How I got started as a UX copywriter (secrets to fast-track your success)

Here’s my game-changing secret…

Niching into UX copywriting, of course.

If you’re wondering how to get started as a copywriter or maybe just how to become a better copywriter, that’s my top tip.

When you set yourself apart from the sea of other copywriters, you increase your chances of getting more referrals, greater visibility, repeat work, bigger projects, higher rates, and the best part – no pitching.

But becoming a successful UX copywriter didn’t happen overnight. 

It’s been a journey filled with twists, turns and humiliation valuable lessons. 

I’m sharing these lessons to speed up your process and avoid some potholes and snags I hit along the way.

Part 1: Would you like fries with that?

I started with an English Literature degree, and that’s how I learned to write.

I loved it. But when everyone told me the only job available would be at McDonald’s, I snagged a second postgraduate degree in Education. 

Thought high school teaching was my calling. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. 

Figuring out how to get started as a copywriter doesn’t require university degrees.

But here’s the thing – many teachers pivot into copywriting and UX because we know how to break down complex subjects into bite-sized pieces. 

This skill was gold when I created the curriculum for Beyond Web Copy.

Part 2: Moving to the Netherlands: my role at Booking.com

Next stop: the Netherlands. 

I talked my way into a gig at Booking.com as a UX writer. 

Talk about a crash course in UX. 

This is where I learned how to build complex digital products with user-led methodologies. 

I worked with some of the brightest minds, dove deep into testing, and user research, microcopy and got the lowdown on mammoth e-commerce websites, agile methodology, design thinking, localisation and user journeys, all while chasing ambitious revenue targets.

That’s a lot of jargon (and was a lot to take in at times), but essentially, it’s where I learnt how to turn online browsers into bookers.

Part 3: Back to Australia: diving into corporate and agency land

After my Dutch adventure, I came back to Australia and jumped into both the corporate and agency worlds. 

It was kind of backward from the usual copywriting career path, but it worked for me. 

I soaked up knowledge about traditional marketing, paid ads, SEO, email campaigns, and long-form sales pages. 

You could say this was the true started of my copywriting career path. 

But here’s the thing…

Every experience added a new layer to my skill set and broadened my understanding of how to become a better copywriter.

Part 4: Starting my business: UX meets copywriting

Then came the big leap – starting my own business when my twin girls were just one year old. 

Initially, I offered UX writing and website copywriting as separate services. 

But soon, I noticed the overlap between the two. 

As I landed bigger website projects (think 150 pages), I developed systems that combined the best of UX and conversion copywriting. 

And guess what? 

I hit six figures within my first full year of working — just 3 days a week.

Part 5: The epiphany: my unique UX knowledge

It wasn’t until I joined another copywriting program that I realised my UX knowledge was unique. 

And a total game-changer for other copywriters. 

It drives me nuts when people say copywriters don’t get UX or that UX isn’t part of copywriting. 

Creating a seamless user experience is essential for driving sales. 

More sales for your clients = more demand for you. 

This realisation led me to develop the curriculum for Beyond Web Copy.

I taught it live and shared my templates and systems with seven copywriters, who proved that this system didn’t just work for me!

Part 6: Expanding my reach: two signature programs

Today, I run two killer programs. 

Beyond Web Copy teaches copywriters how to incorporate UX into their workflows to save time, get better results, and skyrocket their earnings.

Site Launcher Lab walks service-providing business owners step by step through writing their own websites.

My unique blend of UX and conversion copy is at the heart of each.

Your turn: move faster by embracing UX

You can move faster than I did by embracing UX copywriting, starting today. 

Download the Ultimate UX Web Copy Guide to kickstart your journey.

My students have repeatedly proven that specialising in UX copywriting can set you apart and accelerate your career. 

It helps you become a better copywriter and achieve success faster.

The path to a successful copywriting career

By sharing my story, I hope to inspire and guide you on your path. 

There’s never been a better time to upskill in UX — especially with AI chomping at our heels. 

UX hasn’t just fast-tracked my career, but dozens of other copywriters who’ve taken Beyond Web Copy. Just check out all the testimonials on that page for proof!

With dedication and the right approach, I’m confident that you, too, can have a booked-up schedule without sending a single pitch.