Ever heard about microcopy UX writing? Microcopy UX writing is usually used in a digital platform, both applications and websites. It is one of the most important components of a digital platform since, without microcopy, visitors would quickly become bewildered and leave your app or website. Therefore, UI/UX designers must also be aware of microcopy.
What is microcopy in UX writing?
Microcopy is a short and simple copy of a product’s user interface. It can be found across an app or website, guiding users and helping them understand how to use various features. Despite how small they may be, these short copies may significantly enhance the user experience of any product. It can also boost your conversion.
Are UX writing and microcopy the same thing?
Microcopy is a part of UX writing. UX writing writes content or copy for apps, websites, or other digital platforms to help users navigate the products. UX writing chooses the right words and phrases for elements of a digital product like menus, definitions, buttons, labels, chatbots, error messages, onboarding instructions, and empty states. These words or short copy is known as microscopy.
[Uncover the insights in Guide to Creating User Persona]
Microcopy is not copywriting
Well, maybe some copywriting also appears on the web, like landing pages or sales letters. But microcopy and copywriting aren’t the same thing. When it comes to copywriting, it is often combined with marketing and sales goals, using branding and creativity to engage readers. On the other hand, the goal of microcopy is to assist the user in understanding the situation and guide them nicely in the direction of the next step.
Additionally, copywriting has fewer formatting rules than microcopy. It makes UX writers have to follow a tighter set of rules. Because of this, it can be more difficult and require specific skills and an understanding of UX rules.
Tips for writing an effective microcopy UX writing
1. Make sure you know the brand identity
It is just like when writing content for your website. You need to clearly understand your brand identity before you start writing. In this way, you’ll be able to develop a tone of voice and maintain it throughout your entire microcopy UX writing.
Think about the emotions you want your users to experience, and then ask yourself which characteristics you should use to achieve that. Are you friendly or professional? If you already know, you can start writing.
2. Make it clear and concise
Great microcopy doesn’t make users confused. You can choose basic, common words that users are familiar with or that are easy to understand. But, the great microcopy should be short and clear and effectively deliver your message while being careful not to sound cold or rigid.
3. Be helpful
Microcopy’s main goal is to direct users through your product, which goes hand in hand with effective website UX design. Every piece of writing–from the copy on your 404 page to the labels on your website menu should help customers progress in the task at hand instead of stopping them in their tracks. Your website’s navigation will be much improved by this focus.
4. Test your copy
A set of content may be clear to you or your team and operate well, but it does not guarantee that all your users will find it so. You must test your copy with actual users, just like you should with every user experience. This will allow you to assess its clarity and make sure that your users have understood it. Test, test, and then test some more before making changes.
Make sure you also write an inclusive copy by conducting inclusive UX research at the beginning of your product design. An inclusive copy allows writers to create microcopy that is effective for all types of users in various contexts.
Today’s digital products almost always have microcopy UX writing and you must know why does UX matter for your app website? Implementing these clear words and phrases will greatly enhance the user experience. Conversion rates are impacted by it as well. Especially considering how rapidly the IT sector is changing. UX writers must stay current with trends to stay competitive.