Imagine you want to buy a new house. You arrange a site visit with a real estate agent, but when you arrive, the agent just points to the house without showing you around. Would you still be interested in buying it?
The same thing applies to your apps.
App walkthroughs are pivotal for brands to get first-time users acquainted with the app. Walkthroughs guide users through the app’s features, helping them understand everything smoothly and quickly. By doing this, the app walkthroughs unlock the value proposition it possesses for users.
What is an App Walkthrough?
An app walkthrough is a series of screens that show how an app works to create a great First Time User Experience (FTUE). These interactive walkthroughs are also known as app onboarding.
App walkthroughs act as a digital guide for users to head into the right direction, preventing them from getting lost. Utilizing interactive guides in the onboarding process keeps users engaged and informed.
Think of it like a tour guide who escorts tourists in the right direction so they don’t get lost during their journey. With the assistance of browser push notifications, users can be directed to the most valuable features of the app.
App walkthrough breaks down the complicated app journey into easy-to-follow instructions. It becomes easy for the users to apprehend the app features in the first look itself. This makes app walkthrough an immensely popular user experience strategy in the mobile app market.
As per the research by Techjury, mobile apps are expected to generate a revenue of $935 billion by 2023. An average smartphone user uses 9 apps per day and 30 apps each month.
Another report suggests that around 88% of mobile time is spent on apps, with 49% of people opening an app 11+ times in a single day.
These numbers are surely impressive for app owners and enterprises looking to extend their brand reach via apps. But before you play that song of victory in your head, you need to get past these two hurdles:
1. Increase your app downloads
2. Reduce user App-nesia (Users forgetting the apps leading to app churn)
Creating a solid app walkthrough helps brands surpass these hurdles. That will, in turn, encourage users to download the app and use it routinely. Leveraging push notification marketing can be a game-changer in increasing app downloads and retaining users.
Benefits of in-app walkthroughs for appreneurs and enterprises
There’s often a debate about whether users should figure out app functions on their own. However, as apps become more complex, it’s increasingly important to educate users in a simpler way.
Here are a few ways to reap the benefits of App Walkthroughs for your business:
As they say, the first impression is the last impression, and it applies to your app journey as well. Users anticipate a smooth transition when they traverse through your app universe for the first time. And as an app owner, it’s your responsibility to make this experience a pleasant one.
1. Use App Walkthroughs to Deliver A Great First-Time User Experience
Surprise your first-time app users by establishing a personalized and seamless onboarding flow. Engage real-time and make users discover the app by quickly instructing them on the key app features, registration process, login options, first-time promo codes, etc. Implementing real-time notifications can enhance the onboarding experience.
2. Enable Users to Discover App Features with App Walkthrough
Convert app users into power users with contextual walkthroughs to instantly familiarize users with the app and its features.
Send contextual in-app messages to highlight a new or existing low-adaption app feature to the users. This will reduce app-nesia and increase repeat app usage.
Utilize contextual walkthroughs to display tips in the form of instructional overlays and coach marks. Guide action-driven users to learn the app swiftly on the go. Utilizing push notification tools can help deliver these tips effectively.
3. Customize User Journey And Direct Users Towards Conversion
From the moment a user installs an app, their app journey commences. This is your opportunity to make them realize the value of your app by seamlessly customizing their experience.
Map user journey, spot its discrete stages, and customize the app tour to meet each user’s motivation and expectations.By doing this, you will keep them sustainably engaged for a longer period.
Target the passive users by developing tailor-made walkthroughs across multiple app screens on the go. Save these context observations for future users that meet the qualification parameters you define. Implementing web app push notifications can further engage passive users.
4. Capture Real-time User Feedback to Detect Loopholes
For any business, customer feedback plays a crucial role as it helps you detect even the minuscule loophole in your app. It’s an opportunity for you to improve the user interface effectively.
Go beyond the blanket feedback ideas of review and rating by taking live feedback from in-app users through qualitative surveys. Use the feedback received as a base to improve your UI or product/service offering.
Implementing all these strategies can help you build a successful app onboarding experience in no time. Using the best push notification platform can aid in collecting feedback and providing valuable updates to users.
Types of App Walkthroughs/App Onboarding
Onboarding is a crucial phase of any app user’s journey as it establishes the first point of contact for users. To make a flawless app, you need to define its purpose and this section will help you to outline the same precisely.
The different types of onboarding strategies that you may adapt to suit your business objectives are as follows:
1. Benefit-oriented Onboarding
The name itself says it all. This type of onboarding reflects the benefits or value the user derives by using a particular app.
These types of apps are conversion-driven, with more focus on what the app does rather than how to use the app.
The onboarding screen consists of permission requests for opt-in services like accessing location, sending push notifications, etc.
One brilliant example of benefit-oriented app onboarding is FitBit.
