Without any doubt, there is a rising demand for content writers these days, all thanks to the popularity of digital marketing. It is digital marketing and the rise of online businesses which increased the popularity of content writers who were barely known in the past.
But it is not only the content writers but many other writers who have come to the place such as copywriters, story writers, ghost writers, and many more to go. Likewise, another writer taking shape these days is UX writer and UX writing.
UX writing emphasizes product copy. But this is not as popular as other forms of writing and this is why only a few people know about it.
Consequently, we have come up with a post dedicated to UX writing and throw some light on the UX writer’s responsibilities.
About UX Writing
UX refers to the process of creating customer-centric copy for user interfaces. The content is written in such a manner that guides a user regarding a digital product, application, or website.
UX writers are entrusted with the responsibility to make a product sound great. Due to software companies investing more and more in enhancing the user experience of their users, UX writing is growing day by day.
It is because the content users read when navigating the product is significant and software companies are pretty familiar with this. The poorly written content frustrates the reader and often confuses them.
UX writers are not only writers but also designers responsible for shaping the overall experience of the product.
Responsibilities Of A UX Writer
Many budding writers aspire to become great UX writers but are hardly aware of the responsibilities of a UX writer and how to become one. Consequently, here are some general responsibilities of a UX writer.
Writing the microcopy
The primary responsibility of a UX writer is to write a product’s microcopy. The content includes instructions for the users, button text, tooltips, error messages, and notifications. But the writer should have a thorough knowledge of the product and know how to present the information in a digestible manner.
In addition to this, a UX writer should also contribute to writing the product copy, customer communication material like emails, and also documentation.
Content audits
A UX writer is also responsible for performing content audits. Content audit refers to the evaluation of a product or the website’s assets to determine what needs to be changed or deleted. There are plenty of companies that conduct content audits when restructuring a product or website.
Consequently, it’s good to perform regular content audits to ensure that your users are enjoying your content and finding it useful.
Handoff documents
The next prominent responsibility of a UX writer is to write handoff documents. Merely creating the microcopy of a product is not enough. The UX writers also need to organize these into deliverables which in turn will go to developers. The whole process is deemed as developer handoff.
These deliverables do not come in one form but come in several forms. Sometimes, UX writers also pass off a spreadsheet having common pieces of text with associated codes. These text pieces are often known as a string and can be easily inserted into the code.
Style guides
Creating style guides is also the responsibility of a UX writer. A style guide refers to a set of guidelines and terms meant for a brand’s internal communication. Style guides form a crucial part of a UX writer’s toolkit as they can ensure that the copy is consistent and of high quality.
A style guide is used to clarify things like grammar rules, capitalization, how to spell certain words, or terms used for product features. The more consistent these things are, the better will be the UX and vice versa.
It is the UX writers who are responsible for constantly updating the company’s style guide. A style guide is also meant for the brand’s voice and tone.
Building products
A UX writer is also responsible for working cross-functionally to build products. The writers collaborate with plenty of team members to produce a copy that aligns with the product’s vision and user needs.
UX writers are not only writers but also UX designers, interface designers, content strategists, product managers, marketers, and developers.
Tips For Writing UX Copy
After making yourself familiar with the responsibilities of a UX writer, you also need to learn how to write effective product copy. Here are some of the tips to enable better UX product copy.
Be concise
The foremost thing to bear in mind when writing the product copy is to be concise. By this, we mean using as few words as possible. Make sure every word you use on the screen has a job.
Make consistent copy
Another thing to bear in mind when writing a product copy is to make a consistent copy. If your copy is inconsistent, it will create confusion for your users.
Avoid jargon
Avoiding jargon is also an effective tip for UX writing. Instead of using jargon, aim for clarity and simplicity in your product copy. The best way to have clarity is to remove the technical terms and use understandable terms.
Write in active voice
When writing the product copy, prefer to write in active voice instead of using passive voice. The passive voice seems confusing to readers.
Identify interactive element
Also, consider including interactive elements appropriately. Users hate getting surprises and situations when they are expecting one thing but get the opposite. Consequently, include interactive elements in your website.
Wrapping Up
UX writing is not simple writing but much more than that. It is the UX writing that can make or mar the user’s experience. Consequently, follow the tips stated above and master the art of UX writing like a pro.