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Dr. Katharina Grimm

UX writing is the verbal user communication within digital interfaces. It appears in apps, websites, and all other kinds of digital products that users interact with – and, as such, it is an integral part of the user experience. For writers and designers, however, UX writing is much more than that: Since big tech companies have become increasingly aware of the importance of UX writing, the young discipline offers promising job opportunities, exciting tasks, and a great career outlook.

But what does it take to become a UX writer and what do aspiring UX writers need to know about the job?

Read more

UX writing is the verbal user communication within digital interfaces. It appears in apps, websites, and all other kinds of digital products that users interact with – and, as such, it is an integral part of the user experience. For writers and designers, however, UX writing is much more than that: Since big tech companies have become increasingly aware of the importance of UX writing, the young discipline offers promising job opportunities, exciting tasks, and a great career outlook.

But what does it take to become a UX writer and what do aspiring UX writers need to know about the job?

One thing is certain: For those who want to break into UX writing, the first steps often seem the hardest: How do I apply, what can I expect the application process to look like, and how do I create a portfolio when I haven't done any projects yet? If you ask yourself these and other questions and have not yet found an answer to them, this course is the right choice for you.

Who should join

This course is the perfect match for everybody who considers breaking into UX writing and is interested in learning more about the tasks to do, the skills to learn, and the steps to take in order to start a career in UX writing. It is also helpful for everybody who plans to apply for a UX writing role and is about to enter the application process.

Please note that if you want to learn about how to actually do UX writing, my course "Introduction to UX Writing: How to Write Great Microcopy" is probably a better choice for you.

What you will learn

In the first part of this course, you will learn about

  • the everyday tasks of a UX writer

  • the skills a UX writer needs

  • the difficult parts and challenges of the job

  • valuable resources to dive into the field of UX writing

  • the first steps to start a career as a UX writer

Now that’s it for the basics. In the second part of this course, you will learn about

  • what the usual application process for UX writers looks like

  • how to build a UX writing portfolio to apply with

  • how to tackle UX writing job interviews

  • how to do typical home assignments in the application process

Sounds good? Then join this class and be perfectly prepared to start your career as a UX writer.

If you want to take all of my UX Writing courses, here is the order recommend:

1 Introduction To UX Writing

2 Transitioning To UX Writing

3 Accessible UX Writing

4 UX Writing: Finding Your Voice and Tone

5 UX Writing in Practice: Documentation & Processes

6 User Research And Testing For UX Writing

7 Inclusive UX Writing: Physical Abilities & Neurodivergence

8 Inclusive UX Writing: Gender, Race & Age

9 Culture-Based UX Writing

10 Localization in UX Writing

11 Fighting „Dark“ UX Writing: How To Write Kind UX Copy

12 Building Your UX Writing Portfolio

13 Freelancing in UX Writing

Please note that all courses stand for themselves and that you don't need to take any course as a prerequisite for taking another one. You don’t have to follow this order. This is only my very own suggestion, which is especially helpful when you need guidance on which course to pick next.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Know about the everyday tasks of a ux writer
  • Know the skills a ux writer needs to have
  • Know about the challenges of working as a ux writer
  • Have a collection of valuable resources to dive into the field of ux writing
  • Know the first steps to starting a career as a ux writer
  • Know everything about the typical application process for ux writers
  • Know how to build a ux writing portfolio, even if you don't have any experience in ux writing
  • Know how to tackle ux writing job interviews
  • Know how to do typical home assignments in the application process
  • Meet some helpful tools and platforms that will support you in the application process
  • Know the most important communities and job boards for ux writers
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Welcome!

Welcome to this course! In the introduction, I will give you a brief overview of what you'll learn in this two-course series, who this double course is best suited for, and how you can best benefit from it. Sounds good? Then let's go!

Read more

UX writing is an exciting, new field that offers great opportunities for professionals of different backgrounds. However, to many people interested in transitioning into this field, the details of the job profile remain obscure. This is why in this first course of the two-course series, we will discuss the everyday tasks of a UX writer, the challenges of the job, and much more.

