The First Five Minutes
The most dangerous time for a SaaS product is the first five minutes after sign-up. If a user feels lost or overwhelmed, they will leave. Your onboarding flow is the sherpa that guides them up the mountain.
The Progress Bar
People hate uncertainty. A simple progress bar (e.g., "Step 2 of 4") in our Onboarding Steps component reduces anxiety. It tells the user exactly how much effort is required.
One Thing at a Time
Don't ask for everything at once. Break the setup process into bite-sized chunks.
- Account Creation: Just email and password.
- Profile Setup: Name and role.
- Workspace Config: Team name and logo.
- First Action: Create your first project.
Empty States
When a user lands in your app for the first time, it's empty. This "Empty State" is a prime onboarding opportunity. Instead of a blank screen, show a CTA Banner Simple or a friendly illustration with a button: "Create your first item."
Tooltips vs. Tours
- Tooltips: Good for explaining specific UI elements on hover.
- Tours: Better for explaining a workflow.
Use them sparingly. A screen covered in tooltips is just as bad as no help at all.
The "Checklist" Pattern
Gamify the onboarding. Show a checklist in the dashboard:
- Create account
- Invite a teammate
- Connect an integration
Completing tasks releases dopamine. Use that to your advantage.
Conclusion
Onboarding isn't a barrier; it's a bridge. By designing thoughtful Onboarding Steps, you ensure that every new user has the best possible chance of becoming a long-term customer.