I am both a UX writer and copywriter.
As such, I’m often asked about what I do. Where most people may have some idea about what a copywriter is, very few people will have even heard of UX.
With the launch of my website (Welcome, it’s so great to have you here!), the time seemed right to explain a bit more about what I do and the differences between the two.
The simplest way to explain the difference is with this dichotomy.
When you look at the above another big difference becomes clear. UX writers write for users and copywriters write for businesses.
Now, of course, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be thinking of the business goals when you write UX copy. Just as all good copywriting also keeps the user top of mind.
However, the ultimate justification for a UX writer to choose the words they do is whether it will make life easier for a user.
How do you know you’re reading UX writing?
When you’re scrolling through Instagram and you see a little message congratulating you for being all caught up, that was written by a UX writer.
Any button you click on your way to purchasing wedding invites from Etsy, yup that was someone like me too.
Look closely and you’ll probably also see some motivational messages around the button that helped you make the decision to purchase.
How do you know you’re reading copywriting?
When you search for something you want to buy on Google and click through to a website, the first page you see was most likely written by a copywriter. It’s referred to as a sales or landing page.
All the information on these pages is designed to make you buy, buy, buy!
Likewise most brochures, blogs, billboards, posters, ads, catalogues or emails are written by copywriters.
Do UX writers and copywriters work together?
Some big brands will have a copywriting team and UX writers working for them. But their contact will generally be limited.
This is because UX writers are involved in the building of a product and copywriters in the launch of the product.
However, if you visit one of these sites it may be hard for you to tell when the words switch from copywriting to UX writing.
An example of this is when you want to buy a new pair of boots. You might go from a sales page that describes how the said boots are going to change your life (copywriting), through to a sales funnel with small bits of copy known as microcopy written by a UX writer.
What if I don’t have the budget for both?
Not all businesses can afford to have both a good copywriter and UX writer on the books, yet ALL business can benefit from both.
That’s where someone with both skillsets can help.
Don’t be mislead by a copywriter who thinks they can turn their hand to UX writing or vice versa. Make sure whoever gets the job has experience and skills to deliver you the very best results.
If you’re not sure about what a UX writer is or does get in touch with me or ask a question in the comments.
