How to Build a Better Product with UX Writing

The more I read about interfaces and copy, the more I see people claiming that interfaces must be user-oriented, and it's time we changed our approach to designing digital products. Both statements are correct; however, only a few have a clue what makes an interface user-oriented or how we should improve them.

Clumsy is an excellent word to describe lots of interfaces. Clumsy because they make us feel awkward when we don't know how to perform some task. Clumsy because wordiness has taken over logic. Finally, clumsy because they want to be creative -- and creativity often makes people think, which is a big no-no.

Some big fellas, like Facebook and Airbnb, decided to get things done and reconsider text to make it helpful and understandable. So instead of clumsy texts, they've switched to plain, concise, and easy-to-understand copy. Just as UX designers are creating better interfaces, UX writers are creating better copy.

What is so special about UX writing?

Using fancy words to bring people to a product is normal. Using the same words to keep them is not. When we browse a new website, we embark on a journey, and we definitely need guides. Just as we do on a real journey, we experience emotions with each tap, click, scroll, and swipe.

Good microcopy (a little piece of text on the interface) can help us navigate and do stuff on a website. It shows care and understanding about our feelings at every step of the user flow.

Here's how Airbnb cares about its users: Airbnb shows its users what sort of message the host expects to receive.

What should I write? -- we wonder. Airbnb focuses on traveler's concerns and doubts. The box explains that travelers don't have to tell the story of their life, but rather say hello to the host. The purpose of this form is to seem friendly. It's the result of good UX writing.

UX writing is catching on

One may think that UX writing is a hyped-up way to refer to copywriters who create microcopy. Well, no. It's not a trend, but a new discipline, and big companies are willing to pay to have UX writers on their team.

As with most digital trends, big companies start it, and smaller ones follow it. I believe in 2018, UX writing will define itself as a separate field of study. Since the right microcopy can influence the business (i.e., increase profits), many enterprises are going to hire experienced UX writers.

During the Google I/O 2017, Maggie Stanphill, senior UX writer at Google, explained the possible business value of having UX writers on the team. After they changed "Book a room" to "Check availability", the engagement rate increased by 17%.

As Stanphill explains: "We found that it was far too committal at this stage in the decision-making process. So we switched it to Check availability, and what we found what that this was meeting the user where they were in their mindset. They were still considering rooms, and they wanted to understand what dates were available, and what prices were in that date range."

It proves that the ability to understand user's emotions and intentions to create the right microcopy can influence business profits.

So what do UX writers actually do?

While the job of a copywriter is to write texts to attract new customers, UX writers deal with existing users. Put simply, a copywriter's primary aim is to help users learn about the product and try it. UX writers make sure their experience with the product is a positive one.

UX writers create positive experiences from the moment users visit a website or open an app. They mend pain points of their user flow with words. Together with designers, they create products as we see them.

Why did UX writing appear?

Simple: because we can no longer tolerate clumsy interfaces. Writing copy on interfaces used to be the job of whoever could write the best in the office. Now that UX writing has emerged, users see more clear and concise copy.

The unit of the UX writer's work is microcopy. It's that piece of text on an interface that helps users do stuff.

How to become a UX writer

The skillset of the UX writer includes (a) UX design and usability, (b) wireframing, and (c) interfaces. It's also helpful to know the essentials of behavioral psychology and decision-making.

Why learn design if you're going to write? To design means to create, right? Well, to write is also to design. It's just that you use words, not a graphics editor. Unless you understand usability, you can't create a journey that's clear; unless you can use Sketch, you can't work along with designers.

Remember, UX writers focus on users' emotions, and their primary job is to ensure everything on an interface is clear, informative and doesn't make users ask "How do I...?" questions. It requires excellent empathy and knowledge of user behavior.

UX writers must have a high command of the language. It doesn't mean you have to use complicated vocabulary to show your proficiency -- in fact, it's the other way around. Good UX writers always bear in mind that the users may not be proficient in English, so the words must be simple.

A big part of creating the best copy takes research and testing. To understand how users may behave on your website or app, you must answer questions about their needs, goals, and context.

Do's and Don'ts of UX writing

Don't let users make a mistake -- or better, don't use confusing language. Remove idioms and complicated words.

Google has their own principles of writing good microcopy. Good microcopy must be clear, concise, and useful. Having applied the three principles, they created better error messages. "Wrong password" is a more natural way to speak than "An authentication error has occurred."

Don't use professional jargon. Ask yourself, "Do my users know what those words mean?" Unless you're sure, change the copy until a kid can understand it.

Make it easy to translate. When you're building an interface, take into account that it won't always be in English. It should be easy to translate the interface into various languages. Consider German -- German is famous for its long words, the average being 12 characters. Technical terms tend to have over 20 characters.

Be consistent. Don't use synonyms. Pick a word, and stick to it. If each button of the registration reads "Next", don't write "Proceed" or "Continue". Inconsistency confuses users.

Labels must be nearly invisible. If you can't remember the text on a button -- it's good microcopy. Users shouldn't focus on reading buttons on interfaces; instead, their actions should feel intuitive.

Best UX writing practices

Good microcopy is human-oriented. Tumblr uses witty language to inform users that their username is taken. Instead of the offensive "This username is taken" -- which means "You're not creative enough" -- Tumblr gives a compliment: "It's a good one, but it's taken."

Good microcopy encourages users. Tinder helps users to write to their prospective match first to start a conversation. "Just give them a compliment." So simple!

Good microcopy prevents concerns. Netflix offers a free month and asks to provide your card information. The microcopy explains that if you cancel your subscription before the trial month is over, you won't be charged.

Good microcopy explains. ModCloth has a typical checkout page with a phone field. The label explains that it's there so that if they need to check some details, they can call you. Rule of thumb: explain everything that must be explained.

Bottom Line

UX writing has appeared as a separate discipline because of recent changes in the way users engage with digital products. Standing between conventional copywriting and UX design, UX writing has become an essential part of the product development process. Unlike creative copywriting, UX writing deals with users after they have tried a product; UX writing's primary task is to make sure every step of the user flow facilitates the user's needs.

My last piece of advice: be empathetic. No witty word can help you increase your engagement and conversion rates unless you think hard about what your users feel and want at each step of their user journey. Your task is to guide them and be invisible at the same time.