12 User Onboarding Examples for Inspiration

What is User Onboarding?

While there are many ways of describing user onboarding, it all boils down to one thing:

User onboarding is the process of quickly getting users familiar with your product so they can experience its value as soon as possible.

Samuel Hulick, the founder of UserOnboard, defines user onboarding as the process of radically increasing the likelihood that new users become successful when adopting your product.

In our ultimate guide to user onboarding 👈 or in our “What is user onboarding?” YouTube video 👇 you might even discover more.

The point is user onboarding is essential for any serious SaaS business.

The quicker you optimize your user onboarding experience, the better your overall user experience will be.

Need a quick solution? Meet UserGuiding 🌟

UserGuiding is a product adoption solution built to help product teams offer valuable in-app experiences without the need to code or spend a fortune.

So, if you want to quickly start with:

• Interactive in-product guides and gamified checklists,
• Personalized in-app messaging, 
• Ready-to-use in-app surveys,
• Resource centers and knowledge base
• AI Assistant,
• Product Updates

Along with powerful analytics, segmentation, and customization…

Try UserGuiding for free today 👈

But if you’re here for inspiration, here are 12 of the best user onboarding examples with best practices for you:

12 Best User Onboarding Examples: Best Practices for Success

1- Figma: Leave a good first impression

When we talk about a good first impression in user onboarding, it rarely goes beyond a fun welcome message.

Figma proves us wrong with its first in-app user experience.

The tool uses a welcome modal that doubles as a whole getting started hub.

The welcome modal features personalization as it first asks about your team, gets you to invite others, prompts your pricing options, and finishes with a quick start with ready-to-use presets.

This whole process also has a skip option and progress bar, making it even more intuitive.

Why does it work?

• Figma doesn’t let its users wander too freely starting off, which helps with potential user confusion.
• The starting hub has a progress bar which makes the otherwise jarring forced onboarding screen easier to go through.
• The onboarding screen is full of the most essential steps– nothing less, nothing more. It personalizes the experience, creates a working environment with invites, and puts free will inside the journey by getting the user to make a choice.

2- Spinach AI: Focus on the first Aha! Moment

An Aha! Moment is one of the most crucial parts of a first-time user experience.

It often functions with a “the earlier the better” method, but not many manage to deliver it early while keeping it tasteful and unforced. 

Meanwhile Spinach AI manages to deliver an early Aha! Moment pretty smoothly.

The trick lies in the fact that Spinach AI merges its signup flow with its onboarding flow, which looks like this:

The flow starts as expected; users are asked questions for segmentation.

In the second step, users connect Spinach AI to their Google accounts, which gives the tool access to the user’s meetings.

After this, the signup turns into more of an onboarding flow.

In the next step, the users decide which meetings they want Spinach AI to join, along with a few more pro settings. 

Next, a modal appears, and it reads, “You’re all set!” with a fun gif. 

This modal has a second step in which Spinach AI provides some tips for users’ first time using it.

 Why does it work?

• Spinach AI uses an AI-generated avatar and a progress bar which makes up for the slightly long segmentation step.
• The in-app onboarding is disguised as a signup screen, which allows for a very early Aha! Moment to take place.
• A celebration welcome modal is triggered with a fun gif, making the experience even more personalized while making Spinach AI more likable.
• The extra tip right after helps make the tool feel trustworthy without appearing as another forced step.

3- Loom: Keep it contextual

For too long and in too many products, a user onboarding flow equaled a whole walkthrough.

And by walkthrough, we mean a whole walk through your product.

Zendesk finds that 87% of customers want brands to put more effort into a consistent experience.

This means pointing at UI elements and telling users what it does in an 18-step guide won’t fly anymore.

You need to get contextual with your onboarding.

And Loom seems to understand the assignment perfectly. 

Loom is a simple tool, but it offers different views and screens, including an overlay window over your own screen outside of the Loom dashboard.

What they do is that they offer user onboarding flows or elements that hand-hold users on each part of the product when and where needed.

Here users can start a product tour inside the Loom editor, triggered only when the users first visit the editor:

Similarly, this new feature onboarding modal is prompted when users are using the Loom extension on their own screen:

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Another new feature onboarding flow happens after the user records a video and goes to the finished video.

Loom then introduces its AI capabilities using a well-timed slideout modal and onboarding tooltips, precisely when the user can use them.

Why does it work?

• Loom chooses to avoid triggering onboarding flows before users arrive at the parts of the platform where the onboarding flow matters, which helps with user frustration and the impact of the onboarding flow.
• Though contextual and well-timed, Loom still keeps its onboarding flows short and concise, acknowledging that an onboarding flow being contextual doesn’t automatically mean it can be confusing.
• Loom uses different designs and onboarding UX elements for each contextual flow, making them distinct and even more memorable. 

4- Webflow: Utilize the right content for your audience

Not every audience expects the same content from a product’s user onboarding UX, over the overall UX. 

A simple product like the iPhone Notes app can use a single “What’s New” onboarding screen to update its users. Meanwhile a more complex tool like Webflow might require interactivity and gamification.

And when we take a closer look at that more complex tool, we see exactly that happening.

