What is a UX Writer or Content Designer and What Do They Do?

If you’re here, then that means you have just Googled about user experience (UX) writers or content designers and what they do. We’re here to answer that question and more – their role & responsibilities, salary expectations, creating a UX writer portfolio, and tips on how to become a successful UX writer.

Key takeaways

Definition of a UX writer or a content designer: A UX writer creates user-centric copy for digital products so that the users can navigate the interface with clarity and easily. They are the designers with words.
Job description of a UX writer: As a UX writer, you would need to write microcopy for the apps or website, conduct user research when necessary, document brand guidelines and tone of voice for the digital products, and most of all collaborate closely with product and design teams and be the advocate of the user.
Skills of a UX writer: Having the ability to clear, concise copy is a must as a UX writer. In addition, you need to have a keen eye for details, understand UX principles, and have the design thinking mindset to look at problems and solve them. Lastly, you also need to have basic knowledge of UX prototyping tools like Figma so that you can communicate your thoughts to UX designers more intricately.

How to create a UX writer portfolio: Your portfolio needs to showcase your problem-solving skills and critical thinking on a real-life problem. If you’re new to the field, consider optimizing your favorite or popular apps like Uber Eats, Spotify, etc. to showcase your UX writing skills.

How to become a good UX writer: The key to becoming a successful UX writer is to keep practicing your writing skills and updating yourself with the industry trends on UX and design principles. It also helps to know about the technological upgrades, such as the use of AI tools in writing.

What is a UX writer?

A UX writer or a content designer is someone who writes copy for apps, websites, and other digital products – keeping user experience at the center. They specialize in creating microcopy for menus, buttons, labels, empty spaces, and even error messages to help users navigate the interface easily. UX writers need to ensure clarity, usability, and a positive user experience.

For effective UX writing, a user experience writer needs to possess knowledge of the user interface and understand design principles. UX writers bridge the gap between product teams and designers, advocating for user needs and enhancing the overall experience.

What is a typical UX writer’s salary?

In the US, the median UX writer’s salary is $126,050 as per a survey by Talent.com. While the experienced or senior UX writer can earn in the range of $80,000 to $120,000 annually.

However, it is to be noted that, in addition to your experience or seniority level, the salary can be affected by the following factors:

Location: Geographic location significantly influences salary levels. For instance, UX writers in tech hubs such as San Francisco, New York City, and Seattle tend to earn higher salaries due to the high demand and cost of living in these areas. Conversely, UX writers in smaller cities or regions with a lower cost of living may earn less.
Industry: The industry in which a UX writer works also impacts their salary. For instance, large tech companies or startups may offer a higher salary range compared to those working in more traditional sectors like education or non-profit organizations.
Company Size: Larger companies with bigger budgets often offer higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits packages compared to smaller companies or startups.
Freelance vs. Full-Time Employment: Freelance UX writers might charge hourly rates ranging from $50 to $150 per hour depending on their expertise and the project’s complexity. In contrast, full-time employees receive a stable annual salary with potential benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

Discover more about the different salaries for various types of writers here. Or to learn more, you can read our guide on a content designer’s salary.

What does a UX writer do?

A day in a user experience writer or content designer is usually spent drafting messages and microcopy for digital products. They also need to collaborate closely with designers, developers, and researchers to align the content with the overall user experience strategy. As mentioned before, they are the bridge between the product and design teams.

Here are some of the tasks that a UX writer is responsible for:

Creating microcopy

UX writers develop small pieces of text that appear throughout a product, such as buttons, labels, and error messages.

Conducting user research

They perform user or UX research to understand the target audience’s needs and preferences, ensuring the copy is user-centered.

Collaborating with design teams

UX writers work closely with designers and developers to integrate their copy seamlessly into the product’s design.

Testing and iterating

They test different versions of their copy with users to determine what works best, making necessary revisions based on feedback.

What are the fundamental UX writer skills?

Even though UX writing is a relatively new field, its popularity and demand are increasing across industries.

Given the nature of the job and responsibility, a UX writer or content designer is expected to be highly adaptable and someone who can take up multiple tasks. Below are some of the fundamental UX writer skills to have:

Writing Clear and Concise Text: This one is a no-brainer. A UX writer needs to be able to write user-friendly content that is easy to understand and actionable. Their title is about making the interface easy to understand and navigate for the user.
User Research: To create relevant microcopy and messages, a user experience writer needs to understand user behavior and needs. With the right user research methodologies, user experience writers can gain the necessary insights to make informed edits and tweaks in the content that can increase conversions and overall engagement of digital products.
Design Tools Know-how: Given that UX writers need to collaborate with UX designers very closely, knowing the basics of UX prototyping tools like Figma, Sketch, and Miro is not only an advantage but a required skill.
Design Thinking: Principles of design thinking is a critical skill set for a UX writer to create content that resonates with the user, seamlessly guiding them through their digital experience.

