UX Writing in Website Design
When we talk about web design, what usually comes to your mind? Colourful themes, quirky fonts, compelling images, icons and animations! These visual elements make a website appealing, but one component has entered the digital design platform: UX writing which is equally necessary. The word may sound alien to many as slowly design platforms have recognised UX writing to build better communication and customer relation to sell products. If you are still confused about what UX writing is, give this a read.
What is UX writing?
UX writing is the art of composing user interface (UI) copy where it provides guidance to users on the digital products present on the websites and helps in interaction. This method aims to resolve communication between the users and the products in a spontaneous manner.
UX writing is all about giving the users the purpose and persuading them to take action in more straightforward language. UX writing explains to the users what, why or where to take specific measures, which is done via tiny text ingredients to hint the users. UX writing refers to the microcopy present on the words, buttons, and sentences/paragraphs you see on a product to understand better.
Functions of UX writing in Website Design
UX writing in website design involves a lot of thought and planning before producing the perfect microcopy for the users. Let us have a look at these aspects:
1. Know your target
In UX writing, the writers need to understand their target audience by building a user persona. The user persona should include an imaginary user type who is most probably to use the site, and the same for the same in terms of brand and product. Such action will help prepare a goal, desire, limitation of a brand with potential users and buyers, better interaction, and website design features.
2. Relevant Content
The micro-copy content must be relevant to the product or brand advertised on the website. It is advisable to write content that reflects the brand while adjusting to a tone that fits the users’ situations while going through the products.
3. Improve user flow
Enhancing user flow is a critical task in UX writing. This activity will determine the quality of customer service and how much a website/brand is considerate about its users. Improving the user flow can be achieved by producing content that feels like a discussion/chat between the user and the product. Smooth user flow creates a more friendly and informal conversational space than transactional and can prove helpful while using voice UI or chatbot features.
4. Address user’s problem
UX writing helps with the sentence formation or words required while addressing a user’s problem as a service providing platform. Sometimes certain words might come out to be rude or intimidating, and that’s where UX writing plays a role in creating a tone for the conversation. UX writing makes appropriate content that pleases a user while examining the situation or problem.
5. Understand the user’s sentiment
Not everything goes planned. If the analysation of how a conversation could go between a product and user goes wrong, there should always be a plan B. Hence, understanding a user’s emotions is essential, so UX writing can contribute by styling a message that can match a user’s sentiment.
UX writing tricks that can contribute to website design
Many may still underrate UX writing in website design, yet experts have acknowledged its importance in influencing the user experience. Every word is valuable in UX writing as it caters to various functions like informing the users, encouraging individuals to keep exploring and make a decision. So let’s witness the tricks of UX writing which can influence website design.
1. Avoid the traditional Lorem Ipsum
While working with user interface, avoid text block, which may look good in Lorem Ipsum (placeholder text used to demonstrate a document’s visual form) but may not look the same when replaced by an actual copy. Therefore, practice combining bonafide copy, which will make the pattern look effortless and help you evaluate the layout segment accordingly. The content will look visually more pleasing and structured.
2. Make use of numbers
Knowing where to use numerals can create an impact on the users. As many people identify numbers in terms of statistics and facts, brands tend to use them as a solid factor to create awareness. UX writing can also implement numbers in their content which adds more value, build trusts and saves times for the users to glide. Try using odd numbers. They do wonders.
3. Say goodbye to complex language
UX writing strives on creating clear and simple content. Therefore, use short words/vocabulary where everyone is comfortable, positive tone over negative and avoid complex sentences, which will assemble text hierarchy for better scanning.
Do not practice:
- Technical terms or jargons
- Passive voice
Practice:
- Labelling your CTAs
- Use questions rather than commands
4. Consider the brand’s voice and tone
In UX writing, the brand’s identity and what it stands for should reach the users. The content should reflect on the brand and deliver the tone as the brand would speak to the users. So, the content should have a similar pattern and flow in all the components for better brand communication.
5. Stay creative
Try never to run out of creative juices in UX writing. Always create short, enlightening content for a brand’s image creatively. Test your limits, and don’t be reluctant to bring anything new and creative for UI. Even in terms of interaction or addressing the user’s problems, make it creative and upbeat.
Why is UX writing important in website design?
Despite users perceiving visuals faster, it is useless if the message is not received. UX writing helps pass on the right and clear message without chances of double entendre or wrong connotation. You save time trying to convey the ideas and give your users a good user experience.
Conclusion
UX writing has changed the whole process of designing for the better. So, are you ready to implement UX writing in your Wigan website design?