Webflow uses an 8-step user onboarding checklist and in-product guides in its initial onboarding flow.

The in-app guides include plain text, interactive elements, short videos, and links to bigger tutorials. 

Why does it work?

• Webflow offers a user onboarding checklist that helps its target audience, people who don’t fully know how to code but are familiar with it. Thus, the specific content within the checklist is curated carefully.
• The videos on different steps are essential for demonstrating things that non-coders wouldn’t understand.
• The copy used goes well with the motion of the whole onboarding operation, with action words prioritized. 

5- ClickUp: Build trust with social proof

Contrary to popular belief, the very beginning of an onboarding journey isn’t when the user faces their first in-app experience.

That’s product onboarding.

User onboarding starts when a user or potential user first interacts with your brand, which means along with market presence, you have to have a smooth website experience.

Social proof becomes infinitely more important at this stage.

In his UX Matters article, SendWorks CEO Trevor Hatfield defines social proof as “a psychological phenomenon in which people mirror the actions and behaviors of others in an attempt to behave correctly within a specific context.”

And for a job well done, we turn to ClickUp.

ClickUp uses social proof on its website in 4 different forms.

First, it uses it to reinforce its customers who trust ClickUp in their workflow:

Then, it uses customer testimonial videos in short clips:

We then see a tiny 5-star review within a different interface element:

And lastly, we see another UI element that functions like the first one, but this time it focuses on the work accomplished:

Why does it work?

• ClickUp uses social proof throughout its website, and because it appears in different shapes and forms, it appears very tasteful while still getting the job done.
• ClickUp focuses not only on the people using its solution but also on how they are using it by showcasing the number of tasks completed, automations created, and other actions.
• The testimonial videos automatically start playing when the cursor is on them. This guarantees that the website visitor receives the social proof message even if they ignore the rest of the small messages.

6- Patreon: Don’t force email verification

Email verification has become a common part of our daily lives, especially in the last decade. 

Its value for user security is undebatable, but it simply is annoying.

In the last few years, there has been a movement toward removing email verification when and where possible. Now, this isn’t too common or very secure, so another option has emerged.

Not forcing it.

Ramli John’s onboarding conversion analysis reveals that 20-50% of users never verify their email.

But he also reveals a good example that shows it’s possible to not force email verification and be smooth with it:

Another good example of this is Patreon.

During the initial signup, Patreon doesn’t ask for email verification.

Instead, when the user gets inside the platform, they see a checklist where email verification is included. 

Why does it work?

• Patreon skips email verification in the signup process, making it shorter and less annoying so that users can start faster and easier than with other products.
• The verification process appears inside the onboarding checklist which gives users a good enough reason to do it so that they complete the checklist.
• The users are allowed to finish other checklist tasks before verification. From the users’ perspective, this registers as Patreon offering value before asking for something in return.

7- UserGuiding: Prioritize action over information

A good practice that is as easy as it is forgettable is to prioritize action over information.

You need answers to “why?” not “what?”

That is because before your users ask, “What is this button?” or “What does this element do?” they are asking, “Why should I use this product?”

So, for the quickest route to value, you have to get your users to take action instead of explaining each and every button on your UI.

A simple yet powerful user onboarding example here is UserGuiding’s initial user onboarding.

In its 3-step user onboarding checklist, one of the steps includes creating hotspots.

UserGuiding makes these first moments in the product memorable by making it all about taking action interactively:

Why does it work?

• The tooltips aren’t crowded with any unnecessary elements; there is not even a “next” button and this lowers cognitive load.
• The language is pretty simple and action-oriented, encouraging full completion of the onboarding flow.
• The interactivity reinforces the action-oriented copy and becomes a full package of higher completion rates. 

8- Monarch: Gamify the processes and encourage interaction

There is a bias against gamification in B2B. 

Most SaaS people immediately think of B2C apps or apps like Duolingo when UX gamification is mentioned. 

But it can exist in more serious products as well.

For example, Monarch, a finance app, is a great example of gamification is SaaS.

It uses gamification to encourage deeper use and smoother onboarding. You can see it in the progress bar of the user checklist:

You can find gamification in the visualization of technical information in progress bars and charts:

You can see a completely gamified journey in the “goal milestone reached” notification Monarch sends users when they take a specific action:

Why does it work?

• Gamification helps users understand and engage with more complex processes, like financing and calculations.
• Visualization of data reinforces this gamification factor and helps read technical data more easily.
• Goals and milestones encourage users to not only keep going with their goal but also use your platform longer and more often. 

9- HeyGen: Use onboarding checklists

User onboarding always revolves around reaching value as soon as possible. 

But that value doesn’t always happen in 3 clicks. Sometimes you have to take your users through several tasks.

And that’s where user onboarding checklists become extremely handy.

If you’ve heard of the Zeigarnik Effect, you would know that our brains are hardwired to cling to unfinished tasks, which makes a checklist in UX formidable.

The math is simple; there is a certain distress about not finishing a task.

Thus your users are more likely to perform value-defining tasks when you serve it on a to-do list.

