How UX Writing Works: Understanding the Role of a UX Writer

User experience writing (UX writing) is any writing that appears in the user interface—or UI design—of a digital product. UX writers help users engage with a digital product through on-brand, concise, and direct copy that communicates clear directives.

User experience writers, sometimes called content designers or content strategists, work with UX designers and product managers to help craft the most user-friendly product. You typically encounter UX writing when interacting with a car screen’s interface, for example, or smart televisions, chatbots, smartphone applications, or any online software.

Both UX writers and copywriters craft on-brand copy speaking to a particular target audience, but there are a few notable differences between the two fields.

• Conversation vs. storytelling: Good UX writing clearly engages the user in a digestible conversation with a product or brand through the user interface. Copywriters tell stories to create a brand affinity between the consumer and the product and meet business goals.
• Collaborators: Copywriters are more likely to work with marketers and sales staff to shape the brand voice and communicate how a product can impact a consumer’s life. UX writers are more likely to collaborate with design and product teams to ensure the UX writing integrates smoothly with the design and use of the product.
• Product-oriented vs. sales-oriented: Even if certain UX writing facilitates sales, the point of the field is to make it easy for a consumer base to interact with the product. Copywriters craft external marketing copy to communicate the brand’s message, which might be used to entice customers to purchase a product.

A UX writer is responsible for writing all of the copy and microcopy for the user interface (UI) of a digital product that helps users navigate their interaction. Here are the kinds of UX copy that these writers are responsible for.

• Microcopy: Microcopy refers to the small (usually one-word copy) that you see on user interface buttons or drop-down menus.
• Error messages: UX writers are responsible for writing any copy that alerts users of a dead link or internal error.
• Notifications: UX writers are responsible for writing brief, informal notification copy alerting users to things like new messages, new connections, or any changes to their account.
• Guides: UX writers write externally-facing step-tutorials for using technology or copy for new employee onboarding guides.
  
• Chatbot conversations: UX writers are responsible for writing any automated dialogue for customer service chatbots. They also write the copy for digital assistants.

Here are some tips if you’re looking to land a UX writer job:

1. 1. Take a class. UX writers should be knowledgeable in software and user experience design because they are highly integrated into crafting the product experience. If this is new to you, consider taking a UX writing course or a UX design course to learn the basic principles of the field.
2. 2. Know the role. Some people may apply for UX writing jobs the same way they'd approach applying for a copywriting job. Copywriting is about marketing a product while UX writing dictates the experience. Make sure you know the difference and show your understanding of the specific field of UX writing in your job application or cover letter.
3. 3. Assemble a portfolio. When compiling your portfolio, highlight samples of your writing that are user-focused, whether it’s classic UX writing or something else. Collect a variety of samples that show different kinds of user-focused copy. These could include set-up directions, notifications, or chatbot messages.
4. 4. Practice being concise. A UX writer needs to be able to communicate user-friendly information in as concise a manner as possible. Practice by writing button labels with single words.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Sara Blakely, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.