What is microcopy and what are its advantages?

What is microcopy?

It is a term used to describe small pieces of text that are used in digital products or services. This type of copywriting focuses on short, succinct phrases and is designed to provide information and support users in completing a task or navigating an interface. It helps guide user interactions with a product or website, usually on buttons, navigation bars, labels, prompts, error messages, and other types of forms.

Microcopy is intended to be more than just an afterthought – it should be crafted with careful consideration so that it’s clear and helpful to the user. It can also help to create an engaging user experience. These snippets of text may be brief, but they have the power to make or break the user experience.

The most popular types

• Headlines are the first thing your visitors will read, and it needs to be eye-catching and engaging. It should introduce the main message of the page and entice people to keep reading.
• Captions are short pieces of text that appear beneath images or other visuals. They’re used to explain what’s in the picture or video, or to provide additional context for the content.
• Buttons, which inform users about the performance of a given action and support website navigation.
• Error messages – these are designed to give users information when something has gone wrong, so users can quickly find out what happened and how they can fix the issue.
• Forms are used to gather information from users and they need to be well-designed with concise and easy-to-understand labels.
• Navigational labels are used to help users find their way around your site quickly and easily. They should be clear and descriptive, so users know exactly where they’ll be taken if they click on them.

The importance of user experience writing

Advantages of microcopy

User experience writing is an integral part of any product’s design process and can make a significant impact on user engagement, satisfaction, and success. User experience writing helps create cohesive and understandable products that people can easily interact with. This type of writing is focused on creating a positive experience for the user, while still conveying all the necessary information in a clear way.

Microcopy is an important part of the user experience, helping people quickly and efficiently find their way around your website or application. The advantages of microcopy include improved usability, increased efficiency, and a better overall user experience. It can be used to help make navigation simpler for users by providing helpful hints about what actions are available. It can also be used to simplify complex processes by breaking them down into easy-to-understand steps. Additionally, it can be used as an opportunity for branding, providing users with a more consistent experience across all applications.

How to write an effective microcopy?

Keyword research

It can help you get an idea of what words and phrases people are searching for when looking for a specific service or product. Keyword research can help you identify terms that have high search volume but low competition. This means that if you incorporate these words into your microcopy, you have a better chance of ranking higher than other websites that are also using the same words. Additionally, research helps ensure that your microcopy is more relevant and specific to your target audience, making it easier for them to find what they’re looking for.

SEO-tools: KWFinder, Google Ads Keyword Planner, Google Suggest, Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, Senuto, Ahrefs, Answer the Public.

The length and brevity of the message

The length and brevity of a message is key when it comes to microcopy. Use short sentences where possible, and make sure that each sentence communicates something meaningful and relevant. If a sentence is too long, break it down into smaller chunks or rephrase it for clarity. Using action verbs and active language can also help keep the copy concise while still conveying the intended meaning.

Cohesion

Cohesion refers to the relationship between words, phrases, and sentences within a text, and is what enables readers to understand the message as a whole. In microcopy, cohesion can be achieved by using simple language that connects all the points together without repeating information unnecessarily or making it too complex for users to digest. One way of achieving this is by avoiding jargon and industry terms that only those with a specialized knowledge would understand.

Gradation of information – from the general to the specific

Gradation of information involves gradually moving from a general, broad message to a more specific one. This helps to keep readers engaged and focused on the message as they move through the microcopy. It can be done in two ways: by organizing the copy into subsections or by using lists and bullet points. The subsections should contain short paragraphs that go into detail about the topic, while bullet points can be used to quickly highlight key facts or ideas.

Call to action

A call to action is an essential part of any piece of microcopy. It’s the last part of your message and it’s the one that encourages users to take a specific action. This can include signing up for a service, making a purchase, downloading an app, or anything else that you want users to do. Your call to action should be direct and to-the-point, and it should clearly tell users what it is you want them to do. You should also consider placing your call to action in a prominent position that makes it easy for users to find.

Numbers and graphics

In microcopy, numbers and graphics are important tools that help to better explain your message. Numbers are used to support statements, quantify data, and provide additional clarity to readers. This can be especially beneficial if your microcopy includes statistics, surveys, or any other data-driven information.

Graphics, such as images and diagrams, can be used to visually represent concepts and ideas. They make content more engaging for readers and can be a great way to emphasize key points. Visual elements are also helpful for breaking up large blocks of text and making your copy easier to scan.

Examples of good microcopy

• Apple uses microcopy to make their website and products incredibly easy to understand. From the instructions in their user manuals to the icons and language used in their mobile apps, Apple’s microcopy is concise and effective in conveying information quickly and clearly.
• Dropbox is an excellent example of good microcopy. They use just the right amount of words to tell you what the service is and what it can do. Their messaging is simple and straightforward, making it easy for customers to understand how the product works and what benefits they will get from it.

Wrapping up

Microcopy has the potential to make or break a user experience. When used correctly, it can provide clear, concise instructions that guide the user through their journey. It can also help keep users engaged, as well as make them feel understood and appreciated. With thoughtful consideration and effective writing, you can create messages that are both engaging and impactful.