The essentials of UX copywriting

What you need to know about UX copywriting.

What is a UX copy? Copywriting? Microcopy?

UX copywriting is the composition of words that facilitate decision-making in people when interacting with products and environments.

UX copy enhances brand personality and cohesiveness across digital experiences and allows users to navigate a product’s key interactions.

Master UX writing with these 8 simple steps:

1. Put simple language to use: Keep it simple.

• By using simple language, you could create a copy that everyone would understand.
• Stay away from technical language, sophisticated terminology, and niche slang.
• Your sentences should be broken up into smaller ones to reduce complexity.
• Attempt to keep your readability level no higher than the 9th-grade student.

2. Consistency is key in your microcopy.

• Just as you would make a design system, create a UX copy style guide.
• UX microcopy that is inconsistent creates confusion.
• When new synonyms appear without an explanation, users are disoriented since they are used to the terms in the app.

3. The CTA should emphasize the benefits.

• A good CTA explains what it does and why
• A CTA should place more emphasis on the benefit than the functionality
• A CTA that emphasizes a benefit will improve conversions.
• Make the CTAs informative by explaining what the button does

4. Microcopy should include numbers and social proof.

• Utilize social proof for guiding user behavior.
• In order to draw your audience’s attention, you can provide real statistics about downloads, testimonials, and references.

5. Be gender-neutral when using pronouns.

• As part of inclusive design, gender-neutral pronouns should be used.
• Use gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them and gender-neutral terms such as “humankind” rather than “mankind,” etc.

6. Don’t make your numbers difficult to read.

• Sometimes numbers are easier to understand than words; sometimes it’s the other way around.
• To reduce cognitive load, write numbers in digits (5 instead of five) and refer to close dates as “today,” “tomorrow,” or “yesterday.”
• Utilize natural language words such as today, tomorrow, and yesterday to reduce cognitive load.

7. Be respectful of users’ time.

• When users are uncertain of how long something should take, they are frustrated. This uncertainty creates friction points.
• Provide an estimate of how long a task might take.
• By knowing how long something takes, users can better manage their time, leading to a better user experience.

8. Use humour sensibly.

• The use of humour in microcopy increases users’ emotional attachment to the product and improves their overall impressions.
• Avoid offensive or controversial jokes.
• Over time, what might seem funny at first might become irritating, E.g.- if you choose to use humour in error messages.

Learn more about Wireframing, Color Theory, Color Terminologies, Typography, UX Research Techniques, Dark Mode UI, Hick’s Law, Fitt’s Law and Usability Principles.