The Paper Trail offers a full line of documentation services.

Who cares about documentation?

Typically, the end-users of a product (your customers). Studies show that most users don't look for information until they're already in trouble, at which point they do one of the following:

• Ask a co-worker.
• Call tech support or field service.
• Attend a training class.
• Read the documentation.

How do you work this thing, anyway?!

When they finally do open up that manual or click the Help button, is your documentation:

• Accurate?
• Clear and concise?
• Well-organized?
• Existent?

Do I need to hire a contract technical writer?

You might. And you might not. There are many factors to consider before deciding. In short, you'll probably want to use a contractor if:

• You occasionally need documentation or have an erratic delivery schedule.
• You are reluctant to take on permanent employees given the current economic climate.
• You have a small company competing with larger companies.
• You have a large company with some short-term needs.
• You have company of any size concentrating on your core competencies.

Do I need to hire a permanent technical writer?

Again, there are many factors to consider before deciding. In short, you'll probably want to hire a permanent employee if:

• You want to invest in longer term in-house domain expertise.
• You are in a growth phase with respect to hiring developers.
• You strengthening or building on your core competencies.

Contact us to learn how we can help.