Let's kick off the first part of this course by discussing all the great reasons to become a UX writer – from a promising career outlook and a great salary to a large scope of exciting tasks. Need some motivation to finally transition into UX writing? This lesson has what you need.

Time for some myth-busting! Did you know, that writing is only a very small part of a UX writer's job? But what's the rest of it? In this lesson, we will take a closer look at the daily tasks of a UX writer, so you will get a better idea of what to expect from working as a UX writer.

While writing and language will be your main tools, “writing is not the make or break” in UX writing. In this lesson, we’ll discuss all the other hard and soft skills that you need to have as a UX writer, and why it’s important to have them.

Maroon 5 said it right: "It's not always rainbows and butterflies": Just like in any other job, working as a UX writer might come with some challenges to tackle. In this lesson, we will discuss the most common ones to give you a clearer image of the job profile.

From getting in touch with UX writing for the first time to landing a job in UX writing – this lesson summarizes the major steps to becoming a UX writer.

Are you ready to fully dive into UX writing and enhance your knowledge about the field? This final lesson of the first part of the course will show you all the blogs, podcasts, job boards, and communities to follow, and many other valuable resources.

So much for the first part of this two-course series! Let's wrap it up by summarizing the most important insights and findings we learned throughout the previous lessons.

Congratulations for completing the first part of this class! Now, after having learned about the details of the job profile of a UX writer, it's time to get practical: We will be talking about how to tackle each step of the application process – even if you have experience in UX writing. Want to know how? In this introductory lesson, I'll let you know.

Let's start the second part of this series with repeating what we've learned in the first part: Why should you become a UX writer, and what are the major obstacles to starting a career in UX writing?

The second part of this course is all about the application process that you typically have to go through when applying for a job in UX writing. From writing your resume to creating your portfolio and completing a home assignment – this lesson gives you a brief overview of all these single steps.

Let's talk about the first part of the application process: preparing your resume! In this lesson, we'll discuss how to highlight the right skills and experiences in your resume, as well as how to layout and style your resume when applying for a job in UX, and: we'll also take a closer look at some UX writers' resumes for inspiration.

Let's tackle one of the most feared parts of the application process: preparing your portfolio! In this lesson, we quickly talk about why providing a portfolio is important, before we discuss what to include in your portfolio and how to present your work in your portfolio, as well as how to create content for your portfolio if you have no experience in UX writing.

Ready to take this one step further? Let's find out what you can expect to happen in the interview(s) of your application process – from the attendees to the most common questions that will be asked, and the things you should carefully prepare to leave a good impression on your future boss and colleagues.

Ok, time to show 'em what you got! Home assignments are an essential part of the UX writing application process. This is why, in this lesson, I'll show you some examples for such home assignments, we'll discuss what you should keep in mind when you work on your home assignment, and I'll introduce you to two tools that will help you with putting you writing into design context.

We're almost done! Let's complete this course with some general tips and tricks that will help you to succeed with your application.

Let's briefly summarize what we've learned about how to prepare for the application process.

Never leave a course without some warm, encouraging words! Let's come together one last time to say goodbye to each other.

