Why engineers don't trust marketing

March 28, 2023

Most engineers don't trust marketing. Why is that?

I asked the question on Twiter, and got a few interesting responses.

Most software marketing:

• gets the details wrong. Sophisticated users can spot marketers who haven't used their product they're pitching. Like AI-generated faces circa 2020, marketing copy often ends up in the uncanny valley.
• In the wrong tone. Engineers find most marketing communications vague and overenthuasiastic.
• Reduces trust. Engineers are happy to trade their attention, but expect useful information in return.

Here's one irony. Engineers' marketing experience turns them skeptical of the whole field. Yet their depth, clarity, and rigor can make them quite talented marketers.