How do you format copy for best user experience?

1 Use whitespace

Whitespace is the empty space between your text, images, and other elements on your page. It helps your copy breathe, creates contrast, balance, and hierarchy in your design, and makes it easier to scan and read. To use whitespace effectively, break up your copy into short paragraphs and sentences, use headings and subheadings to organize your copy and highlight key points, add bullet points, numbered lists, and quotes to emphasize important information and break the monotony of text, and leave enough margin and padding around your text and images to avoid clutter and overlap.

2 Choose the right font

When selecting a font for your copy, it's important to keep in mind your brand voice, tone, message, and audience. The font should be web-safe, legible, and readable. It should also be consistent throughout the copy. When it comes to size, color, style, and weight, you should use a font that is large enough to see without zooming or squinting; a color that contrasts well with the background; a style that is simple and professional; and a weight that is suitable for the copy (i.e. bold for headings and subheadings, regular or light for body text). Avoid fancy or cursive fonts that are hard to read.

3 Optimize your images

Images can add visual appeal, emotion, and context to your copy, helping your readers understand and remember your message. However, they can also hurt your user experience if they are not optimized properly. To optimize your images, you should use high-quality images that are relevant, clear, and attractive. Choose the right image format for your purpose (JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics, SVG for icons and logos), the right image size to fit your space (resize and crop as needed), the right image compression to reduce file size and loading time (without compromising quality), and the right image alt text to help readers who use screen readers or have low vision.

4 Add calls to action

Calls to action (CTAs) are the words or phrases that tell your readers what to do next. To create effective CTAs, you should use clear and concise language that communicates the value and urgency of your offer, as well as action verbs that start with "get", "join", "learn", "discover", or "start". Contrast colors that stand out from your background and catch the eye should be used, as well as the right size and shape that are easy to click or tap. Additionally, ensure the right placement and frequency of the CTAs, so they are visible and relevant but not intrusive or annoying.

5 Test and tweak

The final step to format your copy for best user experience is to test and tweak it. To do this, you can use analytics tools to measure metrics such as bounce rate, time on page, click-through rate, and conversion rate. Additionally, feedback tools like surveys, polls, reviews, and comments can be used to collect reader opinions. A/B testing tools can also be used to compare different versions of your copy like headlines, images, CTAs, and layouts. Furthermore, following industry standards and trends with best practices and guidelines is recommended. Finally, use your own judgment and creativity to experiment and innovate with your copy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?