a frustrated person about how to create content about complex topics

How to Create Content About Complex Topics

Creating content about technical or specialized topics can be intimidating, especially when the subject matter is far from mainstream. But whether you’re explaining blockchain protocols, medical tech, or financial tools, there’s always a way to make it digestible and engaging. As someone who has worked both as a content manager and a freelance content creator, I’ve had to break down everything from DeFi concepts to branding theory. The good news? If you know how to approach it, no topic is too complicated to communicate effectively.

TL;DR:

  • Know who your audience is and what they already understand
  • Avoid jargon or explain it clearly when needed
  • Use structure: break up long texts with subheadings or chapters
  • Include examples, metaphors, or short stories
  • Talk to a subject-matter expert if you’re unsure
  • Support your message with visuals: diagrams, infographics, or videos
  • Context matters: explain the background of the topic
  • Always review and simplify before publishing
  • AI can be a helpful co-writer, not the main writer.

1. Know Your Audience First

Creating accessible content starts with understanding your audience. Are they beginners or seasoned pros? Do they use Reddit or LinkedIn? If you’re working on a product video, a blog post, or even a tweet thread, this should shape how deep you go and how you explain things. I’ve run surveys and read comment sections to understand audience knowledge before even writing a word.

2. Drop the Jargon (or Break It Down)

Specialized terms are great shortcuts for experts but huge barriers for general audiences. For example, if you’re creating content for a blockchain company and have no idea what “layer-two scaling” means, you should ask, read, and rephrase it in ways a curious outsider could grasp. If your audience is full of beginners, always err on the side of simplicity.

3. Break Up the Content Logically

No one wants to read a wall of text or sit through a 15-minute monologue with no structure. Divide long videos into chapters, blog posts into subheadings, and carousels into bite-sized slides. This isn’t just a formatting tip, it’s how people learn.

4. Use Examples and Real Stories

Let your audience visualize the concept. When explaining how Web3 wallets work, I used a metaphor about physical keys and locks. When talking about visual branding, I compared it to choosing an outfit for a first date. Relatable analogies help complicated ideas stick.

5. Interview an Expert

Even if you’re a great researcher, direct conversations with someone inside the field can unlock insights you won’t find in blog posts or whitepapers. You can quote them, summarize them, or build a whole piece around their answers.

6. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Many people understand visuals faster than text. Add diagrams to explain workflows, timelines to illustrate development, or animations to simplify technical processes. If you’re creating for multiple platforms, these visuals can be repurposed across Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Shorts.

7. Give Background and Context

If something is hard to grasp, it’s often because people don’t understand what led up to it. So tell the story behind the concept. What problem did it solve? Who came up with it? Why now? A little history adds a lot of clarity.

8. Edit for Simplicity

Don’t confuse complexity with value. Always review your content for fluff, repetition, or confusion. I usually do two passes: one for structure and clarity, and one for tone and SEO. Your audience shouldn’t need a degree to get your message.

9. Use AI Tools as a Support, Not a Replacement

AI tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly can be incredibly helpful during the content creation process. They’re great for generating initial ideas, organizing outlines, speeding up research, or tightening up your grammar. I often use them to brainstorm phrasing, test different angles, or simplify complex definitions.

But let’s be clear: AI can’t replace the full content development process, especially when you’re dealing with nuanced, technical, or brand-specific topics. It lacks human insight, emotional context, strategic alignment, and most importantly, your voice. AI won’t interview a subject matter expert. It won’t translate your brand tone into compelling storytelling. And it certainly won’t know your audience better than you do.

In short, treat AI like a helpful co-writer, not the main writer. When used thoughtfully, it can amplify what a good content creator is already capable of, not stand in for one.

If writing about difficult subjects ever feels overwhelming, check out our post on building confidence as a content creator. It can help you push past the nerves.

Last Words

Complicated topics deserve smart content, not dull ones. Whether you’re building a brand in a niche industry or trying to make new tech relatable, great content makes all the difference. I’ve worked with clients in Web3, finance, design, health, and beyond, and I can do the same for you.

If you need someone to translate your expertise into clear, engaging, platform-ready content, check out my writing services and let’s create something brilliant together.

Want to keep learning? Follow me on your favorite social media (handle everywhere: @MediabyHamed / search for Hamed Media) or subscribe to my newsletter for more practical tips and guides like this.

FAQ

How can I simplify a complex topic for my audience?

Use analogies, visuals, and break down ideas step by step. Avoid jargon.

Is it okay to talk about topics I’m still learning?

Yes, if you’re transparent about your process and explain things clearly.

What tools help with explaining complex ideas?

Diagrams, storytelling, FAQs, and chunked content structures work well.

Hamed Media