User onboarding and activation

User onboarding is the process of guiding new users through a product to help them understand its features, value proposition, and how to use it. Onboarding is a part of the user activation process.

The goal of onboarding is to provide users with a positive first-time experience with the product. As an effect, users will continue using the product and become loyal customers. Effective user onboarding requires a deep understanding of the user’s needs and motivations and a clear understanding of the product’s value proposition.

User activation is a process that helps users understand the product’s value and take actions that drive engagement and revenue. Activation strategies can handle many forms, including personalized messaging, incentivization, and gamification. The difference between onboarding and activation is that onboarding is an activation during the first days with the product. But activation is not ending on these first days and should continue beyond that.