FitBit is an all-day personalized activity tracker app designed for its customers.
The app helps users manage their goals, track activity and heart rate, record workouts, monitor food intake, and even their sleep patterns.
Fitbit uses 5 simple walkthrough screens to showcase what’s in store, justifying the value it adds to its users.
Being a personalized app, the onboarding starts by gathering all the user information. This includes FitBit device type, birthday memos, height, weight, gender, other daily goals, etc.
Do take notice of the screens shown below!
Image/GIF courtesy- Storyly
After collecting the information, the app creates a personalized dashboard that indicates that the personal tracker is now at your service.
Can an app get any cooler than this! If you are looking for an app that offers value to your user, that’s the approach you need to follow.
2. Function-oriented Onboarding
This type of onboarding focuses majorly on educating the customers and busting their dilemma about the app’s core functionalities and features.
The app tour guides users from start to end, giving a 360-degree view of the entire application.
Here is an example that explains how function-oriented onboarding works
Flock
Flock is a team messenger and online collaboration app that empowers teams and workplaces, enabling them with tools and services to get the best output at work.
The app offers a plethora of features like creating to-dos, 1-1 chats, group discussions, video conferences, taking team polls, sharing files… the list is never-ending.
The app kick-starts with engaging screens that instantly highlight the top features of the app.
Flock takes its users screen-by-screen, showcasing the very business tools it offers for teams to carry out their tasks effectively.
This in-depth journey enables users to understand the app and the features it provides in a better way.
3. Progressive/Action-driven Onboarding
In this approach, the app displays information as the walkthrough progresses, prompting users to take meaningful actions. This type of onboarding is most suitable for apps that rely on user-generated content (UGC).
Instead of talking about the value and features, the progressive method makes prospects use the app amidst the onboarding.
The best-suited example of this approach is Instagram
Now this app needs no introduction. We all know it, use it, and absolutely love it!
Instagram’s onboarding journey starts by displaying the statistics of its customer base, which is sure to create a FOMO.
Image Courtesy- UXCam
Since Facebook is the owner, Instagram shows its users a list of all their Facebook friends who are active on the app. This friend list is randomly produced basis their engagement history on Facebook.
Once users select their Instagram friends, they will be nudged to make one last move i.e., to create an Instagram profile. And Voila! They are now a part of the ever-thriving Instagram community.
Now if you too dream of creating a UGC-driven app, then this example is a perfect food for thought!
And always remember that in the end, whatever the approach, the goal is to ensure that users understand the app and stay with them as long as possible.
App Walkthrough vs. Product Tour: What makes an App Walkthrough Different from a Product Tour?
There is a lot of skepticism among marketers on whether there is any difference between App Walkthroughs and Product Tours or is it all a part of the same puzzle?
The answer is it depends on your perspective.
Ideally, they are not similar but not very different too. However, those who find these two terms different describe them as follows:
So as you can see, it kind of falls in the same chain.
However, from the onboarding point of view, there is definitely a distinction between both phenomena. While one focuses on an overall approach, the other is more exhaustive.
Best examples of app walkthroughs
App walkthroughs are essential for onboarding new users, guiding them through key features, and ensuring they understand how to use the app effectively. Here are some of the best examples of app walkthroughs:
1. Duolingo
Duolingo’s onboarding is gamified, aligning with its core function of language learning. The walkthrough is interactive, making users participate from the start.
Why It Works: The app uses visual cues, friendly language, and immediate engagement with the app’s core functionality (learning a new word) to get users hooked from the beginning.
2. Canva
Canva’s walkthrough emphasizes its user-friendly design and the simplicity of creating graphics. It highlights the drag-and-drop features and how to access templates.
Why It Works: The walkthrough is concise and visually engaging, focusing on quick wins that make users feel confident about using the app.
3. Slack
Slack’s onboarding process is conversational, mirroring the app’s core function of communication. It guides users through setting up a workspace and inviting team members.
Why It Works: Slack uses a step-by-step approach with in-context explanations, allowing users to set up and use the app in real-time while learning about its features.
4. Headspace
Headspace offers a calm and welcoming walkthrough that aligns with its mission to help users meditate. It includes short, guided introductions to meditation sessions.
Why It Works: The onboarding reflects the app’s core value of mindfulness, easing users into the experience with a minimalistic design and soothing tone.
5. Airbnb
Airbnb’s walkthrough is tailored based on the user’s intent—whether they are hosts or travelers. It highlights the key benefits and features relevant to the user’s goals.
Why It Works: The personalized approach makes the onboarding process feel relevant and valuable, reducing drop-offs and increasing engagement.
6. Evernote
Evernote uses an interactive tour that highlights its key features like note-taking, organization, and task management. Users are encouraged to try out features during the walkthrough.
Why It Works: The hands-on approach helps users understand the app’s capabilities through practice, increasing retention and satisfaction.
