Microcopy is the tiny text that makes a huge impact-think button labels, error messages, tooltips, and form hints. It’s the voice of your product, guiding users with clarity, empathy, and personality.

Let’s explore how to craft microcopy that elevates your web app’s user experience.

Focus on the User

While designing microcopy, begin with the following questions: What can users achieve? What do they go through emotionally? Microcopy typically provides support, suggestions, or assistance for the users' purposes.

Keep It Simple

While targeting a certain audience, avoid using complicated phrases: Try using “Let's go” or “Manage your changes,” instead of “Submit.” It enhances trust and interaction.

Avoid Being Too Witty

It is important to know when being witty is inappropriate: “Oops! That password doesn’t match,” instead of “Invalid credentials.” “404 Error” should be stated as “We couldn’t find that page.” There is a time and place to be clever, but clarity will always triumph.

Make Microcopy Contextual

Microcopy must have purpose and reasoning: "No messages yet, Start a conversation!” “We’re sorry, something went wrong!” Microcopy should be marketable at all times.

Make It User Friendly

It’s important to remember that microcopy suggests wording changes that enhance the overall flow of the UI: Try “please, check your input,” instead of, “Yikes! That didn’t work!” The tone must stay consistent across UI elements.

Evaluate and Test

Measure the usage metrics on microcopy and do scheduled check-ins every few days.

Watch User Behavior

The microcopy must be framed concerning elements that follow after, to enhance the flow and interaction.