My first foray into that world actually came about during my time as Head of Content at a startup called Receptive.
I was the “writer-in-residence” and so any in-app copy (as I called it back then) would need to go through me.
Turns out I actually enjoyed it, and so now I have the opportunity to do it more often.
But that meant learning all about UX writing. It’s a fairly new discipline, and so finding good UX writing resources was tricky.
That’s why I decided that I’d put together this list of UX writing resources that helped me when I was first starting off.
Let’s dive in!
UX Writing Hub
UX Writing Hub is a resource that budding UX writers simply can’t afford to overlook.
It has an incredible blog, with some excellent posts including how to use design tools like Figma, and how to write microcopy for video games.
Not only that, but there’s a free UX writing course (yes, FREE!) on offer.
New modules are being added to it all the time, and it’s a great place to start if you’re new to the world of UX writing.
Writers In Tech Podcast
We’re probably in the golden era of podcasts right now. There’s one for everyone.
It turns out there’s one for UX writers too.
The talented Yuval Keshtcher hosts UX writers from some massive companies, including the likes of Disney and Deloitte.
Each episode is around 40 minutes long and is jam-packed full of insights and actionable takeaways.
It’s also nice to hear other UX writers’ stories, and to learn how they first entered the industry.
Listen to Writers In Tech on Apple >>
Listen to Writers In Tech on Spotify >>
Microcopy book by Kinneret Yifrah
Kinneret’s book was actually the first UX writing resource I ever learned from.
As an introduction to UX writing, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Kinneret runs Nemala, the leading UX agency in Israel, and it’s clear she knows her stuff.
The book is only short, but every page adds value. It covers everything you need to know about writing UX copy for products and apps.
It even contains loads of real-world examples for you to learn from.
Microcopy & UX Writing Facebook Group
I’ve been part of a lot of Facebook groups over the years and honestly most of them have been a waste of time. Either the mods don’t care enough to manage the group, or nobody bothers posting anything.
But this group is different. It’s a tight-knit community of UX writers (or those interested in UX writing), and it seems like everyone is on the same page.
It’s a place for light-hearted discussion, for rants and raves, for sharing good and bad (mostly awful in truth) examples of microcopy.
Most of all, it’s a place for giving and receiving advice from other UX writing professionals.
Everyone is friendly and welcoming, and we’re basically a good bunch of people.
You should definitely head over there and introduce yourself!
Strategic Writing For UX by Torrey Podmajersky
There aren’t many books out there for UX writers as it’s still such a new role. (I suspect there are a good number currently being written!)
I’ve only been able to find two good books on the subject. I’ve mentioned Kinneret’s book already, but this one by Torrey Podmajersky is equally useful.
Rather than show you the best practices on what to write when it comes to microcopy, Torrey shows you how to write it, sharing the processes that have worked for her in the past.
This is a useful glimpse into life as a UX writer, and taking her advice on board is guaranteed to serve you well in your new role.
Writers In Tech Slack Channel
If you want to be part of a group but prefer to stay away from social media (which to be honest is probably for the best) then there’s a fantastic community on Slack.
The Writers In Tech group is run by Yuval, as in the guy behind UX Writing Hub, the Writers In Tech podcast, and the aforementioned Facebook group. (How does he find the time?)
Anyway, much like the Facebook group, the Slack group is full of other UX writers. Some are newbies like me, others are experts. All of us ready and willing to chat about UX stuff.
Come and say hello!
Good Microcopy
One of the best ways of learning how to write good microcopy is to look at some examples of good microcopy.
Now, you could go and sign up for countless products and do some of your own analysis. Actually, that’s probably a good idea.
But for those of you who are a little lazier (and don’t worry I’m firmly in that bracket) then this site by Richard Sison is here to help you out.
Richard shares screenshots of some brilliant microcopy that he finds in the wild. He also explains what makes it work so well, and offers up some extremely useful UX writing insights.
UX Planet
UX writing is one part of the larger UX design whole. While it’s important to learn as much as you can about your specialism, it’s also useful to have a broader understanding of UX design principles.
That’s where UX Planet comes in. It’s a Medium publication with dozens of useful insights into UX design.
Some blog posts touch on UX writing, while others are about research or design. But you should really be reading about all of these topics if you want to be a great UX writer.
Hemingway App
This might seem like an odd inclusion, but bear with me!
The best UX writing needs to a) be clear and succinct, and b) make sense.
Hemingway is a word processor with a built-in tool to check the grade of your writing. It’ll also explain how you can improve it, for example, changing passive sentences to active.
While it’s mainly used for long-form writing like blog posts, it’s well worth running any microcopy you write through it as well.
The Best UX Writing Resource
So there we have it!
9 amazing UX writing resources for you to go and check out.
The best UX writing resource, however, isn’t any of those I’ve mentioned.
No, the best way to learn about UX writing is by doing. I’m a firm believer that the most effective way of developing a skill is to practice it.
Reading and learning about it is great, but you’ll only get better with practice.
That’s why I suggest you go and check out also the Daily UX Writing challenges and give them a go.
Your UX writing will improve in no time.
Any resources I missed? Let me know in the comments!
Happy learning!
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