11 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming a UX Writer

UX Writing is an emerging field focused on writing copy that seamlessly guides users through digital interfaces. As the demand for intuitive digital experiences grows (and will it ever stop doing so?), so does the need for skilled UX Writers. This article helps you evaluate if UX Writing is the right career path by giving you essential questions assessing your skills, interests, and more. Ready to go?

1. Do you know what a UX Writer does?

This is quite an obvious one, but still. If you are considering becoming a UX Writer, you should definitely make sure that you fully understand this discipline and, hence, the job profile. 

2. Why do you consider a career in UX Writing?

What are your motives? Big money? Creative self-fulfilment? Just escaping your current, dreading job? If you are looking for a fun job that gets you easy money – think again. Breaking through as a writer in the tech industry requires hard work, a lot of learning, and a lot of patience. If you are not profoundly interested or passionate about the craft itself, the road might get too rocky for you to reach your destination happily. 

3. Are you passionate about UX?

UX Writing is 30 % writing and 70 % UX. So if you only care about the writing part, you might be disappointed. To excel in UX Writing, you need a strong interest in improving user experiences. Consider if you enjoy thinking about making digital interactions smoother and more intuitive, and if you are willing to get into the depths of user-centered product design. 

4. Do You Possess Strong Writing Skills?

UX Writing demands excellent writing skills. And with writing skills, I don't mean writing beautifully or writing creatively. I mean, you must be able to convey information clearly and concisely, and you should know how to adapt your style to various contexts and brands.

5. Are you detail-oriented?

Attention to detail is vital in UX Writing. It's all about the nitty-gritty parts of interface copy. Every word matters in this discipline, and every single punctuation mark can make or break how your product and brand are perceived. Evaluate your ability to focus on small details without losing sight of the overall user experience.

6. Can You simplify complex information?

A key task of the UX Writer is making complex information accessible. Reflect on your ability to break down technical jargon and present it in a way that users can easily understand without oversimplifying important information or messages. 

7. Are You comfortable with research and data analysis?

Repeat after me: NO UX WRITING WITHOUT KNOWING THE USER! User research and data analysis are integral to UX Writing. You need to understand user behavior and preferences to create compelling content, and you should be able to make sense of all kinds of qualitative and quantitative data about your users.

8. Do You enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Yup, creating user experiences is a team's sport! UX Writers work closely with designers, developers, and product managers. Good communication and teamwork skills are essential, and being able to have productive discussions and finding compromises collectively is crucial – especially if you and your team members don’t agree on a certain decision.

9. Can you handle criticism and iterate on feedback?

Closely related to the previous question: One thing you need to be prepared for is that everybody and their mom will have an opinion on your work. However, constructive feedback is also a constant in UX writing. Therefore, you must be able to filter valuable feedback from just random opinions, be open to useful pieces of criticism, and be willing to revise your work based on feedback. 

10. Are you adaptable to changing requirements?

Flexibility is key to successful digital product design processes: Project needs, stakeholder requirements, and user feedback can change frequently. Evaluate your ability to adapt to new requirements and pivot your approach when necessary without losing your last nerve. Trust me, you'll need that skill. 

11. Do You Have a growth mindset?

I know, I know, it's a buzzword, but: a growth mindset is essential for continuous learning and constant improvement, and both are absolutely necessary in UX Writing. Reflect on your willingness to learn new skills, stay updated with industry trends, and seek professional development opportunities.

So let’s check in: Were you able to answer these questions confidently?

How to Proceed from where you stand

1. I don't know how to answer these questions; what can I do?

• No problem. If you find it challenging to answer these questions, take the time to learn more about UX Writing: Research the field, read articles and books, and consider taking introductory courses (have you seen my Introduction to UX Writing course yet?). Engaging with the UX Writing community can also provide valuable insights and guidance to get a clearer picture of UX Writing. At the same time, pay attention to yourself: What do you like about your current job, what feels tough? What can you see yourself doing, what not? Bring the pieces together and see whether you get a better idea of how to answer these questions. 

2. I'm pretty sure I have to say no to some of these questions: what does this mean?

• Saying no to some of these questions doesn't necessarily mean you can't pursue a career in UX Writing. It indicates areas where you might need to develop your skills or gain more experience. Focus on improving in those areas and reassess your fit for the role over time. Don't worry! UX Writing is all about learning new skills, and it is okay to develop some of these skills along the way. 

  A personal story to alleviate your worries: When I started, I doubted many of my abilities in many of these aspects, especially in data analysis, taking criticism, and mastering collaboration. I wouldn't have answered these questions with a "yes." either. However, I discovered that it's all about growth and learning. And with that, I found my place in UX Writing, and you can too!

3. I can answer all questions with yes, but I'm still scared of switching careers. What should I do?

• It's natural to feel apprehensive about switching careers. It's a big step! Start by re-writing some existing copy that you find in the apps and on the websites you use to better connect to the practice of UX Writing and train your skills. This will help you build confidence and a portfolio, making the transition smoother. Networking with professionals in the field can also provide support and encouragement. If you want to, you can also start a side hustle as a part-time UX Writer and only leave your current job when you feel confident switching careers. That's what I did!

4. I answered all questions with a big yes! What can I do next?

• If you answered yes to all the questions, chances are you are well-suited for a career in UX Writing. This is the moment when you can start building up your skills! I recommend starting with my Introductory course, which you can find on my Courses Page, and then heading over to the UX Writing Career course bundle, which will tell you more about UX Writing as a job, how to build a portfolio, how to master the hiring process, and much more. From here on, you can start applying!

Conclusion

Reflecting on these questions can help you find out whether a UX Writing career is for you. If you answered many of these questions with a confident “yes!”, a career in UX Writing could be rewarding. If you answered some of these questions with a hesitant “no” but are still interested in UX Writing, take this as a sign to just follow your curiosity! Not every new learned skill needs to introduce a career change. Try to have fun exploring the knowledge and practice of UX Writing and enjoy the ride for as a long as you would like to.