Onboarding is the most ignored part of web and mobile app development.

Typically, the conversation goes like this:

Developer: Hey we just launched [new feature|product|site]! Product: Great! How do we teach people how to use it? Developer: We threw in a few tool tips… Product: Sounds good, we’ll put version 2 of onboarding in the backlog (…never gets done)

For most products, however, fewer than 5% of new users who sign up will become actively engaged.

80–90% of downloaded mobile apps get used once and then get deleted.

80–90% of downloaded apps get used once and then get deleted.

In addition to patching a leak in your acquisition funnel, the LTV of a successfully onboarded user can be up to 500% higher than a user with no onboarding (Kahuna).

1. Set a goal for your user’s behavior

When you’re thinking about your onboarding experience, start with the end in mind.

What do you want your users to look like after they’ve successfully completed your onboarding?

Do you want them to understand all of your features at a basic level or a few key features at an intermediate/advanced level?

What would your ideal or super user do the day after signing up? The week after?

What does your super user look like?

By setting a goal (or goals) for your users before starting to build an onboarding flow, you’ll save yourself time, strengthen your focus, and increase the likelihood of creating a successful experience.

2. Remind users how much better things will be with your product

Great, you’ve identified what an ideal user looks like after completing your onboarding experience. But, how can you make sure they make it through all of your carefully planned onboarding steps without leaving your site or app?

The answer is constant and compelling reminders of how much better their life will be with your product.

You know the power that your product has to simplify their lives, increase their productivity, or improve their morale, but new users don’t.

Each step of your onboarding flow should have a concise and compelling reminder of why you are taking them through this flow and how much better off they will be for it.