What Is Microcopy?

Microcopy refers to the small cluster of words appearing across websites and applications, helping users navigate various pages, pop-ups, forms, and more. 

Although it can be subtle in digital media, microcopy is important in the user experience. It informs users what to do and how to navigate websites or applications and clarifies any particular web page. Ultimately, it's a major part of the communication between the site, application owners, and users. 

What are some examples of microcopy? 

You likely encounter microcopy daily, from navigating prompts and error messages to clicking on a call to action. Some everyday examples of microcopy include:  

• Error messages and alerts 

• Calls to action

• Titles and subheadings

• Confirmation and status messages  

• Navigation text

• Terms of use

• Prompts that explain how to enter certain information

• Buttons  

Why is microscopy important? 

Microcopy serves many purposes, but they all help improve the user experience. If the microcopy is confusing, a user might abandon a product or service out of frustration. Microcopy can also help alleviate customer concerns, such as a company saying it won't sell your personal data or spam you. 

Microcopy also helps the user make decisions. For example, a user might be hesitant to sign up for an email newsletter, but a microcopy containing a short positive review from an influencer might convince them the newsletter is worth their time. 

What should you keep in mind while creating microcopy? 

When creating a microcopy, you want to make sure it's straightforward, comprehensive, and concise so that users can maintain interest. It’s also essential to be mindful of where you place microcopy to ensure it achieves maximum visibility.   

Related terms 

• User flow

• Typography

• Task analysis

• Information architecture 

• Service blueprint

• Attention economy 

Learn more about UX design on Coursera.

Microcopy may be relatively small, but it offers significant value for helping users navigate web pages, forms, and more. eMicrocopy serves many purposes, all of which help improve the user experience.

When you're ready to start a UX design career, you can check out the UX Design Professional Certificate offered by Google on Coursera. In this course, you'll learn how to follow the design process, apply foundational UX concepts, understand the basics of UX research, and create a professional UX portfolio.