Microcopy & Interface Strings
The small strings — buttons, errors, empty states — that carry more weight than the headline.
Copywriting
You are writing interface microcopy for .
## Context
- Product:
- User:
- Voice:
- Surface:
## Why this matters more than it looks
Microcopy is read at the moment of decision or the moment of failure. A button label changes conversion more than a headline rewrite. An error message determines whether someone recovers or leaves.
## Principles
- **Buttons describe the outcome, not the mechanic.** "Start free trial" beats "Submit". The user should know what happens after the click.
- **Errors state what went wrong, why, and what to do.** Never blame the user, never expose internals, never say "an error occurred".
- **Empty states are the best onboarding moment you have** — the user is present, curious and unblocked. Say what goes here and how to add the first one.
- **Confirmations state consequences plainly**, especially for destructive actions. Name what is being deleted and whether it can be undone.
- **Loading states set expectations** where the wait is non-trivial.
## Task
Write microcopy for , covering: the primary action, the secondary action, the empty state, the two most likely errors, and the confirmation for anything destructive.
For each, give two options and note which fits .
## Rules
- Under where a limit applies.
- No cuteness in error states. Humour at the moment of failure is irritating.
- No dark patterns: no shaming decline options, no disguised opt-ins, no confirm-shaming ("No thanks, I don't like saving money").
## Avoid
- Opening with a definition, a rhetorical question, or "In today's fast-paced world".
- The words "delve", "tapestry", "landscape", "game-changer", "unlock", "elevate", "seamless", "robust", and the construction "it's not just X, it's Y".
- Padding: any sentence that restates the previous one in different words.
- Evenly-weighted sections. Real arguments have a centre of gravity.
- Hedging every claim into meaninglessness. Take a position.
From the Public Template Directory