UX Writing: Words Are Part of Design
A beautiful button fails if the text is confusing. How microcopy guides users and reduces frustration.
“Error 404” is bad copy. “Oops, this page is missing, but here’s a shortcut to the homepage” is good copy. Design attracts, but words make people act. UX writing is the art of talking to a person through the screen.
Microcopy changes everything
These are small texts on buttons, error messages and forms.
Example: newsletter signup
- ❌ “Join the newsletter” (boring — what do I get?)
- ✅ “Join and get 10% off” (clear benefit).
Tone of voice
Is your brand formal and reserved (like a bank) or friendly and humorous (like a smoothie bar)?
Consistent tone builds trust. If your website is ultra‑formal but your Instagram cracks jokes, customers get confused. UX writing creates the persona your customers are talking to.
Clarity > cleverness
Don’t try to be too clever. If the user doesn’t understand what a button does, they won’t click it.
Instead of writing “Take off!”, write “Start a free trial.” The first is “cool,” the second is clear. Conversion loves clarity.
FAQ: Website copy
How long should text be? +
As short as possible, as long as necessary. Today’s reader doesn’t read — they scan. Use short sentences, bullet points and subheadings.
Can AI (ChatGPT) write the copy? +
AI is a great drafter, but it lacks emotion and brand feel. A human editor is essential so the text sounds authentic.
Words sell
Do your words help you or hurt you? We write copy that resonates and drives action.
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