How not to lose users during app onboarding (Part 2)

Benefit-oriented: Explaining the core value

Remember that your users have downloaded your app to solve a problem.

The first screen of your onboarding process should explain what kind of problem your app solves and what the users can expect from your app.

It doesn’t explicitly explain how to use the app.

This can be the point where you convince the users to stay with your app – or the point where the users recognize that your app is not the right choice.

It doesn’t matter what your users decide.

The onboarding process will give them a clear explanation of the app’s core values and prevent disappointment.

Function-oriented: Explaining the functionality

Another way to onboard your users is to introduce them to the functionalities of your app.

This technique is a great choice when you have complex features.

Highlight the key functionalities, how they work and when to use them without explaining the obvious. One example of this is icons and symbols.

You can assume that your users have seen these symbols and icons before.

Moreover, you can assume that the users have already learned the functionality of the buttons and won't need explanations.

Progressive Onboarding: A guided tour through the app

This way to onboard your users focuses on a guided tour through the app.

During this tour, you should show your users the most important features by letting them interact with your app.

Teach your users step-by-step how to get started, how to use the main functionalities, and where the most important features are placed.

Progressive onboarding is a great approach if you have hidden functionalities, hidden gestures, intricate workflows, or multiple sections in your app.

Conclusion

The most important seconds for your app are the seconds in which your onboarding takes place in.

The seconds are where you help them to understand what the benefits and functionalities are and convince them to stay with your app.

There are three different ways to onboard your users:

• Benefit-oriented onboarding

• Function-oriented onboarding

• Progressive onboarding

You can decide on one of these ways or combine them.

But you should make it short, easy, precise, and focused! Don’t overload your user with information. You also can use tools like UXCam to monitor your onboarding.

And by the way: Don’t forget to spend time with the design.

The onboarding process is the first point your users get in touch with your app. It’s up to you which picture they get from your app.

Related Articles:

• How not to lose users during app onboarding (Part 1)

• 10 apps with the best user onboarding flow

• How to make your mobile app onboarding even better

• How to Monitor Your Mobile App Onboarding

• The future of app onboarding is user-centric

• How does LinkedIn onboard its new users?

• How Evernote designs its Onboarding Process

• Skyrocket Your App With User-Focused Onboarding (e-book)