La clé des com

BLOGS

Gender-neutral writing: a key to more inclusive and effective procedures
Exploring the art of technical popularization

June 2024

How to make a data sheet more attractive?

Technical data sheets are often perceived to be dull and uninspiring. However, if they are well written, they can be engaging and visually appealing, significantly increasing the likelihood that clients will read them. Compelling data sheets not only clarify product details but also enhance the overall client experience.

Why is an engaging data sheet essential? Typically clients will first read the main points: the product’s purpose, appearance, benefits, etc. Therefore, precise, concise information and a clean layout are crucial for drawing their attention. 

Here are 10 tips for writing and formatting an attractive data sheet:

Tips & Advice

1. TARGET AUDIENCE

Before compiling a data sheet, identify your target audience so that you can meet their needs.

  • Clients and prospects
  • Specialist and non-specialist clients
  • Sales team
  • Technical staff


2. MESSAGE

Given the limited space, define your message by asking yourself the following questions:

  • What is the purpose of your product?
  • What makes it unique from the client's perspective?
  • What are its benefits?
  • How does it work?

3. STYLE

Use a clear, concise style to capture attention.

  • Write in simple, straightforward language that is appropriate for the target audience.
  • Avoid jargon and long and complex sentences.
  • Use the second person ("you") to make the text more user-friendly and engaging.
  • Use bulleted lists.
  • Include order codes to facilitate purchasing.
  • Avoid calls to action; company contact details are sufficient.

4. STRUCTURE

Consider the reading flow. Here is an example of structure:

  • FIRST PAGE
  • Product photo on left
  • Concise description text on right (usefulness, uniqueness, advantages and operation)
  • Application details
  • Technical data (dimensions, weight, consumption, etc.)

  • SECOND PAGE
  • Sectional drawing, detailed photo, or graph
  • Comparative summary if multiple versions exist
  • Ordering instructions

5. MEDIA

Adapt the data sheet for different formats:

  • For PDFs, use clickable links
  • For printed sheets, indicate links elegantly throughout (e.g., www.lacledescom instead of https://www.lacledescom).

6. PAGE LAYOUT

Pay attention to the layout to make navigation easier and reinforce the brand image.

  • Use colours that are consistent with your corporate identity.
  • Use icons to highlight important points.
  • Use legible fonts and appropriate font sizes.
  • Ensure the document is well-spaced.

7. GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS

Explain concepts visually.

  • Include illustrations, graphs, tables and diagrams to highlight product features and benefits.
  • Use high-resolution photos and annotated images for clarity.

8. STANDARDIZATION

Maintain consistency across all data sheets. Here's an example of standardization:

  • Main title (product name)
  • Subtitles summarizing key points
  • Text with bulleted lists
  • Sidebar with benefits or advantages in bold
  • Professional product picture
  • Dimensions in millimetres and inches, and weight in kilograms and pounds for Quebec. Although the metric system is official in Canada, English units of measurement are often used, depending on the trade and generation.
  • Company logo on all pages
  • Company website and copyright information on all pages
  • Date compiled and/or revised

9. REVIEW AND COMMENTS

Ask your colleagues for their opinion.

  • Get colleagues or target audience members to review the data sheet for clarity and relevance.
  • Incorporate their feedback to continuously improve your data sheets.
  • Make sure that your data sheets are up to date.

10. TOOLS

Here are a few handy tools for creating professional, user-friendly data sheets (this list is not exhaustive!):

By applying these tips, your data sheets will not only serve their primary function as technical documents but also become powerful tools for engaging clients and driving sales.

If you require assistance or do not have the time to create a data sheet template, contact me at  info@lacledescom.com.
 I’d be happy to of assistance.

La clé des com

CONTACT
Interested in working with me?

If you have any questions or would like to receive my portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact me.

info@lacledescom.com

Security, privacy and cookies