Checklists & Playbooks
title: Onboarding Playbook nextjs: metadata: title: Onboarding Playbook description: Patterns and tactics to help users reach first success quickly and confidently.
Define success
- Identify the activation event (time-to-first-value).
- Map the shortest path from signup to success.
- Personalize paths by role/goal when possible.
Reduce friction
- Progressive profiling: ask later, not sooner.
- Smart defaults and templates; import or sample data.
- Inline guidance: hotspots, checklists, examples.
Teach by doing
- Interactive walkthroughs over static tours.
- Safe sandbox; undo available; no irreversible steps.
- Celebrate progress; show remaining steps and ETA.
Safety & trust
- Transparent permissions and data usage.
- Clear pricing/limits; trial boundaries visible.
- Human help: chat, email, or office hours paths.
Measurement
- Track activation rate, TTFV, drop-off points.
- Survey early cohorts (CES, PMF signals).
- Iterate: A/B test copy, order, and defaults.