Microcopy is design
Design is about words. Words still form the backbone of communication on the web and in the apps, and microcopy should be a vital element of the design process from the very start. When done right, effective microcopy increases conversions, improves the rate of task completion and delights users.Alleviate the concerns of your users
Microcopy is extremely contextual. That’s why it’s so valuable. It answers a very specific question people have and speaks to their concerns right on the spot. You should anticipate user’s questions. User testing is a great way to find out what kind of questions users are asking. For example, when users are about to sign up to Tumblr, they’re asked to choose a name for their blog. This seems like a big deal, because you’re going to define not just the username, but the URL at which you’ll be found by others. In order to reduce the stress of making a big decision that could affect the future of your blog, Tumblr reminds users that “You can change it any time”. Problem solved. No more worries about choosing the wrong sub-domain name.![1](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/1.png)
![2](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/2.png)
![3](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/3.png)
![4](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/4.jpg)
Use friendly and helpful copy in a moment of failure
How errors are communicated can have a huge impact on the way someone experiences your website or app. If you aren’t explicit about the error, your users are going to have a hard time figuring out how to fix it. Often overlooked, an ill-constructed error message can fill users with frustration. A well-crafted error message, on the other hand, can turn a moment of frustration into a moment of delight.![5b](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/5b.png)
Brings delight
Injecting delightful details into your designs is a great way to break the barriers that exist between man and machine. Users like to interact with other people. If your product sounds human, it’s easier for people to trust you. Yelp shows the humans behind the brand and encourages people to open up and leave an honest review.![6](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/6.png)
![7](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/7.png)
The secret to writing amazing microcopy
Writing microcopy takes more than good writing skills. Just because microcopy is small, doesn’t mean it’s easy to implement. There are multiple factors that play a role in designing great microcopy. Here are a few tips to make a little bit of text pay off in a big way.Avoid technical jargon
Every company has its own language, which often sneaks onto the website and in the app. Don’t let it happen. What works for you not necessary will work for your user. You need to convey technical information in simple terms.Use your user’s dictionary
Use natural language and talk to your user like a person. Don’t write the vocabulary from the top of your head. Instead, get to know the user: research and reuse the existing language of your audience.Keep it short and helpful
Users don’t want to read long instructions on how to complete a single task. When implementing microcopy use simple unambiguous language and short sentences. It’s supposed to be micro-, not macrocopy.Be careful with jokes
It’s not always appropriate to use humour in your microcopy. First, not everyone shares your sense of humor. What might sound good on the paper, but in fact can be regarded as uncaring or rude.![7b](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/7b.png)
Pair microcopy with a picture
Whether it’s a photo, illustration, or a simple picture can sometimes be the perfect pairing for your microcopy. They work together to create a feeling of delight that’s more magical than words or pictures alone. As Dr. Seuss once said:Words and pictures are yin and yang. Married, they produce a progeny more interesting than either parent.
![9](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2017/09/9.png)
Nick Babich
Fireart Studio is a design studio passionate about creating beautiful design for startups & leading brands. We pay special attention to nuances all the time to create professional while cool products that will not only meet all expectations, but exceed them.
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