BuildBrief: 80% of Your Conversions Happen in Onboarding

Most people think users decide to pay after they've used the app.

Wrong.

80% of your paying users will convert during the onboarding screens, before they ever see your app.

This is why the best apps have 20+ screen onboarding flows:

When someone downloads your app, their motivation is at its peak. They want a solution.

But if you let them into the app first (before they pay), you lose that momentum.

They'll use the free version, realize it works "good enough," and never upgrade. Or they'll forget about the app entirely after day one.

Either way, you've lost your best shot at converting them.

That's why you show the paywall at the end of the onboarding...

Here's how to build an onboarding that converts:

Phase 1: Show your value (1-2 screens)

Start with a clear promise. "Sleep better in 7 days." Users need to be reminded why they're here before they'll answer questions.

Phase 2: Ask simple questions (3-8 screens)

Ask about their goals, habits, preferences. Keep each question easy. One tap answers. Every answer they give makes them more invested. They're building their plan now.

Phase 3: Make it personal (2-3 screens)

Show them their "personalized results" based on their answers. "Based on your goals, here's your custom plan." Now it feels made specifically for them.

Phase 4: Build trust (2-3 screens)

Show social proof: ratings, reviews, number of users. "Join 500,000+ people who improved their sleep." This removes doubt right before you ask for money.

Phase 5: Sign-up, then paywall

Ask them to create an account before showing the price. They'll think: "I need to sign up so I don't lose all the progress I've just gone through." Once they've signed up, they've committed. They're ready to pay.

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Happy building!
Kristoffer, BuildWithAI