Difference between a UX writer and other similar occupations like copywriter, technical writer, content strategist, and UX designer

When it comes to writing roles like copywriting or technical writing they’re usually involved either before or after the design process – never during the product planning and designing process. However, UX writing is different. Here’s how.

UX writer vs. Copywriter

Copywriters typically create marketing content like social media ads or marketing slogans, which are aimed at persuading users. But UX writers focus on functional text that aids navigation and usability.

UX writer vs. technical writer

Technical writers produce detailed manuals and guides of a finished product. On the other hand, UX writers create concise, user-friendly microcopy while the product is still in the planning and design stage. UX writers work with product managers and designers to create a user-centric copy.

UX writer vs. Content wtrategists

Content strategists usually look at the bigger picture of the business to create plans and brand voice, while UX writers would use this brand guideline to create microcopy for the digital product and digital experience. A UX writer might create the tone of voice guidelines, but they are never involved in the overall content strategy of the organization.

UX writer vs. UX designer

While UX designers focus on the overall user experience, including visuals and interactions, UX writers specialize in the text that guides users through the product.

How to create a UX writer portfolio?

If you’re asking, “How to become a UX writer?”, then you must focus on creating your UX writer’s portfolio first. Every UX writer’s job description or requirement would include a portfolio in the initial selection process.

An ideal UX writing portfolio includes a summary of the problem, how you solved it, what was your reasoning behind the solutions provided, and if possible the before/after screens of the optimization done. The recruiters want to understand your knowledge of UX principles, user journey, and user behavior as well as skills like problem-solving and critical thinking along the design principles.

Most importantly of all, they are looking for real-world examples in your portfolio. So, for example, if you haven’t worked before, consider choosing an application that you use regularly (like Uber Eats, Spotify, etc.) and create a solution that may improve the app.

Tips on how to become a successful UX writer

If you’re new to UX and product design, then becoming a successful UX writer would involve more than just good writing skills. You would require a strategic approach to learning, networking, and practical application of UX principles. That being said, it doesn’t mean your past non-UX experience is not going to be useful. UX writing is still a new role and companies are still figuring out the value of writers in the design process – which is changing quite rapidly.

You can start by taking a free UX writing course that will help gauge your interest as well as your capability. Once you know you’re made for UX writing, you can use these tips to start your journey.

Develop strong writing skills

UX writing is not about writing but creating user-centric content. As a UX writer, you need to focus on writing clear, concise, and user-friendly content. For this, you need to practice regularly and seek feedback to improve your writing.

Learn about UX principles

You would collaborate with UX designers a lot in your role as UX writer. Therefore, understanding basic UX design principles will help you communicate and create content that integrates seamlessly with the user interface.

Stay updated with Industry trends

Every industry is changing and keeping up with the latest trends in UX writing and digital product design will help you stay relevant and adapt to changes in the field. For instance, with AI tools and generative AI, you need to start exploring AI writing tools and it can help you in UX writing.

Final thoughts

The role of a UX writer is integral to creating effective and engaging digital products. Even though their role is still maturing, product companies have figured out their value and are hiring them more and more.

An aspiring user experience writer can take this demanding role and carve a successful career in this field by understanding the responsibilities, developing the necessary skills, and building a compelling portfolio.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions

Is UX writing in high demand?

Yes, UX writing is in high demand as companies increasingly recognize the importance of creating user-friendly digital products. The need for clear and concise content that enhances user experience is driving the demand for skilled UX writers.

Does UX writing require coding?

No, UX writing does not typically require coding skills. However, having a basic understanding of how digital products are built can be beneficial in collaborating with developers and understanding technical constraints.

Is it necessary to have studied UX to work as a UX writer?

While having a formal education in UX can be helpful, it is not a strict requirement to become a UX writer – many successful UX writers come from diverse backgrounds, including copywriting, technical writing, and content strategy. What matters most is your ability to create user-friendly content and understand the principles of user experience (UX) design.

Can you be a freelance UX writer working remotely?

Yes, UX writers do work as freelancers and have the flexibility to work remotely. This allows them to collaborate with clients from different locations and work on a variety of projects.

Will AI replace UX writers?

While AI can assist in generating content, it is unlikely to replace UX writers entirely. The role of a UX writer involves understanding user needs, creating nuanced and contextually appropriate content, and collaborating with cross-functional teams—tasks that require human creativity and empathy. Fortunately, AI has not advanced to it, yet.

More resources

Top UX books that you need to read at least once
UX writing courses that you can explore to kickstart your career

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