onboarding

Start by defining the activation event that correlates with retention, then map the funnel from signup to that event to find the biggest drop-off. Reduce steps to first value, use a 3-7 item checklist ordered by impact, and turn empty states into guided first actions.

Include 3-7 items ordered by value with the quickest win first, each tied to an activation action like creating a first project or inviting a teammate. Add a progress indicator, celebrate completions, and always allow users to dismiss it.

Tooltips suit contextual feature discovery, tours suit complex UIs but should stay under 3-5 steps and be dismissable, and wizards suit products requiring structured setup. The best approach often combines elements, so test each against activation rate.

A good empty state explains what the area is for, shows what it looks like with data, and presents one clear primary action to add the first item. Pre-populating with example data or templates avoids blank canvas paralysis.

Define stalled criteria such as days inactive or incomplete setup, then trigger behavior-based emails that address blockers and link back to a specific in-app action. For high-value accounts, add personal outreach, and let returning users resume where they left off.

No, this skill covers what happens after signup: activation, first-run experience, and retention. Signup form field reduction and registration flow optimization are handled by the separate signup skill.