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Transitioning Into UX Writing. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Transitioning Into UX Writing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
UX Writer
The UX Writer crafts the verbal user communication within digital interfaces, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and user-friendliness across apps, websites, and digital products. This course is an ideal match for anyone aspiring to this role, as it focuses entirely on the transition process. It illuminates the everyday tasks, essential skills, and common challenges of the job. Importantly, it provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the application process, from building a compelling portfolio even without prior experience, to tackling job interviews and home assignments, making it an indispensable resource for launching a career as a UX Writer.
Content Designer
A Content Designer shapes the overall content experience within a product, often encompassing UX writing, content strategy, and information architecture. This role is deeply intertwined with the verbal user communication within digital interfaces. This course is highly relevant for breaking into Content Design because it extensively covers the practical steps to start a career in a content-focused product role. Learners will understand the daily tasks and skills required, and gain specific insights into building a portfolio, preparing for interviews, and successfully completing application home assignments, which are critical for entering this dynamic field.
Content Strategist
A Content Strategist plans the creation, delivery, and governance of useful and usable content. UX writing is a critical component of a broader content strategy. This course can help someone transition into or advance within Content Strategy by providing a deep understanding of the practicalities and challenges of verbal user communication in digital interfaces. It delves into the everyday tasks and skills required for crafting impactful content, offering insights crucial for developing overarching content plans. Additionally, the course's focus on career readiness, including portfolio creation and application processes, may be useful. This role often benefits from an advanced degree.
User Experience Designer
The User Experience Designer focuses on enhancing user satisfaction by improving the usability, accessibility, and pleasure provided in the interaction with a product. While primarily visual and interaction-focused, understanding the text in an interface is crucial. This course provides valuable context for a UX Designer, detailing the everyday tasks, skills, and challenges of a UX writer—an integral part of the design team. Knowing how UX writing contributes to the user experience helps in effective collaboration and can inform design decisions, fostering a holistic approach to digital product development and showcasing the importance of verbal communication.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer communicates complex information clearly and concisely, often for user manuals, help guides, or product documentation. While distinct from microcopy, the core principles of user-centric communication and clarity in digital products are shared. This course, 'Transitioning Into UX Writing,' may be useful by providing a structured approach to entering a specialized writing career in the tech industry. It covers vital aspects like understanding the daily tasks, required skills, and the application process, including portfolio development and interview preparation, which are highly transferable skills for aspiring Technical Writers seeking to break into a similar digital writing domain.
Digital Copywriter
The Digital Copywriter creates persuasive text for online platforms, often focused on marketing, advertising, and brand communication. While UX writing focuses on in-product text, both roles demand a keen understanding of audience, effective phrasing, and digital context. This course may be useful for a Digital Copywriter by enhancing their understanding of how verbal communication functions within digital interfaces, particularly in guiding users. The course's practical guidance on career transition, including portfolio building and interview strategies for digital writing roles, can be broadly beneficial for those looking to advance or pivot into various forms of digital copywriting.
Information Architect
An Information Architect organizes and structures content to enhance usability and findability within digital products. Although not a writing role, the clear presentation of verbal user communication is fundamental to effective information architecture. This course, by detailing the tasks of a UX writer and the importance of text in digital interfaces, may be useful for an Information Architect. It helps build a foundation in understanding how words guide users, inform navigation, and contribute to overall user experience. This insight is critical for designing intuitive structures that directly support the content crafted by UX writers. This role can benefit from an advanced degree.
Product Manager
A Product Manager guides the development and strategy of a product, overseeing its entire lifecycle. Understanding every facet of user experience, including verbal interactions, is paramount. This course, 'Transitioning Into UX Writing,' may be useful for a Product Manager as it offers deep insights into the UX writer's daily tasks, skills, and unique challenges. Comprehending the critical role of microcopy in user interaction and product success enables better team collaboration, informed decision-making, and more effective product leadership. It helps build a comprehensive perspective on all components that shape a user's journey through a digital product.
Accessibility Specialist
An Accessibility Specialist ensures digital products are usable by individuals with diverse abilities, creating inclusive experiences. Verbal user communication is a key aspect of accessibility, as clear, well-written text is crucial for screen readers and cognitive accessibility. This course, by focusing on the fundamentals of UX writing and its role in digital interfaces, may be useful for an Accessibility Specialist. It helps build an understanding of how language choice and presentation impact accessibility, providing context for evaluating and improving the inclusivity of product content. The course illuminates the specific demands of crafting effective interface text.
Conversion Rate Optimization Specialist
A Conversion Rate Optimization Specialist aims to increase the percentage of website visitors who complete a desired action, such as a purchase or sign-up. The verbal communication within digital interfaces, or UX writing, directly influences user behavior and decision-making throughout the conversion funnel. This course, focusing on the impact of microcopy, may be useful for a Conversion Rate Optimization Specialist. It helps build an understanding of how carefully crafted words guide users, alleviate friction, and encourage actions, providing valuable insights for optimizing digital content to achieve business goals and improve user flows effectively.
Localization Specialist
A Localization Specialist adapts digital products, including their content, to meet the linguistic and cultural requirements of specific target markets. Effective localization hinges on a deep understanding of the original content's intent and user experience. This course, by detailing the everyday tasks and importance of UX writing in digital interfaces, may be useful for a Localization Specialist. It helps build a foundational understanding of how verbal user communication is crafted for different digital products, which is crucial for accurately translating and culturally adapting microcopy while maintaining its original purpose and user-centricity in new contexts.
User Researcher
A User Researcher investigates user behaviors, needs, and motivations through various methodologies to inform product design and development. Understanding the role of content, particularly UX writing, in shaping user perception and interaction is vital. This course, by outlining the daily tasks and challenges of a UX writer, may be useful for a User Researcher. It helps build a foundation for understanding the specific impact of verbal user communication in digital interfaces, informing research design, content testing strategies, and the interpretation of user feedback related to textual elements within a product. This role often benefits from an advanced degree.
Content Marketing Manager
A Content Marketing Manager develops and implements strategies for creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. While distinct from in-product UX writing, both roles require strong writing, audience understanding, and digital channel expertise. This course may be useful for a Content Marketing Manager by enhancing their understanding of effective verbal communication within digital interfaces and user-centric content approaches. The focus on career transition within a digital writing field, including portfolio development and interview preparation, can offer transferable skills for advancing in content marketing.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates engaging and effective learning experiences, translating complex information into easily digestible content. This role shares common ground with UX writing in its emphasis on clear, concise, and user-friendly communication within structured digital environments. This course, by exploring the principles of verbal user communication in digital interfaces and the skills needed for crafting efficient messages, may be useful for an Instructional Designer. It helps build a foundation in user-centered content practices that can be applied to educational materials, ensuring maximum clarity and comprehension for learners in various digital learning platforms.
Editor
An Editor reviews and refines written material to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines. In the digital product space, an Editor specializing in UX content is invaluable. This course, by detailing the everyday tasks, unique challenges, and specific demands of UX writing as a discipline, may be useful for an Editor. It helps build a specialized understanding of how verbal user communication functions within digital interfaces, providing the specific context needed to effectively polish microcopy for optimal user experience and digital product success, going beyond general grammatical correctness.

