Micro copy is the small bits of information a user may need to navigate through a website or experience. Things like form labels, success messages, alerts and so on would be considered micro copy. In the early days of web design, small bits of copy used to be an afterthought. Often, a developer would simply enter in all the micro copy as the site was developed.
This practice led to formal, technical copy that wasn’t engaging and left the user with a less than ideal experience. As user experience became more important to designers, developers and site owners, details like micro copy were re-examined and improved.
Why is micro copy important?
Micro copy plays a role in a larger experience. If the micro copy does not match the tone or style of the rest of the site it can interrupt the experience you are presenting your users. When done well, micro copy can humanize your website, and even delight users.
Micro copy goes hand-in-hand with the rest of your site’s copy as one streamlined experience. You are spending time writing friendly, engaging copy and your micro copy should receive the same attention.
Check out sites like Little Big Details for curated lists of great micro copy and small UX details from around the web.
