7 min
Every detail counts, especially in the world of startups. One crucial aspect of user experience (UX) that often gets overlooked is the text on buttons. These small, simple words can significantly influence user behavior, satisfaction, and retention rates. In this blog post, we'll explore how button labels affect the overall experience and why they're essential for solving common pain points for startup founders. Plus, we'll provide practical examples to illustrate these points.
Be Consistent
Consistency isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have. It’s vital not only in UX design but also in UX writing. Consistency contributes to a positive user experience, making your product or service more intuitive by reducing confusion and increasing user satisfaction. For example, using “Submit” on one button and “Send” on another for the same call to action (CTA) can trip users up.
Examples of Consistency:
Navigation Buttons:
Inconsistent: “Home” for the homepage, “Dashboard” on the user panel.
Consistent: “Home” for both.
Confirmation Messages:
Inconsistent: “You placed the order” on the shopping cart page, “We received the order” on the confirmation page.
Consistent: Use “Order placed” on both pages.
Forms:
Inconsistent: “Register” on the signup form, “Create Account” on the login form.
Consistent: Use “Create Account” for both.
Use Engaging Phrases
Engaging your users on a personal level can make all the difference. Generic labels feel robotic and disconnected. Instead, use language that resonates with your users’ experiences and needs.
Examples of Engaging Phrases:
Login Errors:
Generic: “Invalid Password.”
Personal: “Oops! We had trouble finding a match for your password. Please try again.”
Form Validation Errors:
Generic: “Required field.”
Personal: “Please fill out this field.”
Payment Errors:
Generic: “Payment failed.”
Personal: “We couldn’t process your payment. Please check your details and try again.”
Provide Clear Instructions
Clear instructions are vital for guiding users through their journey on your platform. They help users understand what actions to take, reducing cognitive load and making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Examples:
Use Descriptive Button Texts:
Before: “Next.”
After: “Continue to Next Step.”
Set Expectations:
Before: “Submit.”
After: “Submit Your Application.”
Clarify Actions:
Before: “Save.”
After: “Save My Preferences.”
Guide Through Steps:
Before: “Done.”
After: “Step 1 of 3: Complete Profile.”
Feedback and Confirmation Examples:
Post-Action Feedback:
Before: “Submitted.”
After: “Thank you! Your response has been submitted.”
Make Error Messages Helpful
Error messages are inevitable, but they don't have to be frustrating. Well-crafted error messages can guide users in resolving issues, making for a more positive experience even when things go wrong.
Examples of Improved Error Messages:
Explain the Problem:
Before: “Error.”
After: “We couldn’t process your request. Please try again later.”
Offer Solutions:
Before: “Invalid input.”
After: “The username you entered is already taken. Please choose a different one.”
Provide Contact Information:
Before: “Payment failed.”
After: “We couldn’t process your payment. Please check your details and try again. If the issue persists, contact us.”
Network Errors:
Before: “Connection error.”
After: “We’re having trouble connecting. Please check your internet connection and try again.”
Form Validation Errors:
Before: “Required field.”
After: “Please fill out this field.”
Button labels might seem like insignificant details, but they play an essential role in the user experience. As a startup founder, focus on clear, consistent, and engaging UX writing. In this way, you can solve several pain points, from improving user satisfaction to providing clear instructions to your users.
By implementing these practical examples, you not only improve the overall UX but also contribute to a higher retention rate, ultimately driving the success of your product or service.
