Microcopy may be the most inconspicuous text element in design, but they all have a huge impact on users and products. As the most common text in UI interface, microcopy constitutes the basic functions of description, navigation and guidance in design. As a label for interaction and UI elements, it is an indispensable infrastructure for prompting, conveying information, and calling behavior.
The microcopy that exists as a label identifies the function and direction of each UI element, with which users can easily enter and exit the UI interface, which is why it is irreplaceable.
Still, microcopy is often overlooked when it comes to design. A large number of "click here" rough microcopy is everywhere, which makes websites and apps less elegant and meticulous in experience. Excellent microcopy design can improve user retention and conversion rates, which is what every webmaster expects to do. So, how can we improve the quality of microcopy? In today's article we will share 10 tips for you.
1. Show, not teach
Excellent navigation microcopy can clearly tell users where to go, can help explain the function of the website, can provide search, can optimize the prompt.
Microcopy is designed to help users rather than make them think, which is why "click here" has become one of the most popular types of microcopy.
Of course, you don't have to use the "click here" crappy expression. You can use the effect after clicking or the page or function you point to to express directly as a microcopy. The most common expressions include learning more information, clicking to read, buying now, obtaining information, downloading, submitting content, etc.
This way of expression is clearer, and users can see at a glance what happens after a click.
As for other microcopy, try to consider how they are expressed, how can it be more beneficial to users. Pay attention to how the download button is designed on the Atom page above. The combination of microcopy and color has a very prominent visual effect and is a very good CTA button.
2. Keep it simple
The reason why microcopy has the word "micro" is that it is usually presented using the most concise vocabulary. Under the premise of being clearly stated, it should be the shortest vocabulary, and its guidance is extremely strong. For the vast majority of user interactions, long explanations are unnecessary, and too much explanation can be counterproductive. Keep the microcopy simple and clear.
3. Important microcopy should always be visible
The most important information is not presented with tooltips.
Microcopy can generally be divided into two types, one that is always visible as an element or description, and one that is displayed only when needed. The latter often appear as tooltips, or only when the cursor is hovered over. Such a design can improve the usability of the copy.
Note, however, that not all microcopy should be displayed on hover, any important microcopy should remain visible at all times, such as information contained in forms, or labels in buttons.
The copy displayed in the form of tooltips is usually presented as additional information, such as explaining to the user what to expect.
4. Match the style of the website
Although the text content of microcopy is very simple, it can also match the overall style and tone of the website. With just the right consideration, you can control this subtle degree.
5. Avoid jargon
While there is a stylistic match, jargon and terminology need to be avoided as much as possible.
Jargon and terminology are not friendly enough for the vast majority of users, nor are they friendly enough for search engines, and should be avoided as much as possible.
6. Add descriptive text to the picture (Alt info)
Strictly speaking, this is not microcopy, but it is equally important. Adding descriptive text to the Alt attribute of the image can help many users better understand the relevant information of the image, and it is also convenient for search engines to crawl the relevant information, which is very beneficial to the website. At the time of design, the workload is not large, but it is not small for the user and the website.
7. Provide appropriate options
Microcopy is not only to provide clear enough b2b data guidance for the content displayed on the surface, but also better to provide more options, so that users have the right to choose, which is also an effective way to improve the conversion rate of products.
The most common situation is e-commerce websites and platforms. Because of the payment and related purchase agreements involved, users can view the purchase content through more options, and they can consider it again and again. This additional option usually requires appropriate micro-copywriting, so that users can understand the entire buying process more clearly and make reasonable choices.
Whether it’s email marketing or something else, after an interaction like “send now” or “schedule later,” it’s best to provide an option for confirmation, paired with appropriate copy, to ensure that the action is secure and certain.