As a UX designer, one focuses extensively on interaction and interface design and how it can be used for raising the bar and creating digital products that are useful, engaging, and user-friendly.
Words have a lot of power and when it comes to UX writing, they form an important part of the design process because they can directly influence user engagement of digital products. There are many distractions and constraints to user engagement with digital products.
It should be understood that good quality UX writing can never be underestimated as a means to improve user experience and for engaging the user. An overlooked but powerful form of copy is microcopy.
In this blog, we will understand what is microcopy and why is it important.
What is Microcopy?
Microcopy is the small, informative, and instructional text on the forms, buttons, search prompts, tips, etc. It can inform and assist people in small ways while using a product.
All too often, microcopy plays the role of a guide when the users take specific actions including looking for a product or trying to choose a suitable response. It can build trust and empathy with the users while also forming a strong bond with the brand overall.
An effective UX microcopy is clear and concise, it takes on the voice and tone of a brand, feels like an important part of the design, and it fills a need, and builds empathy.
How Does Microcopy Improve User Engagement?
An effective microcopy always seeks to understand and anticipate user expectations. It is capable of allowing the users to think and feel like they are having a conversation with the interface and it also yields the power to engage users with increased conversions.
There are some evident benefits of microcopy improving user engagement. They are mentioned below.
User Empathy: Adding a specific emotion to microcopy is capable of creating a much better connection with the users and it can also be useful for creating a strong bond. Users fall in love with the brands that can make them feel better about themselves.
Carrying in-depth user research at the beginning of the UX process helps in knowing that you are going ahead in the right direction. You should understand the needs of a user, their motivations, and common behaviors when creating an effective microcopy.
Yet another example of creating effective user empathy with microcopy is showing the steps being taken while placing an order. Giving users extra content provides them with a better sense of what is happening and also removes the stress of wondering when their order will reach.
Clarity: There are various reasons why a user abandons the shopping carts, stops using products altogether, and even cancels subscriptions. This includes confusing messages, personal questions on forms, jargon, unclear shipping charges, insufficient information about a product or service, and uncertainty around canceling an order.
The use of microcopy can inform users what happens when they will go through a purchase and also helps them feel more in control. Yet another example of using microcopy is installing or updating a product.
With all steps, the microcopy lets the user know exactly what is or what will happen. When it comes to conveying clarity and control, an effective UX microcopy does not only have to fill an entire paragraph. It should be clear and concise. From a UX perspective, it should reduce anxiety and inform users better.
Transparent Copy: Since digital products can often raise concerns for improved security, microcopy can build trust and also have a positive impact on the UX. For instance, people can feel insecure or suspicious when making a transaction and this can lead to the abandonment of purchase.
Rather than just assuming that the users will give all the information, there are other ways that can be implemented. An effective microcopy can be used for informing the user why are the questions being asked and how will they be used.
Call to Action: An effective microcopy can be useful for completing tasks, driving engagement, and also encouraging users to go a step ahead and do much more.
Factors such as driving engagement, offering empathy and transparency, and giving a sense of clarity are all factors in ensuring a good microcopy. Product designers have many opportunities to improve user experience and they should ensure that the microcopy is good.
Also, read: Top Reasons to Choose UX/UI Design as a Career Option
Conclusion:
Creating products that are useful, simple, and engaging is a balance between design principles and some less recognized techniques including the implementation of UX microcopy. Small words can have a great impact and they can make their way into design processes and systems.
The common benefits of an effective UX microcopy are many including improved user engagement, trust, brand loyalty, trust, and seamless product experience. When used correctly, good quality microcopy can ensure that a product stands out in a competitive marketplace.
