In recent years, major companies like Google, Dropbox, PayPal, and Amazon have started seeking talented and knowledgeable writers to produce specific texts for their online platforms. These companies recognize that the words users read while navigating an app or website directly influence their impression of the product’s brand. Since then, the role of the UX writer has taken off as one of the most crucial positions in this field.

UX writers do more than just produce text for an interface. Like any UX professional, they must research their users’ demographics, create content that directly reaches them, and be able to defend their design decisions down to the last word.

Key functions:

• User Research: Analyze user demographics and behaviors to create relevant content.
• Content Design: Craft texts from the landing page to the checkout page, including buttons, error messages, and more.
• Design Advocacy: Argue their text decisions based on data and best practices.

UX writers create a conversation between the user and the brand. Beyond being useful, UX writers must also thoroughly understand the brand’s mission and message, as well as the emotions, thoughts, and reactions of their users. With this research in mind, they choose words—whether 2 or 500—that facilitate conversation and trust between users and the company.

Example:

• Mobile Banking App: An error message that simply says “Operation failed” can frustrate the user. But a UX writer might rewrite it to say: “It looks like something went wrong. Please try again later or contact support if the problem persists.” This type of copy not only informs but also shows empathy and offers a solution.

Localized copy is crucial. UX writers must know what type of language is culturally relevant and, similarly, what vocabulary or phrasing might be considered offensive or unnecessary. For example, the vocabulary used to refer to “accommodation” in England is not the same as in the U.S. or Singapore. Recognizing these disparities and creating differentiated texts from the wireframe development stage to the final product launch is essential.

Example:

• Cultural Vocabulary: In the UK, “pants” refers to underwear, whereas in the U.S., it refers to trousers. A mistake in this distinction can lead to misunderstandings and a negative user experience.

UX writers call users to action and then reassure them. Brands want to use consistent active verbs that encourage users to act. Creating a set of “brand-relevant vocabulary” that is always used to describe similar actions makes users feel more comfortable while completing online tasks, while also pushing them to take the next step in their journey.

Example:

• Online Store: A button that says “Add to cart” instead of “Submit” is clearer and more direct, making it easier for the user to act and improving their experience.

• Apple: Excels in data transparency, which has strengthened user trust.
• Google: Allows users to easily access and manage their data through the “My Activity” tool.

Overall, users want to encounter human language that anticipates their needs. They want to read titles, buttons, and descriptive texts that quickly and satisfactorily provide the information they desire. Consequently, UX writers must know how to produce effective texts that speak to both the company’s brand and its users, maintaining a friendly and helpful conversation between the product provider and the consumer.

Want to learn more about optimizing user experience with effective UX writing? Contact us today for a free consultation!

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