- Content Production
UX Writing: 10 Simple yet Impactful Tips
First things first: UX stands for User Experience. So, the goal of UX writing is to enhance the user experience of websites, apps, and other digital products. UX writers craft microcopy for buttons, error messages, notifications, headlines, and more. Most often, UX writing is a matter of logical thinking – like avoiding bug chunks of text. But there are also some useful writing tips. Let’s take a closer look at each one…
1. Be consistent & concise
Being consistent, means using the same wordings everywhere. This goes for product names, menu titles, actions, and even point of views. Referring to the user in both the second and the first person within one phrase, is not only confusing. It’s a no-go.
Don’t write
Change your profile picture in My Account
Do write
Change your profile picture in Your Account
Being concise, means choosing your words wisely. Each word has its purpose. So, when you write something, you should write it as efficiently as possible.
Don’t write
You must tap to add the item
Do write
Tap to add the item
2. Start with the objective
Users focus most of their attention on the beginnings of sentences. Also, they’re generally reluctant to make any effort… unless there’s something in it for them. Want to get users to do something? Start with the benefit before describing the action.
Don’t write
Register to receive deals
Do write
To receive deals, register
3. Be specific
There’s no use in keeping things fluffy. When naming interactive elements, like buttons, opt for meaningful verbs, rather than vague or empty ones.
Don’t write
Enable
Do write
Turn on
4. Avoid jargon
Use simple language instead of technical terms, especially when it comes to error messages. Tell exactly what the problem is and what steps the user needs to take to solve it. Use positive wording and don’t blame the user.
Don’t write
System error (code #7820): invalid password
Do write
Sign-up error: choose a password with at least 6 numbers or letters
5. Use the active voice
The passive voice is not only lengthy and unnecessarily complex… it’s also boring. The active voice is direct, concise and much more clear.
Don’t write
The item must be tapped to add it
Do write
Tap to add the item
6. Use numerals
Not only do numerals save you a few characters, they also stand out. An EyeTracking study, conducted by NNG Group, revealed that numerals often stop the wandering eye and attract fixations of online readers – even when they’re embedded within a mass of words that users otherwise ignore.
Don’t write
Number of items in your Cart: zero
Do write
Number of items in your Cart: 0
7. Keep the platform in mind
Always ask yourself what user platform you’re crafting UX copy for. Is it for an app? Then don’t write “click”, write “tap” instead – since users will interact with your copy through their tablet or smartphone.
8. Think twice about word puns
Humor is subjective and not suitable in every situation. Keep in mind that users will encounter the same screen twice. And word puns are rarely funny the second time… or even the first time, in case the user encountered an error.
9. Avoid unnecessary punctuation
The Material Design Style guide advises avoiding unnecessary punctuation, such as periods, in copy for labels, hover text, bulleted lists, dialog body text, or colons after labels. Moreover, periods can subconsciously be a stopping point– and we rather want users to continue reading or scanning the copy, right?
Don’t write
Message sent.
Do write
Message sent
10. A/B test interactive elements
Whenever possible, it’s smart to do some A/B testing the copy of interactive elements, like buttons. By looking at the number of generated clicks, you can easily determine the best performing version of a call-to-action (CTA) copy.

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