The average person takes five seconds to decide whether or not they want to view your page. THAT’S IT. In the time it took you to read this first line, your prospective user is gone. Don’t miss this opportunity anymore – make sure your onboarding process is strong.

As soon as a user gets to your site, you need to capture their attention and tell them why they should care about you. Inspire curiosity, make them laugh, get them riled up. Whatever you do, make sure they want to stay.

Few companies do a great job with onboarding. But those that do have carefully designed and optimized their onboarding process over time. To help inspire you, here are five examples of companies who do a great job onboarding prospective users:

1. Glitch

Glitch is a multi-player online game that allows users to control one of eleven giant characters. Users can interact with one another, explore different imaginative locations, learn new skills and even blend new drink recipes. There’s a lot of functionality, which means there’s a lot of room for new users to get lost and lose interest. Here are a few of the ways Glitch uses the power of onboarding to avoid that loss:

1. The Encyclopedia page explains all elements of the game.
2. The background is dimmed when the informative and quirky trailer pops up.
3. The signup button is the largest and is highlighted by a strong shade of red.
4. The exclusivity of a private BETA gives new users a sense of achievement and added interest when they are approved.
5. Private BETA encourages friend invites. Knowing other users is a big plus for onboarding.

2. Raptr

Raptr is a tool that tracks your gameplay on different consoles and your computer. Then, it makes game content recommendations based on the data collected. Described as the perfect social network for gamers, Raptr has a lot of ground to cover with new users. Between buddy lists and personalized news feeds, new users can easily get confused with all the features. To point them in the right direction, Raptr created a great onboarding flow:

1. The signup box is well placed in the top right-hand corner, where the eye is drawn.
2. A short, straightforward signup form reduces the bounce rate.
3. Social connect options give the process a sense of authenticity and familiarity.
4. Instructions for the major features appear when new users login.
5. The instructions aren’t just static… they go through processes step-by-step.

3. Skitch

Everyone knows how to take a simple screenshot, but Skitch allows users to kick it up a notch. Using the app, they can resize, crop and edit their shots. They can even fast-track the social sharing process with the click of a button. From drawing on the screenshot to adding a clever caption, new users are immediately presented with plenty of options to choose from. Fortunately, Skitch’s onboarding techniques make the choice easy.

1. There is the added advantage of running on a familiar platform like the Mac App Store.
2. When first launched, large pink arrows point to the shoot and share buttons.
3. The automatic welcome window includes a straightforward introduction video.
4. The welcome window also highlights the three main functions of the app, clarifying value.
5. Absolutely no separate signup is required to download and use the app.

4. Mockingbird

Mockingbird was designed to make the creation and collaboration of wireframes easier than ever before. Whether users are focused on website wireframes or application wireframes, Mockingbird can help. Taking users through the formerly complicated process, the tool promises to save time and help build better products. Between creating the mock ups, linking them together and sharing the results with others, there are still plenty of concepts new users need to grasp. Mockingbird’s onboarding process makes getting started easier than it sounds.

1. The four main ways the tool provides value are showcased right below the fold.
2. The entire process is broken down into three (a powerful number) easy steps on the landing page.
3. Before asking users to commit to a paid plan, there is a free limited trial version available.
4. When the free version is launched, there are three on-screen tips to get users started.
5. If an icon appears below an item, two clicks will lead to a detailed description of the icon’s purpose.

5. Dropbox

Dropbox simplifies life on the go by allowing users to store important files in one central hub. A user can access a Word document created on her desktop when she’s on her laptop at the airport or when she’s on her iPhone at the grocery store. Dropbox saves users from constantly emailing files between devices by storing the files in one convenient location that can be accessed from any device with an Internet connection. To many, this sounds a bit more confusing and intimidating than the tried and true email approach, so Dropbox had to develop an amazing onboarding process.

1. Within seconds of clicking the call to download button, it begins automatically downloading the tool.
2. A four step getting started tutorial begins immediately upon download.
3. Simple language is used in the introduction video and tutorial – there’s no room for confusion or miscommunication.
4. The tutorial notes how short and to the point it is to reduce the bounce rate.
5. The “Getting Started” tab lists six steps that help familiarize new users with the available features.

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