7. Spotify
Spotify’s walkthrough is quick, focusing on personalization. It asks users about their music preferences to tailor recommendations.
Why It Works: The emphasis on personalization makes the user feel in control and excited about using the app, leading to a more tailored and engaging experience.
8. Dropbox
Dropbox’s onboarding is straightforward, guiding users through uploading and sharing files with a focus on simplicity.
Why It Works: The simplicity and focus on the core features ensure that users quickly understand the value of the app without feeling overwhelmed.
9. Robinhood
Robinhood’s onboarding focuses on educating users about investing. It simplifies complex financial concepts with clear explanations and interactive elements.
Why It Works: The educational approach demystifies investing for beginners, making the app accessible and reducing the barrier to entry.
10. Uber
Uber’s walkthrough is action-oriented, guiding users through the process of booking their first ride. It highlights key features like fare estimates and ride-tracking.
Why It Works: The focus on practical use cases ensures that users can quickly start using the app for its primary purpose, leading to faster product & feature adoption.
Key Takeaways for Creating Effective App Walkthroughs:
- Interactive Elements: Engage users by allowing them to interact with key features during the walkthrough.
- Personalization: Tailor the experience based on the user’s goals or preferences to make the onboarding relevant.
- Simplicity: Keep the walkthrough concise and focused on the most important features.
- Visuals and Design: Use clear, visually appealing design to guide users without overwhelming them.
- Immediate Value: Highlight the app’s value proposition early on to keep users engaged.
These examples demonstrate how a well-designed app walkthrough enhances user experience, improves engagement, and increases retention.
Why choose Netcore Cloud for App Walkthroughs
There are several reasons why brands should choose Netcore Cloud for building effective and impactful product experience for their users.
Streamlining App Development with No-Code Solutions
Brands can significantly reduce development cycles, dependency on developers, and the hassles of app releases by opting for a no-code solution like Netcore Cloud. Traditional hard-coding methods for implementing app walkthroughs and nudges are not only time-consuming but also resource-intensive. With Netcore Cloud’s platform, brands can deploy contextual and personalized app walkthroughs in under 15 minutes, freeing up valuable resources to focus on innovation and user experience.
Agility and Flexibility in User Engagement
Netcore Cloud’s no-code platform allows product teams to create, test, and iterate on user engagement strategies with unprecedented speed. The drag-and-drop journey builder enables the design of unique, segment-specific walkthroughs and nudges, empowering teams to run rapid experiments and adapt quickly based on real-time user feedback. This agility not only accelerates app growth but also ensures that the app remains aligned with evolving user needs and preferences.
Enhanced Analytics and Measurable Impact
With in-depth reporting and analytics, Netcore Cloud provides brands with the tools to set clear goals and measure the impact of their app walkthroughs. This data-driven approach allows for continuous optimization, ensuring that the app’s user engagement strategies are effective and contribute to higher conversion, adoption, and retention rates.
Extensive Nudge Library
To persuade users to explore and utilize every feature your app offers, you need more than just a good design—you need effective nudges. Nudges subtly guide users towards making the best decisions within the app, breaking through habitual user behavior. Netcore Cloud’s extensive nudge library, informed by the analysis of over 300 nudge types across various industries, provides tailored solutions to enhance user engagement. Whether it’s through tooltips, walkthroughs, or spotlights, these nudges are essential for transforming user interaction and driving app success.
By choosing Netcore Cloud for app walkthroughs, brands can eliminate the inefficiencies of traditional development methods, achieve faster time-to-market, and create a more engaging and personalized user experience. The platform’s flexibility, speed, and analytical capabilities make it an indispensable tool for driving app success.
Bottom Line
Creating a strong app walkthrough can make or break your user experience. While it’s essential to guide users and simplify their journey, app owners also need to be mindful of how the walkthrough is created.
According to a customer onboarding survey, 8 out of 10 users say that they’ve deleted an app because they didn’t know how to use it.
Therefore, an app walkthrough needs to be designed in a manner that only pops up when a user calls for it.
Keep a pause until the user asks for any information, like a certain app functionality, leaving the rest for the users to decipher by themselves.
Constant nudges or pop-ups can confuse users. And eventually, it will take too long for users to figure out the app and ultimately drop out.
App walkthrough is the new brewing user experience strategy for businesses. It helps build an instant connection with their prospect and navigate safely to their ultimate Aha! Moment.
In the case of a complex SaaS app platform, reaching the first aha moment will need a lot more work compared to other simpler apps. Unlike other apps, SaaS products demand users to take a series of actions to reach their core value.
Either way, the objective of having an app walkthrough is to help new users discover your app and its value during the first interaction. This is imperative for long-term success. So if you want to maximize your app performance at scale, get in touch with us for a quick demo.
