| name | onboarding-copy |
| description | Use when writing first-run flows, empty states, tooltips, welcome modals, or in-app onboarding copy. Not for legal terms, support email replies, or SEO landing pages. |
Onboarding copy
Principles
- One job per screen — do not explain the whole product at once.
- Lead with outcome: "Track invoices in one place" not "Welcome to our platform".
- Short sentences; active voice; no jargon on step 1.
Patterns
| Moment | Copy pattern |
|---|
| Welcome | Benefit + single CTA |
| Empty state | What's missing + why + CTA |
| Tooltip | ≤ 120 chars; optional "Learn more" link |
| Checklist onboarding | 3–5 steps max; celebrate completion |
Progressive disclosure
- Advanced features introduced after first success (aha moment).
- Skippable tours; remember skip in localStorage or profile.
Accessibility
- Tooltips keyboard-dismissible; don't block primary task.
Deliverable
Provide copy per component/screen:
- Headline
- Body (optional)
- Primary CTA label
- Secondary (skip) label
Avoid
- Lorem ipsum or "[Title here]".
- Blocking modal chains > 3 steps without skip.
- Identical copy on every empty state.