Product tours offer a unique opportunity to showcase the benefits of your product and walk users through its features. But how do you create a tour that truly resonates with your audience? In this guide, we'll show you the ropes and provide actionable tips for designing effective product tours that drive customer success. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your product and boost user adoption like never before. Let's dive in!

What are Product Tours?

Product tours are a series of guided steps that walk new users through the key features of a product. These tours can be built using tools like Pendo or Appcues and can be customized to fit the user's needs. Product tours allow users to quickly understand the product and its value proposition, making it easier to adopt and reach the "Ahá!" moment.

App Features
Appcues Multi-language support, user segmentation, analytics and reporting, in-app messaging
WalkMe Personalized guidance, performance analytics, real-time monitoring, automated workflows
Userpilot Customizable templates, in-app surveys, user segmentation, real-time data tracking
Intercom Targeted messaging, user behavior tracking, lead capture, custom chatbots

How to Create Effective Product Tours

Creating compelling product tours requires deeply understanding your user's needs and behaviors. Here are some steps you can take to create product tours that work:

Map the User Flow: The first step is to map out the user flow when using your product or a specific feature. You can use tools like Hotjar and Amplitude to collect data on this and gain insights into how users interact with your product.

Step User Action Product Action
1 User logs into the app App displays dashboard
2 User clicks "Create New Project" button App displays "Create Project" form
3 User enters project details and clicks "Create" App creates new project and redirects user to project dashboard
4 User clicks "Add Team Members" button App displays "Invite Team Members" form
5 User enters team member email addresses and clicks "Send Invites" App sends invites and displays success message
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Use data from user behavior and feedback to guide your mapping process. Don't assume that you know what users want or need from your product.

Set Goals: Once you have mapped out the user flow, set goals for your product tours. For example, you may want to increase the conversion rate of trials to paid customers from 5% to 7% in the next quarter.

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Set goals for areas of the product that have the biggest impact on user adoption and retention. This could include features that users struggle with or areas where there is high churn.

Create the Tour: Using the insights gained from mapping the user flow, create a product tour that guides users through the adoption process. The tour should be interactive and engaging, making it easy for users to understand the product's value proposition.

Type Description Examples
Text Written explanation of a feature or process Headings, subheadings, paragraphs
Images Visual aids that demonstrate a feature or process Screenshots, diagrams, animations
Videos Moving visuals that demonstrate a feature or process Tutorials, product demos, explainer videos
Interactive Elements Features that allow users to interact with the product during the tour Simulations, quizzes, surveys
Calls-to-Action Prompts that encourage users to take action Buttons, links, forms
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Use data on user behavior and preferences to customize the tour for each user. This will make it more relevant and engaging.

Analyze and Iterate: After launching the product tour, analyze its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to iterate and refine the tour to make it even more effective.

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Test different versions of your product tour to see which is more effective. Use A/B testing to compare different elements of the tour, such as the length or the wording of the instructions.
Feature Description Example
Onboarding Introduction to the product and key features Welcome screen, tutorial
Personalization Customizing the experience based on user behavior and preferences Recommended content, tailored messaging
Interactive Elements Adding challenges, quizzes, or other interactive elements to keep users engaged Gamification, progress tracking
User Feedback Gathering feedback from users to improve the product and the tour Surveys, feedback forms

Key features for Product Tour

Feedback Insight
Users find it difficult to understand how to use certain features. Improve product tour to focus on key features and provide more guidance.
Users are confused about the difference between plans. Clarify plan features and pricing on the pricing page and in the product tour.
Users want more integrations with other tools. Explore adding more integrations and promote existing integrations in the product tour.

User Feedback and Insights for Product Optimization

SaaS Examples of Product Tours

Here are some examples of SaaS companies that have successfully used product tours to boost user adoption and retention:

  • HubSpot: HubSpot's product tours guide users through the key features of their marketing and sales software. The tours are interactive and engaging, making it easy for users to understand the product's value proposition.
  • Trello: Trello's product tours help new users understand how to use the platform and its features. The tours are customized based on the user's needs and behavior, making it easy for them to get started with the product.
  • Slack: Slack's product tours guide new users through the platform's messaging and collaboration features. The tours are interactive and engaging, making it easy for users to understand how to use the product.
Product tours are a powerful tool for SaaS companies looking to boost user adoption and retention.

By mapping out the user flow, setting goals, creating engaging tours, and iterating based on feedback, SaaS companies can create effective product tours that help users understand the value of their products.