Write Like a Pro: Practical steps to take your UX Writing to a next level

Write Like a Pro: Practical steps to take your UX Writing to a next level

Write Like A Pro

User Experience Writing is fast becoming popular amongst tech organizations. Writers are now beginning to shift their focus to this emerging field. 
If you are a sucker for words and you are looking to break into the UX writing field, below are some few steps that can help you earn this skill 

• Pay More Attention to UI Copy 

UI copy or microcopies as they are fondly called are almost invisible but their impact in user experience cannot be underestimated. Pay more attention to these little details when next you open an application, and you will be wowed at how much useful information you have overlooked previously. 

• Read More about UX Design 

UX Writers do not necessarily need skills in design to be successful at UX Writing but a basic knowledge of UX Design is an added advantage as this helps them understand better what the designer wants and what works in any given context so that the result of the designer, researcher and writer’s efforts can all work harmoniously together. There are lots of resources available on the internet that can help in this regard.  

• Take a UX Writing Course 

If you prefer organized learning and want to get certified, then take a course. However, when looking to land UX Writing jobs, credentials may not matter as much as your experience and portfolio does. But if you are convinced that structured learning will give you the opportunity to gain experience and improve your portfolio, then there are a few UX Writing courses available online for you today. 

• Create a UX Writing Portfolio and Swipe File 

A Portfolio is an organized collection of your creative work while a swipe file is a file that contains creative copies or materials that you deem outstanding or that wowed you the moment you saw them.  
While Swipe files can serve as a reservoir of inspiration, a portfolio of your creative jobs will be of very huge importance to you if you are looking at landing either a full-time or freelance role, it indeed positions you as someone who knows his craft.   

• Join UX Writing Communities 

Though still emerging, UX Writing is beginning to have communities spring up rapidly across the social media. These communities give you access to job openings, and trends, and can be the answer to all the questions you have ever wanted to ask. Some communities like Daily UX Writing organize writing challenge that will not only help you hone your skills but grow your portfolio as well. Some other communities you can join include the Microcopy and UX Writing Group on Facebook, Content Strategists Group also on Facebook, and the Content + UX Slack group on Slack. 

• Read, Read, Read 

Just like in Copywriting, as a UX Writer you have to strive to know something about everything. Read up books, blogs, Twitter threads follow trends and know what is happening. See movies and develop an inquisitive mind too.