Technical manuals are printed as a simplified “how-to” guide to help users better understand a product or software. Product manuals are a type of technical document that is made to help users navigate a particular system. Also known as user guides, instruction manuals, or brochures, they provide a basic overview of the product, such as its features, set-up, specifications, regular maintenance, and usage directions, without going into too much detail.

Benefits of a product manual for businesses

• Facilitates easy onboarding of users
  When a new user buys a product, it is important to help them set it up and get started. This may require some guidance to simplify the process, and that’s where a product manual helps.
• Provides a safe operations guide
  Many gadgets may be hazardous to life and property when used in an unsafe manner. A product manual helps impart safety warnings for the user to ensure safe interaction and storage.
• Improves customer experience
  Without a technical manual, companies need to invest lots of money into customer support to help users navigate their product or software. Thus, product manuals often feature as accompanying literature with most gadgets and software today.
• Helps avoid liability of product misuse
  Product manuals generally include warnings and disclaimers, which can protect the company from any liabilities that may arise out of misuse. Since this document details how to safely use and store the product, the company is absolved of any blame that may arise when a customer does not follow the guidelines.
• Improves customer retention
  When companies help customers set up the product with comprehensive manuals, it is more likely to create an enjoyable experience for them. Users who enjoy certain products are more likely to keep coming back, and may also help promote the brand by word of mouth. This helps improve the brand’s customer retention and credibility.

How to create a good product manual
Creating an effective product manual may sound complicated, but the following steps may help one through the process, especially for those trying to create DIY product manuals.

• Define a target audience
  The most important step for creating a good product manual is laying a solid foundation and defining the right target audience. Speak to the customers and get to know how they use a product, and what problems are they facing. This will help determine the right market for a product and steer the content for the manual in the same manner. Leverage the experience of the customer support team when doing so to gain a better understanding of common problems that can be mitigated by simple instructions in a product manual.
• Design a template
  For companies offering a range of different products, it is advisable to create a predefined structure and stick to it. This ensures uniformity across the board and helps customers enjoy a consistent user experience as well. Those keen on designing a template themselves for the first time may be interested in looking at several different types of product manual templates and designs in the market. Various design tools also offer pre-made DIY product manual templates, which can help fast-track the process. When creating a template, remember to include all vital information, along with the structure of the document, such as table of contents and formatting options like headings and subheadings. This makes the navigation process easier.
• Highlight the product’s features
  As an expert on the product, one needs to properly explain its features and usage directions. This needs to be structured well throughout the manual to give the users clear, succinct information on the product’s intended use, operational guidance, and maintenance, as well as common malfunctions and methods of troubleshooting.
• Add detailed and visual instructions
  Ideally, all instructions must be presented in a step-by-step format with visual cues. This helps customers better understand each step and keep track of their progress.
• Have it peer-reviewed
  Before a manual is sent for printing and circulation, it must be carefully reviewed internally. This helps iron out any confusion or correct any errors that may have occurred. Conducting a peer-review process with technical as well as non-technical staff can help highlight potentially problematic areas. After a thorough internal review, have the manual checked by an expert for an additional layer of security.
• Collect user feedback
  Even after a product manual has been published, it isn’t considered “finished.” After publication, try to collect user feedback whenever possible. Ask them if the content met their expectations and what changes they would like to see in the future. This will help continuously improve the documentation and ensure that the manual lives up to contemporary standards. Feedback can be easily collected online.
• Update the manual regularly
  With constantly evolving products and features, the manuals must be updated as well. Keep regularly updating all literature to reflect the most recent changes.