What is UX Writing and what does a UX Writer do? [Introductory Guide]

What is UX Writing?

UX Writing is the practice of writing texts for digital interfaces to improve the user experience. Unlike other types of writing, such as copywriting, UX Writing aims to make the user navigate clearly, intuitively and frictionlessly within an application, website or any digital product.Think of it this way: someone wrote every button, error message, notification, or menu you see in an app or on a website with a purpose. And that someone is the UX Writer.

Think of it this way: every button, error message, notification or menu you see in an app or on a website, someone wrote it with a purpose. And that someone is the UX Writer.

What does a UX Writer do?

A UX Writer is in charge of writing/designing the words inside a digital interface to make the user experience smooth. Their job goes far beyond simply “writing pretty text”; their mission is to make every interaction clear and efficient.

Main responsibilities of a UX Writer:

• Create effective microcopy: Short texts such as for buttons, menus and notifications.
• Design conversational flows: In chatbots or virtual assistants.
• Write error messages and empty states: To avoid frustrations and guide the user.
• Create instructions and guides for users visiting or using a system for the first time.
• Collaborate with UX/UI designers and developers: UX writing is not an isolated job.
• Use data and metrics to influence decisions and measure your progress.
• Create templates, patterns and content structures.
• Participate in or lead content strategies, e.g., auditing content.
• Contribute to creating a brand tone and voice so that communication is consistent throughout the user experience.

How did UX Writing come about?

The term UX Writing started to gain popularity when companies like Google, Facebook and Apple noticed that the way texts are presented on their platforms directly influenced the user experience. Previously, texts were written by designers or developers without much strategic focus.

It was in 2017 when Google created the term UX Writer and started hiring specialists in the field. Since then, the demand has grown and it has become a fundamental discipline within digital product design.

Is UX Writing different from Copywriting?

Yes, although both are related to writing, there are key differences:

A good example is the difference between a buy button and a sales page. The UX Writer writes the text of the button (“Buy Now”), while the Copywriter writes the ad that took the user there.

Is it necessary to know how to code to be a UX Writer?

It is not mandatory to have advanced coding skills, but it is helpful. A UX-focused writer needs to understand how web development and design systems work (knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript) to better collaborate with web designers and developers, mobile app developers and other specialists who will help you have an excellent final product, be it an ecommerce, a website, a system or whatever.

How sought after is the UX Writer profile?

More and more companies are hiring UX Writers. According to UX Writing Hub, the demand for these profiles has grown exponentially in recent years, especially in technology, fintech, ecommerce and SaaS.

On platforms such as LinkedIn or Glassdoor, salaries for a UX Writer can vary depending on country and experience, but in large companies they can exceed $60,000 USD per year.

Is it difficult to become a UX Writer?

Not necessarily, but it does take practice and user experience knowledge. Some key skills to get started in UX Writing are:

• Clear and concise writing.
• Empathy and user-centered thinking.
• Knowledge of UX/UI design.
• Ability to work with product and technology teams.

➡️ If you want to get started, you can check out courses like those on Coursera or resources on NNGroup.

Examples of good UX Writing

Some examples of UX Writing done well include:

• Airbnb: Clear and friendly instructions in their booking process.
• Duolingo: Short, fun motivational messages.
• Google Drive: Simple microcopys to guide collaboration.

You can see more examples at Halo Lab.

Benefits of UX Writing for Businesses

UX Writing can improve the user experience and have a direct impact on business. Some key benefits are:

• Reduces friction in the use of digital products.
• Increases user conversion and retention.
• Improves brand perception.
• Decreases the need for technical support.

UX Writing is much more than writing text within an app or website. It is a key discipline to improve the user experience and make digital interactions more intuitive.

If you are interested in this field, learning about UX design and working on your writing will help you take the first step. 

‍You may be interested in: How to optimize a website for conversions.