UX is short for user experience.
Those succinct explanations on websites that make it easier to navigate are UX writing.
In my younger days, I thought they were machine-generated texts. Dabbling into content writing has opened me up to much more possibilities in the tech space.
We will explain the intricacies of UX writing as well as reveal the best website to hire freelancers for UX writing.
What is UX Writing?
UX writing is the art of writing the words users see when interacting with digital products like websites, apps, and software.
The aim of UX writing is to ensure users can navigate easily, understand what to do, and achieve their goals.
UX writing is;
User-centered: Unlike traditional copywriting that focuses on brand messaging, UX writing prioritizes the user’s needs and goals.
Clear and concise: Effective UX writing is short, sweet, and to the point, avoiding jargon and technical terms.
Part of the design: UX writing is integrated into the overall design process, being in sync with visual components for a seamless experience.
How to Become a UX Writer
Writing skills: This is one of the most important skills necessary to become a UX writer. It involves clear, strong grammar, clarity, and the ability to tailor your voice to different audiences are crucial.
User empathy: Understanding user needs and frustrations is key to crafting helpful and guiding text.
Design thinking: UX writing is part of design, so familiarity with design principles and user research methods is a plus.
Tools of the trade: Learning about user interface (UI) design patterns and content management systems (CMS) can give you an edge.
Types of UX Writing
There are different types of UX writing, these are the common ones;
Microcopy: They are short bits of text like button labels, error messages, and status updates.
Content writing: These come in the form of instructions, FAQs, and in-app help guides that provide more detailed information about the product and how to navigate it.
Voice user interface (VUI) copy: This involves writing the words used by chatbots and virtual assistants.
See also: 7 Best Websites to Hire Freelancers for Expository Writing in Africa
How to Hire a UX Writer
Hiring a skilled UX writer can make all the difference in your digital product’s success. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to ensure you find the right person for the job:
#1. Define Your Needs
Project Scope: Is it a full-time role, a freelance gig, or a specific project?
Industry Expertise: Does the writer need experience in your specific industry (e.g., fintech, healthcare)?
Team Dynamics: How will the UX writer integrate with your design and development teams?
#2. Write a Compelling Job Description
Highlight the role: Explain the responsibilities and how UX writing contributes to your product.
Skills and experience: Clearly outline the required skills (writing, user research) and desired experience (microcopy, VUI).
Company culture: Briefly showcase your company culture to attract like-minded candidates.
#3. Source the Right Talent
Job boards: Platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed are great for reaching a wide audience.
UX communities: Look for UX writer communities online from the websites listed here to hire freelancers for UX writing
Recruiting agencies: Consider partnering with a UX-focused agency to tap into their network.
#4. Evaluate Applications
Portfolio Review: Prioritize candidates with strong portfolios showcasing clear, concise writing for UX projects. Look for previous job samples in microcopy, content writing, and VUI.
Technical Skills Assessment: Consider a writing test that assesses the candidate’s ability to write different types of UX copy (error messages, button labels).
#5. Conduct Interviews:
While strong writing skills are crucial, go deeper into the candidate’s user empathy, design thinking, and ability to collaborate effectively.
Give the candidate a realistic UX writing task related to your product and see how they approach it.
Ask questions about their preferred work style and how they handle feedback to ensure a good fit with your team.
Look for a portfolio that showcases clear, concise writing for various types of digital products.
Someone who can work in a team. UX writers work closely with designers and developers, so good communication is essential.
Lastly, a UX writer who understands research experience: Understanding user research methods demonstrates a commitment to user-centered design.
See also: 7 Best Websites to Hire Freelancers for Descriptive Writing in Africa
7 Best Websites to Hire Freelancers for UX Writing in Africa
These are the best websites to hire freelancers for UX writing in Africa.
#1 WritersGig
Shall we speak in benefits?
UX writing basically deals with writing on websites. This is one area where WritersGig has a strong advantage.
The submission interface has the same features as the WordPress environment.
On the platform, the buyer can optimize works straight on the WritersGig interface. The text editor is the same as the WordPress interface. All you have to do is copy the text and paste it to your website, and all the formatting is retained.
Did we already mention that it is a freelance marketplace? Both the buyer and writer who register on the platform do not have to pay a dime to get access to a pool of vetted writers and buyers.
As a writer, you can work with a free mind knowing that the platform works with an escrow payment system where your payment is secured. The buyer cannot receive your work and refuse to make payment.
On WritersGig, UX writers basically earn between ₦65,000 and ₦180,000 monthly.
Related Post: How to Register as a Buyer or Writer on WritersGig
#2 Designhill
This is a haven for creatives. Designhill is a creative marketplace where freelance designers including UX writers with employers.
To find freelancers, employers can create a project contest, search for specific services on the homepage, or order a creative service.
Designhill allows her creatives to design their t-shirts, print them, and sell them online in their shop. I love this twist because it gives freelancers another way to make money while being a freelance platform.
#3 Behance
This is one of the best freelance websites for creatives. UX writing, web development, animation, illustrations, and mobile app development.
There is a featured project spot on the freelancer where profiles of creatives whose project samples stand out are listed.
This is a great exposure for the creative and who knows how many hires he can get from being in the spotlight.
Behance also has job selection search, which makes it easy to sort out posted jobs.
#4 PeoplePerHour
This freelance website to hire freelancers for UX writing markets itself as the guru when it comes to matching vetted freelancers with businesses who require their service.
PeoplePerHour is the best website that will eliminate the time wasted searching for the right fit.
It uses AI to bring them together. It is your duty as the client to explain your demands to the freelancer.
#5 WriterAccess
This has a smaller database than the other freelance websites listed above. It connects writers to businesses.
There are two ways to get on board this freelance website to hire freelancers for UX writing. The free version still gives you access to freelance writers. The second option is to pay a deposit.
If you know you’ll need lots of content, paying the initial deposit will be a good idea.
See also: Best Websites to Hire Freelance Mirror Writers
#6 Contently
On Contently, you’ll find the highest-quality writers because only those are admitted to the website. It is a gold-standard freelance website that only admits vetted writers. Their services are customized to suit clients’ needs.
The website has a workflow service and an analytic platform that tracks the performance of your content.
Use Contently if you have a slightly robust budget and can hire the best hands.
#7 The Writer Finder
This is a freelance website that connects businesses to professional freelance UX writers.
The platform sifts the thousands of vetted writers and matches you to a freelancer who suits your business demands.
The Writer Finder website has one of the easiest ways to hire freelancers for UX writing.
It is a paid website for buyers of content.
Conclusion
The websites listed above are the best to hire freelancers for UX Writing in Africa.
Do read the article for a proper understanding of how to become a UX writer.
References
- Uxcel – Best Websites to Hire Freelancers for UX Writing in Africa
- UX writing hub – Best Websites to Hire Freelancers for UX Writing in Africa
