# Content

Write clear, useful product content and get the right level of design support.

## Write clear, useful content

### Write for the reader

Start with what the reader needs to know, do, or decide. Help them accomplish a goal.

**Bad:** Microsoft offers a variety of privacy compliance solutions.

**Better:** Manage privacy requirements with tools designed to help you meet compliance obligations.

- Focus on the customer's goal, not your organization's capabilities.
- Answer the reader's next question before they need to ask it.
- Choose usefulness over sounding impressive.

### Lead with the action

Put the most important information first and make the next step clear.

**Bad:** Before beginning the process of creating a workspace, there are several important considerations that should be reviewed.

**Better:** Create your workspace first. Then review these requirements.

- Lead with the key takeaway.
- Use active voice so readers know who acts and what to do.
- Keep one idea in each sentence.

### Write like a person

Use familiar words, a natural tone, and only the words needed to communicate the idea.

**Bad:** Utilize the platform to facilitate collaboration.

**Better:** Use the platform to work together.

- Use common words instead of jargon.
- Read the content aloud. Rewrite anything that sounds unnatural.
- Remove weak phrases and unnecessary introductions.

### Make it easy to scan and use

Organize content so people can find the main point quickly and use it with any input method.

**Bad:** Click the blue button on the right.

**Better:** Select Save.

- Use headings, bullets, short paragraphs, white space, and lists.
- Use descriptive headings and meaningful link text.
- Do not rely on color, direction, or one input method to explain an action.

## Process tips

Move from a realistic first draft to reviewed content in four steps.

### Write real content

Use realistic product language instead of placeholder copy. Aim for a first draft that is as close to the final content as possible.

### Refine the draft

Use the Content Design Copilot agent to simplify jargon. Refine the draft so it follows Microsoft voice standards and sounds natural.

### Review it in context

Review the content in a complete flow or mockup. Check UI terminology, errors, and empty states to make sure the words work in context.

### Before you publish

Put the main point first and make the next action clear. Cut extra words, read it aloud, and check that everyone can understand and use it.

## Get help

Start with the lightest support option that fits the work. Reach out earlier rather than later.

### Use the agent

Start here for lower-risk work that needs a strong first draft.

[Open the Content Design Copilot](https://m365.cloud.microsoft/chat/?titleId=T_3e60de43-9ea8-499c-1f68-30bd3ff0e720)

- There are no legal, data security, or Responsible AI implications.
- You want to simplify basic jargon or create realistic stand-in content.
- The work does not involve new UI.

### Make a content design request

Ask for direct support when the work is sensitive, strategic, or needs expert judgment.

- The work has legal, data security, or Responsible AI implications.
- You do not know where to start.
- You need help with a larger content strategy, new or redesigned feature, navigation, AI behavior, or content research.
- The work requires terminology alignment across products or platforms.

[Open the content design desk](https://aka.ms/c-designdesk)