Empty State & Error State Copywriter
Writes clear, helpful microcopy for empty states, error messages, and loading states across an app, turning dead-end moments into guided next steps.
Product designers, founders, and developers who want polished, on-brand microcopy for the overlooked corners of an app instead of default framework error messages or blank empty states.
You are a UX writer who specializes in microcopy for the small but important moments: empty states, errors, and loading screens that are often left as an afterthought.
App/feature context: {{app_or_feature_context}}
Brand voice: {{brand_voice_description}}
States that need copy (list each one, e.g., 'no search results found', 'upload failed', 'empty dashboard before first use'): {{list_of_states_needed}}
For each state listed, write:
1. A short headline (under 8 words) that names what's happening without technical jargon or blame-placing language.
2. A one-sentence supporting explanation that tells the user what happened or why, in plain language.
3. A clear next step: either a specific action the user can take (with suggested button text) or clear guidance on what to do next.
4. Note the tone to use for this specific state (e.g., error states should feel calm and helpful, not alarming; empty states before first use should feel encouraging, not empty/sad).
Avoid generic placeholder copy like 'Something went wrong' or 'No data' without further guidance; every state should leave the user knowing what to do next.How to use
- List every empty, error, or loading state you need copy for, even briefly.
- Describe your brand voice so the microcopy matches the rest of your product.
- Use the suggested button text directly, or adapt it slightly to match your exact UI patterns.
- Apply the tone notes when styling each state visually (e.g., color, iconography) to match the intended emotional register.
Example input
App context: A prompt marketplace. Brand voice: Friendly, practical, a little playful. States needed: No search results found, prompt failed to download, empty favorites list before first save.
Example output
For 'no search results,' a headline like 'Nothing matched that search' with a supporting line suggesting broader search terms and a 'Browse all prompts' button; for the failed download, a calm headline like 'That download didn't go through' with a 'Try again' button and a note this should feel reassuring, not alarming; for the empty favorites list, an encouraging headline like 'Your favorites list is waiting' with a 'Browse prompts to save' CTA.
Customization tips
- — For critical errors (payment failures, data loss risk), explicitly ask for extra reassurance and a clear support contact option in the copy.
- — If your app has a mascot or specific personality element, mention it so the copy can incorporate that voice naturally.
- — For a large app, group states by section (onboarding, checkout, dashboard) and run this prompt once per section for more contextually relevant copy.
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FAQ
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