Three Books on UX Writing That Will Change the Way You Write Web Content
Chances are you’ve heard of UX (user experience), the process that web and design professionals use to create products and services that provide meaningful, relevant, and seamless experiences to users.
But have you heard of UX writing?
UX writing is the practice of writing content meant to increase comprehension and improve user experience. This is primarily used when it comes to writing copy for things like website landing pages, notifications, apps, online ads, and other digital products.
In this article, we’ll cover my three favorite books on UX writing that will teach you how to write for your audience and achieve your goals. But first, let’s talk about the difference between UX writing and copywriting.
UX writing vs copywriting
Most people automatically assume that if you can write blog content, you can write UX content. In most cases, this is wrong. UX writing is a specialty that takes time to learn, understand, and become an expert at.
Below are the three biggest differentiators.
UX writing is concise
UX writers write with brevity, choosing their words wisely and writing with consistency, specificity, and intentionality. This allows them to say more with less, generating engagement, and increasing readability.
UX writing is focused on goals
Every page on your website has a goal, whether it’s driving conversions (i.e., landing pages), increasing traffic (i.e., pillar pages), or disseminating technical information (i.e., FAQ). It’s the job of a UX writer to use clear, strategic copy to help the page achieve the set goal. UX writers will continue to modify website copy based on how it performs in an effort to optimize for results.
UX writing is mindful of look and feel
UX writers are mindful of character count and how content looks displayed on a page. They understand the impact that content without a visual flow has on things like readability, skimmability, and comprehension. If content doesn’t look good on a page, they will make changes to optimize for user experience.
Let’s get into the three books that will teach you how to do this work well.
Nicely Said by Nicole Fenton and Kate Lee
“Nicely Said” is a gem in the realm of UX writing books, offering invaluable insights for both beginners and seasoned pros.
The best part? It’s actually a joy to read. The content is engaging, inviting, and written in a friendly tone, making it hard to put down. No surprise here considering it’s written by expert storytellers!
The book explores the principles of effective communication and provides practical techniques for creating compelling microcopy, interface text, and overall content strategy.
With its actionable advice, “Nicely Said” empowers writers to create content that resonates with users and enhances their overall experience.
Top three takeaways
- The importance of user-centric writing: “Nicely Said” emphasizes the significance of putting the user at the center of the writing process. It highlights the need to understand users’ needs, motivations, and pain points to create content that resonates with them and guides them effectively.
- Clarity and simplicity in communication: The book emphasizes the value of clear and concise writing in UX. It provides practical techniques for eliminating jargon, simplifying content, and using plain language to ensure that users can understand and navigate digital interfaces effortlessly.
- The power of microcopy: “Nicely Said” recognizes the impact of microcopy — the small bits of text that guide users through interactions. The book explores strategies for crafting effective microcopy that communicates instructions, provides feedback, and adds personality to the user experience. It showcases the potential of microcopy to enhance usability, establish brand voice, and create memorable interactions.
Writing Is Designing by Michael J. Metts and Andy Welfle
“Writing Is Designing” challenges the conventional notion that design and writing are separate entities by providing clear examples and tactics that prove otherwise.
Through thought-provoking insights and practical examples, the authors emphasize the importance of collaboration between designers and writers to create supercharged digital experiences.
This book provides valuable tools and techniques to facilitate effective communication and partnership between these two critical roles, ultimately elevating the overall user experience.
Top three takeaways
- The integration of writing and design: “Writing Is Designing” argues that writing and design are deeply interconnected, influencing and shaping one another in the creation of meaningful user experiences. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and synergy between writers and designers to create cohesive and effective user experiences. The book encourages writers to think like designers and designers to consider the impact of words, fostering a holistic approach to UX creation.
- User empathy and understanding: The authors emphasize the significance of understanding users’ perspectives, needs, and goals. “Writing Is Designing” emphasizes the role of empathy in shaping user-centered content and advocates for conducting user research to inform writing decisions. By developing a deep understanding of users, UX writers can create content that addresses their pain points and facilitates seamless interactions.
- The iterative process of writing: The book underscores the iterative nature of writing and highlights the importance of continuous improvement. Metts and Welfle stress the need for testing, feedback, and iteration to refine and optimize content. By embracing an iterative mindset, writers can create more effective and impactful experiences that evolve based on user insights and feedback.
Strategic Writing for UX by Torrey Podmajersky
“Strategic Writing for UX” is a must-read for anyone involved in designing digital products. The book dives into the strategic aspects of UX writing and equips writers with a holistic understanding of how words can shape user experiences.
Podmajersky guides readers through the process of aligning content with the overall product vision, conducting user research, and iterating on the writing to create an exceptional user journey.
“Strategic Writing for UX” empowers writers to think critically about the impact of their words and make strategic decisions to optimize user engagement.
Top three takeaways
- Aligning content with the product vision: “Strategic Writing for UX” emphasizes the importance of aligning content with the overall product vision and goals. The book highlights the need for writers to understand the product’s purpose, target audience, and desired outcomes to craft content that supports and enhances the user experience in a strategic and intentional manner.
- Conducting user research for informed writing decisions: Podmajersky stresses the value of user research in shaping effective UX writing. The book provides insights into various research techniques and how they can inform writing decisions. Understanding user behaviors, preferences, and pain points allows writers to create content that addresses specific user needs and enhances the overall experience.
- Writing with clarity and simplicity: “Strategic Writing for UX” emphasizes the significance of clear and concise writing in UX. Podmajersky provides practical guidance on eliminating unnecessary complexity, avoiding jargon, and using plain language to ensure that the content is easily understood by users. By prioritizing clarity and simplicity, writers can enhance the usability and accessibility of the product, leading to a more satisfying user experience.
Summing it all up
These three books on UX writing — “Nicely Said” by Nicole Fenton and Kate Lee, “Writing Is Designing” by Michael J. Metts and Andy Welfle, and “Strategic Writing for UX” by Torrey Podmajersky — offer invaluable insights and practical guidance for anyone looking to enhance their UX writing skills. They emphasize the importance of user-centricity, clarity, simplicity, and the integration of writing and design in creating exceptional user experiences.
By applying the principles and techniques outlined in these books, writers can transform their approach to content creation, elevate the overall user experience, and make a lasting impact in the digital realm. So, dive into these resources and embark on a journey that will change the way you write content and connect with your audience.
