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How to Get Started in UX Writing

Veronica Camara

Everything you need to break into UX writing, create a portfolio, and get to work

UX writing is booming these days. Companies like Google, Dropbox, Nordstrom and other giants always seem to be hiring more UX writers, and even startups are following suit. Although the scope of the job often varies by company, one thing is clear: UX writing is not going anywhere.

As it’s a fairly new field, I’m often asked by budding UX writers about how they can break into the field. The shortest answer to that question is to learn about user-centered design; the long answer to that question is what follows in this article. 

If you need a refresher first, you can read our article on What is UX writing?

The difference between copywriting and UX writing

First, it’s help to understand the big differences between UX writing and traditional copywriting. 

UX writers focus on usability

The copywriter’s goal is primarily to sell, or “convert.” They aim to be engaging, so that they can capture someone’s attention and move them through the buyers journey. 

UX writers, on the other hand, care about making an interface more usable. They aim to guide a user through a product experience with words that are easy to understand, accessible, and helpful to the end user. 

UX writing is often invisible

One of my favorite articles on UX writing is this one: Invisible copy, remarkable experiences, by Elton Gutoch.

That article does a great job of explaining how the best UX writing is often the kind that goes unnoticed, because it is so well crafted that users intuitively understand it without realizing it’s there.

Marketing copy, on the other hand, seeks to stand out. It wants to catch your eye, make you curious, and get you to feel something so that you’re compelled to buy. Even though copywriting and UX writing both deal in words, they’re still distinctly different.

How to learn UX writing

Become a microcopy connoisseur 

You probably encounter words written by UX writers all the time without even realizing it (again, because it’s kind of invisible). One easy way to start learning about UX writing is to simply notice that it’s there. 

The next time you’re using an app, digital product, or other random type of interface (even the check-in kiosk at the airport), notice the microcopy — the words and small phrases that guide you through the product.

Ask yourself questions like:

  • Are these words helpful? Did they help me do something in this interface easily? Why is that?

  • Were these words easy to understand without thinking? Why or why not?

  • Could I replace these words with different ones? How would that change my experience?

  • How do these words work with the visual design? What do I notice?

As you start this practice, you’ll realize that microcopy is everywhere. When you order dinner on Postmates, get updates about your Uber trip, or sign-in to Slack, you’ve consumed the work of a UX writer. 

Read about user-centered design

If you’re transitioning from a marketing or copywriting role, learning the words part of UX writing will come fairly easily. What’s more important to focus on is understanding user-centered design. 

Knowledge in this area is the key difference between a UX writer and a copywriter. The UX writer must have an understanding of user-centered design, usability, and accessibility. In fact, many UX writers think of themselves as experience designers. 

UX writers will also work a lot more closely with UX and UI designers, and developers and engineers, so it’s important that you’re all able to understand each other. Learn their language, and your work together will be far easier.

Online UX resources:

You can also choose from a variety of bootcamps, courses, and programs for UX Design if you prefer more accountability. The downside of these courses for UX writers is that they don’t usually offer any specific UX writing training, and they can be a hefty investment.

Read about UX writing

In addition to UX-focused resources, there are a growing number of UX writing-specific resources and books available now.

UX writing resources:

The UX Writing Library is a new and incredible resource for all things UX writing. Created by author and UX writer Kinneret Yifrah, it has just about everything you need. I’m so thrilled she has put this together for all of us.

Hone your skills with spec-work

You don’t need permission to become a UX writer. You can write microcopy for anything you want, any time. (You won’t get paid for it, but that’s not the point).

There is no better way to learn UX writing than by writing for user experiences.

Get practice by re-writing copy in any experiences that you feel could be improved. Then, ask other people for feedback. 

Notice a clunky CTA in your favorite app, or spot an awkward push notification? Rewrite them! This is a great way to hone your skills with the resources you already have available. 

Take a UX writing course online

If you prefer structured learning, there are a few online courses available today for UX writing. 

  • UX Writing Hub offers a free introductory course, and an in-depth paid group program.

  • UX Writers Collective has courses on UX Writing Fundamentals, Content Research & Testing, and CX Writing.

How to get hired as a UX writer

Once you‘ve spent some time learning about UX writing and practicing on your own, you might want to get paid for it. Fortunately, there are opportunities out there for skilled UX writers at all levels if you know where to look and how to apply.

Create a UX writing portfolio

Whether you’re looking for a freelance gig or full-time position, you’re going to need a portfolio. This offers potential employers tangible proof that you can do the work—or that you at least understand the basics and are ready for mentorship. 

Creating your portfolio is an opportunity to practice user-centered design. Think about the users of your portfolio. Most likely, they are hiring managers or business owners who are busy and overwhelmed with choices. 

With that in mind, you’ll want to keep your portfolio scannable and easy to understand. Your portfolio should help your user accomplish their goal, which is to quickly assess your skills and experience.

What to include in a UX writing portfolio:

  • Brief summary of your hard and soft skills

  • Brief summary of your UX writing process

  • 2–3 case studies of your work

A summary of your skills should tell the reader what you can do for them. Try to highlight anything that might differentiate you from other UX writers. Do you have a background in marketing? Great, say that you’re a UX writer who also understands conversion optimization. Are you a former engineer? That’s an asset, too. Figure out what you bring to the table that’s unique to you and relevant to the reader. 

Explaining your process matters because it proves that you are adaptable and can solve problems. Hiring managers want to know that if they give you a project or challenge, you know what steps to take to figure out that challenge. This might sound something like: discovery, research, strategy, writing, testing. 

Finally, UX writing case studies are the key to a standout portfolio. A case study is like a short story of a previous project you’ve done. Briefly explain what the project was, how you tackled it, and what the outcome was — showing your work along the way. 

The biggest mistake I see in UX writing portfolios is when a writer has thrown up screenshots of their work… with no context. How do I know whether or not your work was successful if I don’t know what the purpose of the project was? Case studies provide that context.

Need more help? Check out these resources:

Practice pitching the value of UX writing

As you look for jobs or projects as a UX writer, it’s also worth practicing an “elevator pitch” about what UX writing is and why it matters. 

During the interview process for a full-time role, you might talk to multiple people within an organization who have varying levels of understanding about what UX writing is and why it matters. Being able to pitch your work can make you a standout candidate.

As a freelance UX writer, you’ll have to pitch the value of your work even more. Even clients who are looking for a UX writer may not fully understand what you can do, what type of support or resources you’ll need, or how much to include you in the design process (hint: a lot). 

Join local and online UX writing communities

The UX writing community may be new, but it’s growing fast and incredibly supportive. If you ever have questions about your work, want to keep an eye out for job postings, or just want to commiserate, community is the answer.

Online communities for UX writers:

That’s all! Thanks for reading.

Have a question about UX writing? Leave a comment, or reach out to us.