How to Write Microcopy That Rocks: A Guide for UX Writers

Dyta Ayunda Pratama
Magika
Published in
2 min readFeb 17, 2023

Microcopy is one of the most critical elements in UX design. It’s the tiny bits of text that help guide users through your product or website and make their experience more intuitive and enjoyable. If you’re new to UX writing, you may be wondering how to write effective microcopy. Fear not, fellow wordsmith, this guide will give you all the tips you need to write microcopy that rocks!

  1. Be Clear and Concise: Microcopy should be short, sweet, and to the point. Users don’t have time to read lengthy explanations, so make sure your microcopy is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
  2. Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, think about who your target audience is and what they need to know. This will help you write a microcopy that is relevant and valuable to them.
  3. Use Active Voice: Passive voice can make your microcopy sound vague and boring. Instead, use active voice to make your microcopy more engaging and actionable. For example, instead of writing “The button should be pressed,” write “Press the button.”
  4. Avoid Jargon: Technical terms and complex language can be confusing for users. Stick to plain language and avoid using jargon, especially in microcopy.
  5. Be Consistent: Microcopy should be consistent with the tone and voice of the rest of your product or website. It should also be consistent in terms of formatting and style, such as capitalization, punctuation, and font choice.
  6. Test, Test, Test: The best way to know if your microcopy is effective is to test it with real users. Get feedback from a diverse group of users to see if they understand and find your microcopy helpful.

In conclusion, writing effective microcopy is all about being clear, concise, and consistent. Remember to put yourself in the shoes of your target audience and test your microcopy to see how it performs. With these tips, you’ll be writing microcopy that rocks in no time!

--

--