What is microcopy and when to use it?
Copywriters are constantly expanding the scope of their services so that professional content reach every place where it should be implemented. Such an activity is the issue we are about to discuss today – microcopy. What is it and where can it be used?
What is microcopy?
Microcopy is a short piece of information that is place on the website to help users carry out specific actions. Therefore, this type of content includes all annotations, slogans, instructions and comments.
Until now, the texts have been formulated directly by programmers. Unfortunately, the technical jargon does not contribute to understanding of this specific matter. Copywriters offered their help specially for larger companies that take care of every detail.
Microcopy main aim and task is to formulate understandable messages with company’s audience in mind. Such action is an element of UX writing and plays a major role in large projects which effects will be seen by a large group of recipients.
When to use microcopy?
Creation of clear messages basically bring benefits for every business. Whenever the user has a lot of autonomy on the website and has to do some actions, usually huge parts of content needs to be developed so that the recipient will not get lost in the maze of information.
Ordering services via Internet may require a number of actions from users, such as: creating a profile, logging in or filling in a form. Those are procedures may me a source of user’s doubts or difficulties. To avoid such unnecessary problems, it is a good idea to use microcopy, adding helpful messages that explain to the user what to enter in a spaces given.
Thus, microcopy is beneficial especially for large sales platforms and systems, not to mention government projects. However, we can simply conclude that for complex portals the whole procedure of adding such tips is very time-consuming, which also forces us to employ micro-copywriter.
Do not limit yourself – professional hints, messages and slogans are a solution for every company that cares about quality and reputation. A copywriter is a person who is prepared to take such actions, so it is worth considering cooperation with professional as part of UX writing. This will affect both the convenience of users and the company’s reputation.
Microcopy – benefits
When designing pages, do something once and for all. A one-time investment which covers all the details will save you problems in the future. Microcopy has a positive effect on the company’s image, as well as it eliminates misunderstandings for the recipients.
Whenever the messages are not defined, they often appear automatically in English, programming language, or the worst – as a generic ERROR pops up without indicating the cause of the problem. In such a situation, potential customers leave the shop more often, as they do not want to waste time fixing the errors. Microcopy can influence overall sales by eliminating any system underdevelopment – and there will always be such gaps.
Summary
- Microcopy is about creating concise content that facilitates user action on the website. The messages are short, understandable and tailored to the nature of the company.
- It is a must for all large stores and portals, however, attention to details is beneficial to any website.
- Focusing on quality ultimately translates into easier implementation of company’s marketing goals.
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