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Argues that UX writing is not just about writing words, but about designing the entire user experience. It covers topics such as information architecture, interaction design, and visual design.
Helps UX writers to develop a strategic approach to their work. It covers topics such as user research, content strategy, and writing for different platforms.
A classic in the field of UX writing, this book provides practical advice on how to write clear, concise, and user-friendly copy for websites, apps, and other digital products.
Comprehensive guide to interaction design, the process of designing interactive digital products. It covers topics such as user research, prototyping, and evaluation.
Comprehensive guide to microcopy, the small bits of text that appear on websites, apps, and other digital products. It covers topics such as writing for different contexts, using humor and personality, and writing for international audiences.
Provides practical advice on content design, the process of creating content that is clear, concise, and user-friendly. It covers topics such as user research, content strategy, and writing for different platforms.
Classic in the field of marketing, and it has had a major influence on the field of UX design. It covers topics such as persuasion, storytelling, and memory.
Classic in the field of information architecture, the art and science of organizing and labeling web content. It covers topics such as user research, content strategy, and navigation design.
Practical guide to career exploration and decision-making. It includes exercises and worksheets to help you clarify your values, interests, and skills.
Is specifically tailored to college students and recent graduates who are transitioning into their first careers.
Classic in the field of personal development and can be helpful for career transitioners who want to improve their overall effectiveness.
Provides a step-by-step guide to career planning, including how to set goals, create a resume, and network effectively.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the career transition process, from assessing your skills and interests to networking and finding a new job.

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