As the app market continues to grow, it's no secret that user experience plays a crucial role in determining whether users will stick around or abandon an app altogether. In fact, a staggering 80% of users have deleted an app before because they didn't know how to use it. This statistic is a wake-up call for app developers and designers to prioritize mobile onboarding, the process of helping users learn what your product is, how to start using it, and how to find value in it.

What is Mobile Onboarding?

Mobile onboarding begins with the first interaction between the user and the app, setting the stage for a seamless experience. It's not just about providing a product tour; rather, it's an ongoing process that helps users navigate each step of their journey. The key is to make this experience intuitive, engaging, and rewarding.

Why is Onboarding Important for Mobile Apps?

The importance of onboarding cannot be overstated. Research suggests that 90% of users feel that companies could do better in their onboarding processes. This statistic highlights the need for apps to prioritize user education and guidance from the get-go. By providing a solid onboarding experience, you'll increase user retention, reduce churn, and ultimately drive business success.

How is Mobile Onboarding Different than Website Onboarding?

While website onboarding shares some similarities with mobile onboarding, there are key differences. For websites, onboarding is often more focused on marketing, as users are exploring your product for the first time. In contrast, mobile app onboarding needs to cater to users who have already downloaded and registered for your app. This means that you can focus on retaining customers by showing them that they've made the right decision and guiding them towards finding value in your app.

Mobile App Onboarding UX/UI Patterns

Onboarding UX/UI patterns are critical in creating a user-friendly experience. These patterns include tooltips, product tours, and other visual cues that direct users through the onboarding process. Let's take a closer look at some examples:

Sign-up Screen

A great example of effective onboarding is the Wwater app, which welcomes users with a clear explanation of what value they can find using the app: "We deliver water at any point of the Earth in 30 minutes." This simple yet effective approach sets the tone for a seamless user experience.

Product Tours (Tooltips)

Tooltips are a great way to provide guidance and highlight key features within your product tour. Take, for instance, the Zakeke app created with UserGuiding, which uses tooltips to highlight its unique selling points. By incorporating these UX/UI patterns into your onboarding process, you'll be well on your way to creating an engaging experience that keeps users coming back.

Conclusion

Mobile onboarding is a crucial step in determining whether users will stick around or abandon your app. By prioritizing user education and guidance from the get-go, you'll increase user retention, reduce churn, and ultimately drive business success. Remember, effective mobile onboarding starts with the first interaction between the user and the app, setting the stage for a seamless experience that keeps users engaged and coming back for more.