UX writingExpert heuristicIntermediate
Onboarding Copy
Teach one thing at the moment it is needed, in the reader's words, and get out of the way.
Definition
Onboarding copy is everything read between arrival and the first useful outcome: welcome screens, setup prompts, tour steps, checklist items and the first empty state.
Expert heuristic. A review criterion developed by practitioners. Useful and widely taught, but evaluated by judgement rather than measurement.
The same step, three ways
| Weak | Better | Best | Why the last one wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to Acme! | Welcome. Let's set up your workspace | Import your first project, or start from a template | Offers an action rather than a greeting. |
| Complete your profile | Add a photo and job title | Add a photo so teammates recognise your comments | Ties a chore to a benefit the reader can see. |
| Step 2 of 7 | Step 2 of 7: invite your team | Invite your team. You can skip this and do it later. | Names the step and makes the exit visible. |
| You're all set! | Setup complete | Your workspace is ready. Next: create your first report. | Points at the next real action instead of celebrating configuration. |
What to cut first
- Any step that collects something you could default, infer or ask for later.
- Tour steps explaining controls the reader has no reason to use yet.
- Congratulation screens between the reader and the thing they came for.
- Feature tours written from the product's structure rather than from a task.
Continue from here
Each link says what the connection is, so you can tell a principle from an alternative from a thing people mix this up with.
Principles behind this
The reasoning this solution is an application of.
- Goal-Gradient EffectLaw
- Paradox of the Active UserPsychology
Related concept
Connected closely enough to change how you apply this.
- OnboardingPattern
- Empty State CopyUX writing
- MicrocopyUX writing