Definition: UX copywriting
What is UX copywriting?
User experience copywriting (UX copywriting) is different from regular copywriting, like advertising copywriting. Instead, its purpose is to create copy for digital channels such as apps and websites that tell the user how to do something, for example, how to use a product.
Incorporating good UX copy is a crucial element in product design, and should work in harmony with user interface (UI) design. It plays a big part in helping end users navigate through an action they're trying to complete — whether that's on a website, an app, or another digital channel.
UX copy should always be:
- Simple
- Easy to understand
- Helpful
- Precise
It needs to:
- Answer user questions—before they're asked
- Demonstrate knowledge of the product
- Set expectations
Examples of UX copy include:
- Microcopy
- Content for a chatbot
- Product or in-product copy
- Interface copy
- UI content
UX copywriting is now regarded as an essential part of providing a good digital experience, and it's perhaps most associated with 'microcopy' (short pieces of copy, usually instructional in tone).
What does a UX copywriter do?
A UX copywriter specializes in writing copy with user experience (UX) at the forefront of their mind. Their main goal is to craft the very words that guide end users to successfully complete a desired action. For this reason, it's important that UX copywriters not only understand elements like brand messaging and tone of voice, but the product design process itself.
They often work closely with product managers, marketers, UI designers, and strategists to ensure that the end UX copy is as effective as possible at providing smooth digital experiences.
As part of their content strategy, UX copywriters will usually draw insight from website performance data and user testing to inform what and how they write UX copy for the end user.
