# 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.
