Crafting Design with Words
At the core of design lies language. Communication on digital platforms is still predominantly text-based, and incorporating microcopy from the get-go in the design process is essential. Well-executed microcopy not only elevates user engagement but also increases task completion rates and delights the user.
Easing User Worries
The value of microcopy is in its context-specific nature—it provides immediate answers to user questions, directly addressing their concerns. Anticipating these questions is key, and user testing can uncover these insights. For instance, when users are picking a blog name on Tumblr—a choice that feels significant as it defines their online identity—Tumblr reassures users by reminding them that the blog name can be changed anytime, alleviating the pressure of the decision. 
It’s crucial to comfort users at pivotal moments, such as email submission or social media linking, with assurances like “we detest spam as much as you do.”
Timely’s microcopy addresses user concerns succinctly. Data loss can be maddening, so microcopy that confirms the security of users’ input, such as an autosave feature, can be significantly reassuring. 
Google Drive’s indication of autosaving gives peace of mind to users. Transparency in why certain personal details are required can also soothe user hesitations, as seen with Facebook’s approach to user sign-up. 
Creating Comfort in Errors
The presentation of errors can have a profound effect on a user’s digital experience. Ambiguity in error messages can heighten user frustration, but thoughtfully crafted error messages can transform a potential annoyance into a moment of charm. 
Employing a touch of humor can help alleviate the irritation of encountering an error.
Injecting Enjoyment
Adding delightful nuances to design can bridge the gap between the digital interface and the human user. Creating a human-like interaction fosters trust among users. This human aspect can be exemplified by Yelp showing its creators or by OkCupid complimenting your city. 
Thoughtfully crafted microcopy can turn a mundane action into a memorable interaction. 
Flickr’s multilingual welcome and OkCupid’s city-specific compliment add exceptional personal touches.
Secrets to Stellar Microcopy
Crafting microcopy is an art that extends beyond merely good writing. Even though these are small pieces of text, they require careful consideration and skillful composition. Here are several pointers to ensure that your microcopy is impactful:
Keep it Simple
Avoid using insider jargon that might confuse the user. Instead, try to relay technical aspects in plain speak.
Speak their Language
Employ the vernacular your audience uses daily. Do your research and mirror the language your users are familiar with.
Conciseness is Key
Make it snappy. Users prefer brief, clear instructions over lengthy explanations. True microcopy is concise, clear, and direct.
Jokes: Handle with Care
Humor is tricky and subjective. A joke that may seem harmless on paper could come off as insensitive or impolite in a different context—especially when users might be already frustrated. 
The efficacy of humor in microcopy can be debatable.
Combine with Imagery
Sometimes an image together with microcopy can create a delightful synergy more compelling than either element alone. As given by Dr. Seuss:
Words and pictures in balance: together, they spawn a more enthralling offspring than each parent standing alone.
Mailchimp incorporates this with their tense campaign-send animation.
