How to Create a Product Tour
Product tours are interactive walkthroughs that guide new users through your application. A well-designed tour can dramatically improve activation rates and reduce time-to-value. This guide walks you through creating a product tour from scratch.
Define your tour goals
Identify the key actions new users need to complete to experience value. Focus on 3-5 critical steps rather than showing everything.
Map the user journey
Outline the exact sequence of pages and actions your tour will cover. Each step should flow naturally to the next.
Write concise copy
Keep each tooltip under 2 sentences. Use action-oriented language that tells users what to do and why it matters.
Choose step types
Use highlights for UI elements, modals for important context, and tooltips for inline guidance. Mix types to keep the tour engaging.
Set up targeting
Configure your tour to show only to new users or specific segments. Avoid showing tours to returning users who already know the product.
Add progress indicators
Show users how many steps remain. This reduces drop-off by setting clear expectations about tour length.
Test across devices
Preview your tour on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Ensure tooltips position correctly and elements are visible on all screen sizes.
Pro Tips
- Keep tours under 7 steps to avoid overwhelming users.
- Allow users to skip or dismiss the tour at any time.
- Use animations sparingly to draw attention without distracting.
- A/B test different tour lengths to find the optimal engagement point.
Conclusion
A great product tour balances education with simplicity. Start with a minimal tour focused on your core value proposition, then iterate based on analytics and user feedback. Remember, the best tours feel like helpful guidance, not forced training.
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