The Art of UX Writing: Best Practices and Insights

UX Design
Written By Blake Ferguson

Remember the days of websites so convoluted they'd make even the savviest techie cry? Websites crammed with jargon, labyrinthine navigation, and error messages as cryptic as ancient hieroglyphics? Thankfully, those days are (mostly) behind us. Enter the hero of the modern digital landscape: the UX writer.

Now, before you dismiss this as just another fancy title for a glorified copywriter, hold your horses. UX writing is an art form, a science, and a secret weapon all rolled into one. It's not just about making buttons say "Click here" or error messages sing kumbaya. It's about weaving words that guide users through your digital experience like a sherpa scaling Everest (minus the altitude sickness, hopefully).

Think of your website or app as a conversation, not a monologue. UX writing is the art of crafting that conversation to be clear, concise, and – dare I say – delightful. But before we dive into the juicy bits, let's set the scene with a little Seth Godin wisdom:

"People don't buy products, they buy stories."

Your UX writing is the narrative thread that pulls your users in, keeps them engaged, and ultimately converts them into loyal fans. It’s been said that 70% of buying decisions are made subconsciously. That means your UX writing needs to be more than just grammatically correct. It needs to tap into those subconscious emotions, nudge users towards action, and leave them feeling like they've just conquered a mini quest.

So, how do we weave this magic spell of words? Let's break it down into three key principles:

1. Clarity & Conciseness: Be the Hemingway of Buttons

Imagine your user as a sleep-deprived college student cramming for finals. They don't have time for flowery prose or Shakespearean sonnets. They need information, fast. This is where you channel your inner Hemingway and wield the power of clear, concise language. Ditch the jargon, avoid the fluff, and get straight to the point. Remember, less is often more, especially when attention spans are shorter than a goldfish's memory.

2. User-Centricity: Put Yourself in Their Click-Happy Shoes

Ever heard the phrase "walk a mile in their shoes"? Well, in UX writing, you don't just walk a mile, you sprint a marathon in your user's Nikes. Understanding their needs, expectations, and mental models is paramount. Conduct user research, listen to their feedback, and anticipate their questions. Think of yourself as a detective, piecing together clues to create a writing experience that feels effortless and intuitive.

3. Accessibility & Inclusivity: Design for Everyone, Exclude No One

Not everyone navigates the digital world the same way. Some users might have visual impairments, others might rely on screen readers. Your UX writing needs to be inclusive, catering to diverse abilities and needs. Use clear language, avoid complex sentence structures, and consider alternative text descriptions for images. Remember, inclusivity isn't just a feel-good practice, it's good business too.

Now, let's get tactical:

  • Microcopy Matters: Those tiny bits of text like button labels and error messages? They pack a punch. Make them clear, concise, and even a little playful. Think of them as the witty one-liners in your digital conversation.

  • Craft Compelling Calls to Action: Don't just say "Submit," say "Unlock Your Inner Productivity Beast!" (Okay, maybe not that cheesy, but you get the idea). A strong CTA is clear, action-oriented, and speaks to the user's desires. A/B test different options to see what resonates most.

  • The Power of Tone & Voice: Just like Seth Godin uses his signature blend of wit and wisdom, or Professor Scott Galloway throws in a data-driven punchline, your UX writing needs a personality. Find the voice that aligns with your brand and resonates with your users. Avoid sounding robotic or corporate, inject a touch of humanity and warmth.

But wait, there's more! The future of UX writing is being rewritten (pun intended) by the rise of generative AI. Imagine AI tools that can craft personalized microcopy, translate languages flawlessly, or even generate entire user flows. Now, before you panic about robots stealing your job, remember Tim Ferriss' mantra: "Embrace the tools that empower you." AI can be a powerful assistant, freeing you up to focus on the strategic aspects of UX writing and the human touch that machines can't replicate.

Blake Ferguson