bored dog sitting on a bench — Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

As a UX writer, it’s your job to make sure that your text is clear, concise, and easy to understand. However, it can be easy to fall into the trap of writing long, drawn-out passages that bore your readers.

How do you strike the balance between providing enough information and keeping your text interesting?

Here are 5 tips to help you write better UX copy and keep your users engaged:

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

annoyed cat sitting on a box — Photo by Tran Mau Tri Tam ✪ on Unsplash

The first rule of thumb when it comes to writing UX copy is to keep it short and sweet. Your users don’t want to wade through paragraphs of dense text; they just want the information they need, and they want it now.

So, how do you achieve this? Start by cutting out any unnecessary words or phrases. Be direct and to the point in your language, and resist the urge to “pad” your text with filler content. Every word should serve a purpose.

2. Use Eye-Catching Headlines and Subheadings

quote written on a black wall with buildings behind — Photo by David Kiriakidis on Unsplash

Another way to keep your users engaged is to use eye-catching headlines and subheadings. Write headlines that are clear and concise, and that accurately reflect the content of the section they introduce.

For subheadings, try to use keywords that relate to what users will be searching for. This will help break up your text and make it easier for users to scan and find the information they need.

3. Utilize White Space

person sitting on a white building — Photo by Chris Holgersson on Unsplash

White space is your friend when it comes to writing UX copy. Don’t be afraid to let your words breathe a little bit; too much text on a page can be overwhelming for users.

Breaking up your text with plenty of white space makes it more visually appealing and easier to read. Plus, incorporating images or other visual elements can also help break up long blocks of text.

4. Use Active Voice

happy dog running on the grass — Photo by Joe Caione on Unsplash

When writing UX copy, it’s important to use active voice whenever possible. This means making the subject of your sentence the actor, rather than the recipient of the action.

For example, “The button takes you to the next page” is written in the passive voice, whereas “Click the button to take you to the next page” is written in the active voice.

Active voice is more direct and interesting for readers, so try to write as many sentences as you can in this way.

5. Write Conversationally

two persons watching the sunset sitting on chair next to a tree — Photo by Harli Marten on Unsplash

Finally, remember that you’re writing for real people — not robots! So ditch the technical jargon and write like you would speak to another person face-to-face. By doing this, you’ll not only make your copy more relatable and understandable, but also more enjoyable for users to read.

After all, if your goal is to keep users engaged with your text, then why not make it something they actually enjoy reading?

Conclusion

These days, people are bombarded with information from all sides, which means they have neither the time nor the patience to wade through lengthy blocks of text. As a UX writer, it’s important that you avoid boring your users with long-winded prose — but how?

By following these five simple tips: keeping your sentences short and sweet; getting to the point quickly; using bullet points or numbered lists; using imagery and visuals; and using active voice instead of passive voice, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your UX writing interesting — and avoiding those dreaded user rebellions!