UX Writing vs Content Writing
Do you want to become a UX writer? Would you like to know what UX writers do? If yes, this blog will help you understand a few things that you need to know before moving into UX writing.
I’ve been hearing this for some time now that many content writers want to become UX writers. Even during mentoring sessions, content writers ask me — how to get into UX writing?
It’s great to see that more and more writers are entering the UX field because this will help us get to experience better products now. If you are one of those writers who are aspiring to become a UX writer and enter this amazing world of UX, you must know first the difference between content writing and UX writing.
Why?
- To write a product copy, you will have to unlearn a few things from content writing.
- If you are asked in the interviews about the difference between these two and if you don’t know the clear difference, it may cost you.
“Future belongs to those who learn, unlearn, and relearn!” — Wayne Mansfield
Let’s head on to see the exact difference between content writing and UX writing.
Writing style
In simple words, content writing is talking about a product while UX writing is talking through a product. So, content writers create the copy that describes a product, its features, benefits, and value that it adds to the user’ lives. Whereas, UX writers interact with the users through the product when they are using the product. Basically, content writers sell the product and UX writers help users to use the product seamlessly.
Collaborating teams
Content writers work closely with the marketing teams to create awareness about the product. While, UX writers work closely with the design team to create experiences for users through words. That’s why the content writes create marketing copy and UX writers design product copy that fits into the user interface.
Focus
The focus of content writers is more on keywords and brand voice because they need to consider SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as well while writing good quality content. Whereas, UX writers focus is more on strategic and scalable language to fulfil customer needs. Content writers want their content to be up on search engines so that more and more people will read it and gain knowledge about their product. And, UX writers want their content to guide users through the product seamlessly.
Word size
Content writers create a content that explains all the details of a product or its features, while UX writers convey a message in a few words, so it’s called microcopy. Basically, content writers write more and UX writers write less because their goals are different.
Content size
Content writers create long content pieces like blogs, articles, newsletters, white papers, etc. because they need to explain all the details of a product and its features. Whereas, UX writers create short content pieces like error messages, notifications, button copy, popup messages, tooltips, etc. because they need to navigate users through the product with an ease.
In a Nutshell
Once you understand the difference between these two, the transition from content writing to UX writing would be easier. And you will also realise that for this transition, you’ll need to unlearn a few things and relearn many new things.
I hope you got a gist of the difference between content writing and UX writing. To know more about UX writing, its importance, UX writing process, how to create an impact as a UX writer, and much more, keep reading.
Happy Writing!
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