Small Words, Big Impact: Creating User-Centered UX Microcopy for Task Success
The language and tone of voice with our user determines how the user interacts with our solutions and UX products. The presence of a simple, smart and safe language presentation is very important for a successful UX decision.
What is a Microcopy?
Microcopy is tiny text in user interfaces, such as button labels, error messages and instructions. Short sentences and phrases tell the user what to do and how to solve the problem; they help the user understand where their request is at, even if the application processes it in the background.
Microcopy is everywhere, from the call to action button to notifications that they are leaving the page. And while micro texts belong to the domain of content managers and marketers, they’re essential in UX. That’s why it’s necessary for a UX designer to at least distinguish effective Microcopy from outright weak ones and, better yet, pump up the skill of writing them themselves.
Microcopy writing tips for UX
Be concise and clear: Microtexts should be brief and precise. Users should understand the purpose of the text at a glance.
Use precise language: Avoid technical jargon, professional words or complex terms that users may not understand. Write using a conversational style that is easy to read and understand.
Give a step-by-step guide: Micro-texts can be used as guidelines and to describe a sequence of steps. Consequently, make descriptive captions for buttons and links, and give valuable tips and instructions where necessary.
Be consistent: Use a consistent style, and stick to the chosen terminology throughout the interface. This will help users understand the purpose of the different functions and actions.
Use a friendly tone: Microcopy is suitable for creating a warm, accommodating interface tone. Remember humour and personalisation when appropriate to make the interface more enjoyable.
Test and choose the best: Test different micro-texting options to determine the most effective ones. Use A/B testing to compare different versions and make changes based on user feedback.
Micro texts should be user-centred and help users navigate the interface.
Best 11 AI-powered microcopy tools
AI-powered microscopy tools help to simplify the process of content creation and optimise short texts for maximum effectiveness. You can also use them to improve your readers and have additional options for testing button captions, headings and other elements.
Copy.ai — A tool that uses AI to generate high-quality microcopy, headlines, taglines, and other types of marketing copy.
Writesonic — An AI-powered writing assistant that can help you generate microcopy, landing pages, ads, and more.
CopySmith — A tool that uses GPT-3 AI technology to generate high-quality copy for landing pages, product descriptions, and other types of content.
Articoolo — An AI-powered content creation tool that can generate unique and relevant microcopy based on your input.
Phrasee — An AI-powered tool that can help you write effective email subject lines, Facebook ads, and other types of microcopy.
Jasper — A tool that uses AI to help you write blog posts, social media captions, and other types of microcopy.
Headlime — Uses AI to help you write headlines, subheadings, and other types of microcopy for your website, blog, or social media posts.
Contentbot — Uses AI to help you generate content ideas, headlines, and other types of microcopy for your blog, social media, or email campaigns.
INK’s Microcopy Generator is an AI-powered micro text generator to help you quickly and easily generate the content you need. To get the text, you need to describe the task and select the tone of the message.
Sudowrite is an AI-powered micro text generator for prompts. It’s not a big fan of long publications, but it’s always ready to improve short texts or suggest ideas.
Microcopy.me is an extensive collection of mini-texts for your website or app. You can always find ideas for short phrases here.
Where to learn how to create your own cool UX Microcopy?
There are many resources and courses out there. I’ll cite a few platforms and apps to get you started.
UX Writing Hub: A platform that includes a range of resources and courses for UX writing and Microcopy, as well as a community of writers and designers.
Learn UX Writing — ProApp is an app that will pump up your UX writing skills to create better apps.
