UX Writing VS Copywriting
When it comes to writing jobs, there are many different kinds of roles that require different skillsets. Two of the most prominent types of professional writing are UX writing and copywriting.
While both involve creating written content for a variety of purposes and different roles, they have key differences that set them apart from one another. Welcome back to my series about demystifying freelance writing and writing careers!
Today I'm talking about the difference between UX writing and Copywriting, because until recently I didn't really understand what UX writing was.
The difference of UX writing VS. Copywriting
UX writing and copywriting are both forms of writing with different approaches and goals. UX writing is a form of communication that serves to help guide users through a product or service, whereas copywriting is used to persuade people to take specific action.
What is UX writing, exactly?
A UX writer's job focuses on creating user experiences that are clear, concise and inviting. It serves to provide users with an intuitive experience that helps them understand how a product or service works and feel comfortable using it, often with the help of UX researchers.
UX writers typically craft instructional text, labels, UI copy, error messages, microcopy, and other types of user guidance to formulate their UX copywriting.
This type of writing should be simple yet effective in communicating the right information in order to create a successful user experience. Also, I think it's important to note that the job of a UX writer can also be seen under UX copywriters.
So, what is Copywriting then?
Copywriting is the art of using words to create compelling and persuasive messages that persuade people to take action. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including sales, marketing, branding and more.
The main goal of copywriting is to capture an audience’s attention in order to drive them to take a desired action while maintaining the brand's voice. It's often a key part of the content strategy for the marketing department.
Copywriters use persuasive techniques such as storytelling, emotion, and logic to make their message more effective. Copywriters may work with a content strategist, content designer, marketing team, or other content writers on the editorial team.
Writing Jobs for UX Writing:
UX writing jobs often involve working with the design team, UX designers, product managers and developers to create an intuitive and positive user experience for digital products, mobile apps, or a user interface on a web page.
The job involves understanding the target audience and user research provided by the product team, creating clear and concise instructions, writing labels and microcopy that guide users through a product or service, as well as creating helpful error messages.
Where can someone find UX writing jobs?
UX writing jobs can be found on job search websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn and Glassdoor. Additionally, many companies have dedicated UX writing roles that you can find by searching for the company's name and "UX writer" or "UX copywriter".
Examples of UX Writing:
Some examples of UX writing include onboarding instructions, best practices, instructional help text and error message pop-ups. Onboarding instructions help new users become familiar with a product or service, instructional help text provides guidance to users as they use the product or service, and error messages let users know why an action is not possible.
Jobs for Copywriting:
Copywriting jobs involve understanding an audience’s needs in order to create compelling messages that persuade them to take action. This can include creating content for websites, ads, emails, brochures, blog posts and more.
Beyond persuasive techniques, the job also requires knowledge of SEO principles, along with an understanding of marketing strategies to ensure that messages are reaching their potential customers.
Where can you find copywriting jobs?
Copywriting jobs can also be found on job search websites. Additionally, many companies will post copywriter roles on their own website or social media platforms.
Freelance copywriting opportunities are abundant and can often be found via freelance marketplaces such as UpWork and Fiverr. The best way to find copywriting and content writing jobs is through your network. Make sure you have a solid copywriting portfolio ready, too.
Examples of Copywriting:
Examples of copywriting include website content, ad copy, emails, brochures and other forms of content that are used to persuade people to take action. This type of writing requires the use of persuasive techniques such as storytelling and emotion, along with an understanding of SEO principles to create content that resonates with readers.
Education or Experience needed:
In order to become a successful UX writer or copywriter, one must have strong writing and communication skills. A degree in English, journalism, marketing, advertising or communications may be beneficial for those looking to pursue either profession.
Additionally, knowledge of user experience principles and search engine optimization are important for success in both roles. It is also important to have an understanding of the target audience in order to create content that resonates and drives users to take action. Experience as a technical writer can be helpful.
Finally, knowledge of persuasive techniques such as storytelling, emotion, and logic is essential for producing effective copywriting. With these skills and knowledge, one can become a successful UX writer or copywriter.
How to develop your UX writing skills
In order to be really good at UX writing, someone needs to have an understanding of the target audience and user experience principles. Additionally, they should have a deep understanding of persuasive techniques such as storytelling and emotion, along with an understanding of SEO principles.
Finally, having the ability to produce simple yet effective instructions, labels, UI copy and other text elements to help guide users through a product or service is also essential. It is also important to have experience working with other departments such as design and development in order to create an intuitive user experience. With these skills and knowledge, one can be really successful at UX writing.
How to become a great copywriter:
In order to become a great copywriter, one must have strong writing and communication skills. Additionally, having an understanding of user experience principles and search engine optimization are important for success in the role.
It is also important to understand the target audience in order to create content that resonates and drives users to take action. Being able to adopt the brand voice when writing is highly important.
Knowledge of persuasive techniques such as storytelling, emotion and logic is essential for producing effective copywriting. With these skills and knowledge, one can become a successful copywriter.
Additionally, gaining experience in other areas of marketing such as advertising or digital media can help one become an even better copywriter.
In conclusion, UX writing and copywriting are both forms of communication used for different purposes. UX writing focuses on guiding users through a product or service while copywriting is used to persuade people to take action.
Both jobs involve understanding the needs of an audience and creating content that meets those needs. Examples of UX writing include onboarding instructions, instructional help text and error messages, while examples of copywriting include website content, ad copy and emails.
Looking for more help with your content? Check out the other articles in this series!
