Writing and web design go well together. Both creativity and attention to detail are required. Importantly, they also act as a gateway to connect with others.
It is a combination that has helped me through my journey. With 20+ years in design and another 10+ writing, I feel that each has provided me with a foundation for growth. As one discipline informs the other, I would have missed so much if I hadn’t participated in both.
Over the long term, the act of writing about web design can make you a better designer. But for many web professionals, there are roadblocks to begin with. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt are prime examples. A seemingly saturated blogger community may play a role.
If you’re on the fence about publishing, you might wonder if there’s anything original left to say. On the other hand, you may not feel that writing would benefit your career.
Today, I will return to what writing meant to me as a web designer. Along the way, I’ll share some tips to get the most out of the experience.
Writing Opens Your Mind and Changes Perspective
One of the common misconceptions about writing is that you have to be an expert in a particular field to do it. For example, you need to know JavaScript like the back of your hand to write about the language.
On the contrary, writing provides a great opportunity to learn about a subject. It encourages you to research and focus on the basics. Therefore, even a skill that is indestructible over time can make sense.
This opens up a whole world of possibilities. You can even start choosing topics precisely because of you don’t know a lot about them yet. Writing can inspire you to dive in and start learning.
It is also a catalyst for changing your approach to problem solving. Writing a tutorial, for example, forces you to use a step-by-step strategy. You won’t want to skip ahead, as readers might miss any important information.
This is a great way to get past the more scattered methodology that the web often throws at us. Instead of frantically copying and pasting snippets of code in the hope that one will work, you can create a plan and see it.
More Confidence with Clients
As writing increases your knowledge, it also helps build confidence. This can be a huge help when it comes to working with clients.
Because you have done your homework when composing an article, you will be able to explain concepts to clients more easily. And experience also means that you are an authority on the subjects you write about.
The result is speaking with the confidence that you know what you’re talking about. Often, we don’t speak up because we’re afraid we won’t be taken seriously. The more you write, the better you will become at expressing opinions and ideas.
Clients will think of you as an indispensable resource. They are more likely to seek your advice before making decisions. In addition, your confidence can help build a trusting relationship.
This will not only benefit your clients but you as well. The more knowledgeable you become, the more you will be able to charge for your services.
How To Get Over Your Fears
Taking the first steps towards writing about your web design journey can be difficult. There are many “what ifs” that can enter your mind. Maybe you’re worried that you won’t get an audience or that your writing skills aren’t that good.
Both of these fears are common and understandable. But they also don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. That is, as long as you have realistic expectations.
In itself, writing is positive for your web design career. It doesn’t matter who sees it or how sharp your grammar is, there is a benefit to participating.
You don’t need to cultivate millions of readers or fill your office with trophies to be successful. You need to start by exploring the idea of a particular topic to move in the right direction.
And you can improve with time. I am not the greatest writer in the world. But I know I have leveled my game over the years. Improvement comes from refining your craft and becoming more confident in what you say.
Where to Start
Even if this sounds interesting, where do you start? My advice is to start small and find something you are passionate about.
The content can vary greatly. It could be an overview of what modern CSS is capable of or a summary of your favorite WordPress plugins. Writing about a project that has impressed you is also a great option.
There are no hard and fast rules here. It’s about everything that’s important to you. It looks like there is someone else out there who could benefit from what you have to say.
As for the medium, you have many options. If you prefer a personal blog – go for it. Other writing-focused services exist and are easy to set up. As long as you have the tools you need to write the way you want, it’s all good.
Finally, don’t hesitate to write in your own voice. You don’t have to try to dress up your words – just go for it! Again, you’ll be able to find and refine your style as you move along.
Writing as a Method of Self-Improvement
Traditionally, improving your web design skills involves signing up for a course or following a tutorial. But if you’re looking for another way to grow, writing is also a viable path.
Depending on the type of content you produce, there is an opportunity to gain practical experience. Test driving a new tool, for example, allows you to learn while doing research. And by writing down your thoughts, you are helping others at the same time.
It also connects you to the web design community. You might get some valuable feedback or even some words of thanks along the way. If you’re lucky, you might get a paid gig or two out of the deal.
While writing may not be the right choice for everyone, I would highly recommend considering it. It could make you an even better web designer and help you grow personally as well.
