# Onboarding

> Clear onboarding guidance helps users get started quickly, build confidence, and unlock value from day one. Use step-by-step instructions, highlight key features and provide actionable tips to ensure a smooth, engaging experience.

#

## General rules

We follow this three-step approach when writing our onboarding messages.

| Step | Purpose | Content | Structure and examples |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | Heading | Welcome your new user and clearly state the purpose of the onboarding dialog. | Welcome [user name] to [application name] |
| 2. | Description | Set expectations and explain briefly what the application is about.Keep it short and focused on value.Highlight key features or benefits of the application.Let users know how long the onboarding process takes. | Discover how to make the most of your experience.We’ll guide you through key features and help you get set up in just a few minutes. |
| 3. | Action | Provide clear next steps with buttons or links. Use action verbs and keep it simple. | Get startedLearn nowGetting startedExplore the app |

Welcome users in the onboarding component only once with a friendly yet professional tone.

  
    Welcome to [application name]
    Welcome [user name] to [application name]
  

  
    Welcome again to [application name]
  

Use a friendly, professional tone that’s engaging and informative but not casual or informal.

  
    Get started
    Getting started
  

  
    Hey there! Let’s dive in and get you rolling! 🚀
  

Avoid using marketing or selling wording, instead address users as a partner and expert.

  
    Connecting your mobile device is a piece of cake with our Asset Manager.
  

Break onboarding into small, manageable steps with bullet points, pagination or short paragraphs.

  
    Set up your notifications:
      • Select the notifications you want
      • Set quiet hours to avoid interruptions
  

  
    Getting started with smart notifications. You can now choose what types of alerts you want, set quiet hours, and customize how you receive notifications so you’re not overwhelmed.
  

Use verbs for call-to-actions, providing concrete actions or onboarding steps.

  
    Get started
    Start now
    Start tour
    Learn more
    Register
    Create account
    Explore the app
    Onboard devices
    Learn how to onboard assets
  

Avoid generic call-to-actions when possible to enhance transparency and build confidence.

  
    OK
    Click here
  

Use clear (but not catastrophic) wording to highlight important points for users to remember.

  
    Important: Always log out using your profile. Do not simply close the app.
    Make sure you “Save all” before leaving workflows to save your data.
    We recommend creating a backup of your dashboard to avoid risk of data loss.
    Note: You can always find this tour in the “About” tab.
  

  
    Failure to save your changes will result in permanent loss of your data.
  

Provide a clear way for users to dismiss or postpone onboarding without confusion.

  
    Close
    Skip
    Skip and don’t show again
    Remind me at next login
  

  
    Confirm
    Proceed
    Continue
    Maybe later
  

## Dos and Don’ts

  
    Do reveal information step-by-step to avoid cognitive overload
    Do personalize the onboarding process to increase engagement and retainment
  

  
    Don’t overload users with too much information on one screen, instead use pages or split news
    Don’t embed critical text in images as it’s hard to translate and read
    Don’t rely on dismissible popups for essential setup steps
  

## Related

* [What’s new announcements](./whats-new-announcements.md)
* [Logging in and out](./logging-in-and-out.md)