June 2016 Summaries

The text discusses the recent update to Pinterest's first time user experience, which has been well received by users and experts alike. The platform now employs a low-touch approach in teaching its users how to navigate and use the site effectively. This new onboarding process aims to provide an engaging yet non-intrusive introduction for newcomers to Pinterest.

Effective user onboarding utilizes a combination of email, in-app messaging, and product tours. Emails are useful for delivering transactional messages and longer-form content designed to re-engage users. In-app messaging is ideal for important announcements and critical product changes relevant to active users. Product tours help highlight the value of features and nudge users towards key steps in using a product. SaaS tools like MailChimp, Outbound.io, Intercom, and Chameleon can be used to design, build, implement, test, and iterate on these channels. It's crucial to measure success with a single metric that everyone is committed to.

The text discusses the importance of focusing on the "why" rather than the "how" when engaging new users. It explains that user action is driven by three factors: motivation, ability, and triggers. To increase engagement, product creators should focus on a strong value proposition, an intuitive interface, and effective prompts. The text emphasizes that explaining the value of a product is more important than teaching users how to use it. It suggests incorporating elements such as videos from founders, customer testimonials, and in-app tours highlighting valuable features into onboarding processes.

Attending conferences can be expensive, so it's crucial to maximize their benefits. To do this, first calculate the true cost of attending by considering cash, time, and opportunity costs. Next, set clear goals based on a specific purpose for attending the conference. These goals should be measurable and have an assigned value. Work backwards from your target to determine what you need to achieve it. Then, develop a strategy that outlines how you will reach your goals at the conference. Prepare beforehand by researching attendees, creating a schedule, and gathering necessary tools and gear. Finally, be adaptable during the event and adjust your strategy as needed. By following these steps, you can ensure that attending conferences is a valuable investment for both yourself and your company.