HeyGen not only gets this but also transforms it by creating a new look contrary to the checklist designs we are used to:

Users are immediately prompted with a get started screen which they can access later via the button on the top left.

As each task is completed, they go paler, signifying completion.

Why does it work?

• By starting the product experience with a full view of the user onboarding checklist, HeyGen raises the likelihood that all steps will be completed.
• With this full-screen design of the checklist, each step can be visualized, which helps users know what to expect and complete each step more easily.
• Dimming the completed steps on such a big screen can work better than a completed sign next to text or a strikethrough on text since it is visually more appealing.

10- FlutterFlow: Segment users to personalize the experience

Segment finds that 89% of business leaders say personalization is key to success in the next 3 years.

And within that personalization, segmentation is an important factor. 

It is often the first level of personalization for many products, and thus, it matters greatly for any user onboarding journey that is done right.

A good user onboarding example of this is FlutterFlow’s segmentation flow.

Right after the signup screen, you see a full-screen modal that features 5 simple questions with preset answers:

Why does it work?

• Flutterflow uses this segmentation screen as the first interaction inside the platform after the signup, which increases the chances of completion.
• There are few questions with preset answers, making it easier and even fun for users to answer each question.
• Almost all the questions help Flutterflow direct the users to an onboarding path they can find value in. For example, questions like “Do you have coding experience?” and “Are you building the app for yourself or for your job?” can trigger different scenarios.

11- Gemini: Use empty states to encourage taking the next step

Empty states, as we know them now, started with a 404 page that a designer decided to have fun with. Then, it spread beyond 404s; we realized any product had many empty spaces.

But that didn’t mean they should stay empty.

Smart platforms today know how to take advantage of an empty state by turning it into fun little interactions or a chance to inform the users.

But as we see the dawn of AI, we are watching empty states evolve as well.

Like most generative and conversational AI, Gemini’s interface is one big empty chatbox. But it fills it up with a big message to the user and preset prompts.

Why does it work?

• Gemini uses the blank screen to humanize its tool first and foremost by making conversation and using the user's name for initial personalization.
• The preset prompts not only help with a quick start but also showcase the tool's potential in the future.

12- Asana: Send personalized emails depending on user behavior

Though last on our list, onboarding emails are one of the first interactions to have with your users.

And since it's such an early interaction, you have to make sure it is perfect so that you won’t confuse or put off your users.

This is especially hard to do since we are at a time in user experience practices where the onboarding is switching completely to in-app while emails are still actively used.

So, how do you nail it?

Asana is a great example of user onboarding emails here. Their free trial emails are especially great when it comes to personalization and audience-aware copy.

You can already tell by looking at a few of their subject lines:

But when you get a closer look, it’s even better.

Asana uses gifs, other visuals, tips, and links that direct users to the app for further use:

Why does it work?

• The subject lines for the emails are very appealing and interesting, making it more likely for users to actually open them.
• The use of dynamic visuals gives Asana a chance to showcase what the platform can do and look like when it’s used to its fullest potential.
• Tips and buttons help users reconnect with Asana during the trial, which is where many potential users are lost if not onboarded correctly.

User Onboarding Examples That Are Not So Good

Not all user onboarding inspiration comes from good onboarding examples.

If you know what’s not right, you get to know what to avoid when trying to create your best user onboarding experience.

So here are a few user onboarding examples that don’t quite work:

1- PostHog

Though its overall UX is not all too bad, PostHog uses its user onboarding elements in a well-intentioned but poorly executed way.

When users first step into the platform, they are shown the main page, but not much else.

With a little investigation, you can spot the “Quick Start” button sideways on a ribbon on the right:

When extended, a side screen is shown with a little mascot and 7 steps:

Why doesn't it work?

• Users don’t get an immediate direction or help with reaching value, instead they need to find the help on their own.
• The “Quick Start” button is not only hard to find but also hard to read since it’s sideways.
• While the progress bar is a good factor, 7 steps might be too long for some products, including PostHog.

2- Coolors

Coolors uses a simple onboarding flow for its simple color palette solution.

It’s titled Tutorial and has 13 steps to introduce the UI elements inside the main page:

While there is a backdrop to focus on specific elements, the tooltip stays static:

Why doesn't it work?

• The flow is simply too long for the users to stay interested in or remember in the future.
• The modal does not move at all, making the already static flow more boring.
• There is no Aha! Moment that the tutorial aims to reach which leaves users confused and not willing to come back.

What and Who to Follow About User Onboarding

Here’s a list of people and resources to keep an eye out for if you’re interested in user onboarding examples to inspire you:

• https://www.productcompass.pm/
• https://pod.co/product-led-podcast/how-to-use-customer-intent-to-build-product-onboarding-that-scales-1
• https://userguiding.com/resources/ebooks/user-onboarding-checklist
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramlijohn/

Wrapping Up

User onboarding can be pretty simple when you set your mind straight. Your focus should always be on getting your users to find value as soon as possible. 

There are good user onboarding examples everywhere if you know where to look, but the real question is:

Why isn’t your product among them?

If you’re looking for a no-code solution that can help with that while also offering other digital adoption tools, give UserGuiding a try for free today 👈