Job Description
The user interface (UI) is where users control and use a particular piece of software. The content that goes inside the UI, how it is structured, and how it guides users, is called the user experience (UX). A UX Writer is responsible for researching, strategizing, and writing that content. UX Writers have to think like users and create a strategy that works in concert with the user interface to guide users through an intuitive and easy-to-use experience.
UX Writers are responsible for creating the copy on everything from buttons to pages to error messages. They must deliver the product’s message from the inside out and make sure that message is consistent, easy to understand, and in line with the goals of the product. They are part of the design team and are involved with creating websites, apps, or products from the beginning.
In addition to writing skills, UX Writers should be skilled in researching competitors in the spaces in which they operate, and the needs of the customer or end-user. They are also responsible for testing the product for ease of use. Verbal communication and presentation skills are essential for a UX Writer, so they can effectively present their findings to the development team and various stakeholders.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct competitive analyses of other websites that operate in the same space
- Prepare customer analysis based on target demographics and initial transactions
- Participate in creating a content development strategy
- Coordinate with the UI design team on issues like navigation, page routing, product page design, etc.
- Track usability goals and prepare reports for senior management
- Develop mockups for the development and design teams
- Conduct usability tests on each independent type of page on the website and create a report showcasing the findings
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer design, development, engineering, or a related field.
Skills and Competencies
- Superior knowledge of Adobe products
- Excellent computer skills
- Experience preparing detailed competitive and consumer analyses
- Ability to be flexible and work long hours
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a UX Writer with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $71,000
- Tampa, Florida: $71,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $69,000
- Miami, Florida: $89,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $84,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $90,000
- Houston, Texas: $80,000
- Los Angeles, California: $80,000
- New York City, New York: $90,000
- Seattle, Washington: $82,000
- Overall: $84,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $80,000
- Tampa, Florida: $79,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $73,000
- Miami, Florida: $100,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $89,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $101,000
- Houston, Texas: $102,000
- Los Angeles, California: $96,000
- New York City, New York: $117,000
- Seattle, Washington: $116,000
- Overall: $95,000
Similar Job Titles
- UX Copywriter
- Content Strategist
- Product Content Strategist
- Content Designer
- UX Content Designer
- Conversation Designer
Career Path
A UX Writer needs to have a bachelor’s degree. Majors like computer design, development, engineering, or a related field are preferred, but some UX Writers come from a general copywriting background. Students are encouraged to pursue internships with technology companies while they are in college to gain some real-world experience in the field.
UX Writers need to learn to think from the point of view of a variety of users to make sure the content is easy to understand for anyone who might use the product. A little technical knowledge is also helpful to speak the language of the rest of the product development team, and to be aware of how and where the content they’re creating will be used.
UX Writers can move up into a role such as Product Manager. In that role, they oversee and guide the entire development process of a product, creating more than just the content and strategy, but also the goals and functionality of the product.
Position Trends
UX Writers need to keep up with the latest trends and study how users interact with websites and software. According to the technical education website Career Foundry, storytelling is one of several trends UX Designers and Writers should be aware of in the coming years. More companies are using storytelling principles in the design and content of the user experience. It can humanize brands and products and make them more compelling for users.
UX Writing itself is a relatively new trend in the UX design field. More companies are seeing the value of content in creating an engaging experience for users and hiring professionals to focus on the strategy and creation of a product’s content from the very beginning.
Many industry thought leaders say the best UX writing creates a seamless experience for users. It also should be incisive and easy to understand. For many companies, the content part of the UX should also convey the company’s particular brand voice, story, and identity.
Job Outlook
As more of our society’s daily functions move into the digital world, the need for UX Writers to create the content strategies for those websites and applications will only increase.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Web Developer field is expected to grow by 13 percent between 2018 and 2028. That’s much faster than average.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours in an office setting for a UX Writer are usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional work hours can be commonplace when approaching project deadlines.
Freelance UX Writers can generally set their own working hours.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
- IT Career Finder
Are You Interested in Becoming a UX Writer?
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