Microcopy Writer Skill

Microcopy is the smallest text with the biggest leverage: a button label, a field hint, a confirmation. Good microcopy is clear, action-oriented, and reduces hesitation — it tells the user exactly what will happen and what to do. This skill writes that text for a specific moment, with a couple of options and the reasoning, so the team can choose with intent.

Working from a brief

Given "a button for the checkout step" or a screenshot description, write the microcopy anyway — infer the context, the user's goal, and the voice, and label assumptions. Offer 2–3 options where wording is a judgement call. Never hand back a question instead of copy.

Required Inputs

Ask for these only if they aren't already provided (else infer and label):

• The element & moment — what UI element (button, label, tooltip, toast…) and where in the flow.
• The user's goal — what they're trying to do, and what happens when they act.
• Constraints — character limits, the existing voice/tone, and any required terms.
• Stakes — is the action reversible, risky, or final (affects tone and confirmation).

Output Format

Microcopy: [element / moment]

For each piece of text:

• Recommended — the best option, ready to ship.
• Alternatives — 1–2 other options with a different angle (shorter, warmer, more explicit).
• Why — one line: what makes the recommended version work (clarity, the verb, the expectation it sets).

Apply the principles: lead with a verb for actions ("Save changes", not "OK"); say what happens next; keep it short and specific; match voice; and for risky/irreversible actions, make the consequence explicit ("Delete 3 files" beats "Are you sure?"). Cover the related states if relevant (default, loading, success, error).

End with consistency notes — terms/patterns to reuse elsewhere so the product speaks with one voice.

Quality Checks

• Action text leads with a specific verb and sets the right expectation (no bare "OK"/"Submit" when something clearer fits)
• It's concise and scannable — no filler, no jargon
• Risky/irreversible actions state the consequence, not just "Are you sure?"
• Wording matches the product's voice and existing terminology
• Options are given where wording is a real judgement call, each with a one-line rationale
• Related states (loading/success/error) are covered when relevant

Anti-Patterns

• Do not use vague labels ("OK", "Submit", "Click here") when a specific verb communicates the outcome
• Do not write clever copy that obscures what the button does — clarity beats personality at decision points
• Do not ignore character limits or the existing voice — microcopy must fit the UI and the brand
• Do not hide consequences behind a generic confirmation — name what will happen
• Do not invent product terms — reuse the established vocabulary for consistency

Based On

UX writing practice — action-oriented, expectation-setting microcopy, voice consistency, and clarity at decision points.