Rachel E. Baddorf

Versatile, creative problem solver with experience in content marketing, strategy, copywriting, technical writing, localization, video production, and sales.

 

Technical Writing and Localization 

 

Communicating with the American market is a complex business. It’s made even more complicated when the subject is technical or scientific and is being translated from another language.  

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Technical Writing

Using my studies and experience with tech firms, I can make technical subjects accessible to the average person. I’ve written technical copy for SolarEdge Technologies, Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, FedEx, Branson Ultrasonics, and Meteocontrol North America. Working with engineering and sales teams, I’ve written:

  • White Papers

  • Application Notes

  • Technical Thought Leadership Blogs

  • Infographics

I also studied in the Mid-State Tech College's Renewable Energy Specialist program. This included hours of studying circuits, solar and wind technology, construction, and renewable energy site assessment. While working at Tick Tock Energy, I created curriculum for a college-level solar and wind seminar. My subject knowledge is the foundation of my technical writing.

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Localization

To be clear, localization is not the same thing as translation.  

Translation companies have a mandate to take the original text and put it into English. They tend, however, to do this by translating word for word. Any compelling marketing elements in the language is lost, and many times, the meaning can fall between the cracks. (This is even more common now that companies use A.I. for translation.)

Localization is taking word-for-word translations and rewriting them into compelling marketing/communications copy for the American market. It involves becoming so comfortable with the language and culture of the document's origin, that I can extrapolate the correct word when a translation has come back with something that is technically English, but functionally makes no sense. 

Languages and Sources:

  • Hebrew — Through my work with SolarEdge’s HQ

  • German — Through copywriting for Meteocontrol North America, whose parent company is German

  • Chinese and Thai — Through teaching English to Chinese and Thai pilot students at Olive Branch Airport in Olive Branch, MS

  • Japanese — Through my minor in Japanese Studies

  • Korean — Through teaching Business English classes, and children's classes in South Korea

  • U.K. English — Through marketing and account management for Games Workshop (a British company)