Why product onboarding video is a must-have

Have you ever used a new product and felt confused the whole time? Well, that happens sometimes. Maybe you tried to figure it out yourself for a bit, or maybe you just gave up and never used it again.

Either way, your first time using it wasn’t great.  In this article, we will explore the benefits of product onboarding videos and provide examples of how they can be used to improve marketing metrics.

Product Onboarding: Why is it Mattering Today?

First, let’s answer one question: why do you need product onboarding video? Are they really that necessary? A short answer is yes.

Now, to put it longer: product onboarding videos are a crucial component of any successful marketing strategy. They provide a step-by-step guide on how to use your product, helping users get the most out of it and reducing churn. New tech stuff pops up all the time, right? Companies try to make it easy to use, but let’s be honest, it’s not always a walk in the park.

Take Web3, the whole “decentralized internet” thing. It’s supposed to be awesome, putting you in control of your stuff. But for most people, it’s like wandering into a maze blindfolded. 

Here’s the thing:

Web3 uses fancy tech (blockchain, crypto, all that jazz) that can be confusing.  Imagine trying to explain it to a complete newcomer – not easy! That’s why a smooth onboarding process is key. You need clear instructions, step-by-step guides, maybe even some fun tutorials to break the ice.

Besides, new digital products appear literally everywhere – healthcare, insurance, banking, you name it. Most of them, need a video onboarding. At least a short one. 

The Benefits of Video Onboarding

Video onboarding can really improve how users feel about your company when they first start using it. And, as you understand from the chapter above, it just helps people to get onboard:) 

It does this by:

• Making users feel more at ease with your product or service.
• Getting them curious and excited about what you offer.
• Helping them have those “aha!” moments that make them want to keep using your product.

But there is more to it. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know and what you can achieve when creating a video onboarding. 

Understanding User Goals

The foundation of a great onboarding process is understanding your users’ goals. What problem are they trying to solve with your product?  Tailor your onboarding journey to address those specific needs, demonstrating how your product is the perfect solution.

Frictionless First Steps

The initial interaction with your product should be smooth and frictionless. Eliminate unnecessary steps like lengthy registration forms. Consider offering a “guided tour” highlighting core functionalities users need to get started quickly.

Progressive Disclosure

Don’t overwhelm users with every feature at once.  Follow a principle of progressive disclosure, introducing features based on user actions and progress within the product. This keeps users engaged and focused on achieving immediate goals.

Micro-Wins and Milestones

Celebrate user achievements along the way.  Small wins, like completing a basic task or customizing their profile, create a sense of accomplishment and encourage continued exploration.

Why Animation is a Good Medium for Product Onboarding?

Visually Explaining Workflows – Complex functionalities can be broken down into clear, step-by-step animations, making them easier to understand and remember.

Adding Personality and Engagement – Animations can inject humor, warmth, or a touch of whimsy, keeping users interested and invested in the learning process.

Creating a Cohesive Brand Experience –  Animation allows you to weave your brand identity into the onboarding journey, fostering a sense of connection and trust with your users. 

The Three Best Channels to Onboard Users with Video Content

Of course, each product is unique, and it is possible you have entirely another way to show it to the users. However, here are some of the main channels you can use: 

Dedicated Tutorials

Create a dedicated video library or resource center within your platform. This is a video version of the FAQ. This allows users to access specific tutorials whenever they need a refresher or encounter a new feature. Organize videos by topic or functionality for easy navigation.

Modals

These are pop-up windows that appear within your interface at key moments. Use short, targeted video modals to highlight specific features or guide users through a critical action for the first time. Think of them as mini-tutorials that appear right where users need them most.

Video Emails

The power of email marketing is undeniable. Take it a step further by incorporating onboarding videos directly into your welcome emails or drip campaigns. This is a great way to introduce new users to your product or service and showcase its value proposition in a visually captivating way.

Basic Steps to Create an Onboarding Process

Define Your Goals and Audience

Before diving in, take a step back and ask yourself: What do you want your customers to achieve during onboarding? Is it setting up a profile, completing a key task, or simply understanding the core value proposition?

Map the User Journey

Imagine the ideal path your customer takes from signup to becoming a happy, productive user. Sketch out the key touchpoints they’ll encounter and the actions you want them to take at each stage. This helps identify potential roadblocks and ensures your onboarding addresses them proactively.

Create Engaging Content

Gone are the days of dry, text-heavy manuals. Utilize a mix of engaging content formats like explainer videos, interactive tutorials, or even short quizzes to break down complex concepts into easily digestible pieces.  Remember, keep it clear, concise, and visually appealing. 

Prioritize User Experience

Onboarding should be smooth and frictionless. Avoid overwhelming users with too much information at once.  Consider a “progressive disclosure” approach, revealing features gradually as users progress through the platform.

Measure and Iterate

Onboarding is an ongoing process. Track user engagement with your content and identify areas for improvement. A/B test different approaches, gather feedback through surveys or calls, and be willing to adapt based on user data.

Conclusion

Even though we’ve covered a lot about using videos for onboarding, there’s still so much more to discover in this process. Welcome new users with the step-by-step explanation. In other words, give them a map. And guide them by the hand. 

You can mix your videos with other types of onboarding material, give your onboarding strategy its own unique brand twist, and even create content that smoothly transitions from onboarding to selling or convincing customers to upgrade. 

If you want to create a great customer onboarding video – contant us. We can equip you with a powerful animation that not only teaches people how to use your product, but convert it into loyal customers.