advocate position could make sense but am just spitballing here.

Has anyone worked with/as/for TCMs in the past? What is typically expected from the position? What future "makes sense" for someone working as a TCM?

Thanks for any thoughts, cheers.

Shinmon• 3 years ago

I am a founder and some of my work is content marketing related.

I think it's a great position in general, but I wouldn't want to do it all day.

Some more or less random thoughts:

- Content creation is hard, especially in the beginning. - The content is always marketing, so it has to align with the overall business strategy.

- Creating content on linkedin is a great way to get to talk to many people with different backgrounds.

- Is your name attached to the content or do you post in the name of the company? Very different in my opinion.

- How do you stay sharp technically? This is a real challenge. After 6 months you already out of touch with a lot of the day-to-day work as an engineer. So find a way to stay close to tech, try new things, learn about tech as well.

- Talk to the founders, product management or whatever they have about their vision and strategy for the company and the product. Do you align with that? if yes, content creation is much easier.

- Not sure how easy you can move out of content marketing. It seems like it's a great way to be stuck in a dead end. You need to leverage conversations with your customers and other people to influence company strategy to open up a way into management. Maybe someone else can give some more insights here.

There is probably a lot more to it. Feel free to ask more questions.

dieselgate• 3 years ago

Hey Shinmon thanks for the response, this is a good perspective.

The most relevant things you mentioned are the technical skills and “name” used - on first glance.

As an aside from day job stuff I am also the Owner/Operator of an LLC (non tech focused) so part of my interest in this role is learning more about the business/marketing side in general. Im less worried about a “dead end” type position because of my engineering background but it’s certainly a small risk to leave pure technical work. Especially if the pay is decent.

My biggest reservation is the “doing it all day every day” type thing, so glad to hear that from someone else.

Regardless, I have a chat scheduled later today to learn more so your thoughts are very much appreciated.