My 6-point microcopy checklist for non-UX writers - The Startup - Medium
Every piece of microcopy should help a user complete a task — it’s there to educate, explain and simplify processes. If it doesn’t help, you should question why it’s there.
Take an error message, for example. This tells a user that there’s an obstacle to completing their task. So it needs to explain how to navigate that obstacle and reach their goal. This could be as simple as providing a “Forgotten password” link on a failed login screen — not just stating that their input is incorrect.
If it’s not useful, it’s not needed. UX writing is as much about ruthless editing as it is about writing.
99% of the time your first attempt at copy will use too many words. So sneer at everything you jot down and edit like there’s no tomorrow.
Tools like the Hemingway app help keep your copy clear and to the point. Sure, it might put a dampener on your creativity, but it’ll help you cut the fluff in no time.
Long words and complex sentences will only ever make you cool in school (with your teachers). The real world will find you confusing or pretentious.
Be sure to use an active voice instead of a passive one. It’s not only punchier, but is far more likely to encourage action and aid comprehension. Hemingway can help with that too.
Brevity not only helps users complete tasks quicker, it keeps your interfaces compact yet valuable across devices.