What Is a UX Writer?

Content is central to digital products and experiences, and UX writers play an essential role in creating that content. They work closely with developers and designers, usually as part of a digital, marketing, UX, or product team, in order to plan and write content that helps users find their way around and accomplish their intended tasks. 

This article walks you through what a UX writer does on a day-to-day basis and how to get into this field.

What Does a UX Writer Do?

A UX writer’s goal is to craft content that helps users achieve their goals. They collaborate with designers and developers, as well as researchers and marketers, to create and optimize excellent digital experiences. It is a role that is inherently both creative and strategic. 

UX writers write copy for a variety of tasks, ranging from navigation labels to error messages, instructional and help copy to buttons with a call to action. They maintain and follow a consistent voice and tone across channels and platforms. They often come in at the early stages of content development, working with personas, user journeys, and wireframes.

What Are the Skills Necessary To Be a UX Writer?

A UX writer should be a true problem-solver at heart, always actively learning and keeping an open mind. You should possess a solid understanding of content strategy and product strategy, as well as experience executing on a vision. It helps to know the typical process of digital product development and have experience in making recommendations and decisions based on customer data. 

UX writers must also be strong advocates for users, representing their needs and serving as their voice internally. You’ll need to be a strong team player, as this role is collaborative in nature. UX writers need to be confident in making recommendations and influencing without authority.

How To Become a UX Writer

Typically, becoming a UX writer requires a four-year degree in a relevant field such as  communications, design, journalism, marketing, or English.  To show employers that you’ll be able to hit the ground running, consider completing a relevant course, such as our Content Design + UX Writing certification.

You may want to create a portfolio showcasing your previous work on user experiences for websites, apps, or other digital products. Employers will be looking for examples of your thinking and work, as well as experience with tools like InVision, Figma, and Sketch. A track record of collaborating with designer and developer teammates, interpreting customer data to inform choices, and understanding of user journeys and user personas will also be highly valued.

What Are the Career Paths for UX Writers?

You may progress into more senior UX writing positions and ultimately into a leadership role, managing other UX writers, or alternative content roles like content strategist. Another opportunity could be expanding beyond the scope of content and into overall product management. Or if the idea of working even more closely with customers is appealing, you might shift into a UX research role, conducting qualitative and quantitative user research and analysis. 

Bottom Line

If the idea of using content strategy principles and customer insights to create effective content that enables users to achieve their goals is appealing, then you may enjoy working as a UX writer. This position can be highly satisfying, as your work can directly impact end users and shape their entire experience of interacting with your product or service.

Download our UX Writer Sample Job Description to learn more.