UX writing (also known as microcopy) is the text within the user interface, including any text needed to support the user as they interact with a product or service. These short sentences tell a user what to do, address user issues, provide context, and help inform your users about your product, service, and the way you do business.
UX writing includes:
- Onboarding text - the series of content which directs users through an app's interface and processes
- Instructional text - how to sign-up, how to log in, and how to accomplish other user goals, such as how to buy the product
- Error messages - useful error messages are one of the key tenants of usability
- Tool tips or contextual help - help at a particular point in the website or app specifically for the situation associated with that point
- Metadata - information search engines use to learn about the content and purpose of each individual page on a website
- Form input labels - text fields, password fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, and any other fields designed for user input
Users need to understand what a product can do for them and how to do it. They need instructions and some reassurance that they are doing things right. UX writing must engage the user, answer the user's questions, and guide the user through tasks to meet their goals. A few words can make all the difference when it comes to user experience.
The characteristics that make good UX writing are:
- Concise - Users often don't have a lot of time, be concise. Simple is best.
- Provide Context - Users want and need to know exactly what to do and how to do it in order to accomplish their goals.
- Assist Actions - Users are interacting with your product or service for a reason, so help them do it.
- Trustworthy - Users want to engage with brands that they trust, give them confidence.
Do you need help with creating or editing the text on your website or mobile app? Just contact me or post in the comments below.
via GIPHY
