I’ve accepted it now. Part of my job involves busting myths and showing copywriters how UX makes writing copy that converts a breeze.
Over the years, I’ve seen many copywriters stumble over misconceptions that keep them from hitting their stride.
But guess what? Embracing UX principles can change your game, making your copy more compelling and engaging.
So, let’s dive in and debunk some common UX myths holding you back.
UX myth 1: UX is just for designers and big tech companies
Often, there’s a misconception that UX only applies to product designers at large tech firms.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
As a copywriter, especially if you’re writing for marketing websites, you can use UX principles to enhance your work significantly.
Of course, invoicing software like Xero or a course platform like Kajabi benefits from good UX.
But marketing websites are also digital products. They need to be user-friendly to make sales.
It’s not just about the design; it’s about how users interact with the words. It’s about designing a conversation.
The way it looks is important, too, but it’s secondary.
By integrating UX principles into your copywriting, you ensure that your words are compelling and user-friendly.
UX myth 2: If I’ve written website copy, I already understand UX
When I moved to the Netherlands, I believed I could grow tulips. How hard could it be?
But my initial efforts resulted in wasted time, money and a few paltry blooms sticking out of a bed of weeds.
Similarly, it’s a common copywriting myth that reading a few articles, watching some YouTube videos, or even completing many website projects gives them a sufficient understanding of UX.
However, truly mastering UX requires more than just surface-level knowledge.
This is why I’m so grateful to have started my career working as a UX writer within a UX team. It taught me how to bake UX into every single thing I do.
That meant always making data-driven decisions and looking for ways to make life as easy as possible for me, my clients, and the end user—while always striving towards a business goal.
When I started my own copywriting business, this philosophy stayed with me despite almost no one else talking about it.
After 5 years in business, I’ve created so many UX-informed frameworks and systems for creating website copy, from project kickoff right through to testing your copy.
And now I get to share it all with you, which leads me to the next myth…
UX myth 3: UX copywriting is just about microcopy
There’s a common belief that UX copywriting only involves writing microcopy—those short, punchy bits of text you see on buttons or error messages.
While it’s true that UX writers often handle microcopy, their role is much broader.
After all, you can’t write compelling microcopy without first understanding the user’s journey.
Copywriters, on the other hand, are responsible for all the words on the page.
This includes microcopy, sure, but also all the persuasive narrative that gets people excited to buy.
Understanding the user journey and empathising with your readers helps you write better copy overall.
By considering how users interact with every word, from headlines to call-to-actions, you can create a more cohesive and effective user experience that leads to more sales.
For more similarities and differences between copywriters and UX writers, check out this blog post.
UX myth 4: UX is only relevant to websites
Many think UX principles only apply to websites.
In reality, a thorough understanding of UX can improve all types of copy, from emails and social media posts to long-form sales pages.
For example, when writing an email, considering the user experience involves thinking about the subject line, the preview text, the layout, the clarity of the message, and of course, the call to action.
Writing a social media post is about understanding what will engage your audience quickly and effectively.
A sales page doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s part of a larger user journey that spans multiple platforms, including ads, emails, and website and cart pages.
No matter the medium, UX principles can help you write copy that resonates with your audience and achieves your goals.
UX myth 5: It’s too technical and advanced
I get it: UX can seem intimidating, especially if you’re just starting out.
It sounds technical and advanced, leading many to believe it’s something to learn later.
However, UX is fundamental to writing effective web copy, no matter your experience level.
In my program, Beyond Web Copy, I’ve seen experienced copywriters and complete beginners alike transform their work by adopting UX principles.
They transition from feeling overwhelmed to being equipped with actionable frameworks to tackle any copywriting project.
Embrace UX today
Integrating UX into your copywriting process offers numerous benefits.
It makes your work more valuable, positions you as an expert and improves your collaboration with clients and designers.
When designers see that you “get it,” they’re more likely to refer work to you, appreciating the seamless integration between content and design.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into UX copywriting, check out my free resource, the Ultimate Guide to UX Web Copy.
It provides a step-by-step process to enhance your copywriting skills with UX principles.
Get an unfair advantage
UX is not just for designers or big tech companies. It’s for anyone writing copy for digital.
If you write websites, it’s a non-negotiable skill.
Whether you’re an experienced copywriter or just starting out, integrating UX into your process can save time, boost your confidence, and lead to higher-performing content.
So, don’t wait. Embrace UX in your copywriting today, and see the difference it makes in your workflow and client results.
