8 Prompts for Writing SaaS Onboarding Tooltips

** Why SaaS Onboarding Tooltips Matter**

First impressions matter—especially in SaaS. When a new user logs into your dashboard for the first time, they’re not just testing features. They’re deciding if your product is worth their time. And if they feel lost or confused? They’ll leave. Fast.

That’s where onboarding tooltips come in. Those little pop-up bubbles with short instructions? They’re not just decoration. They’re your silent salespeople, guiding users step by step. A well-written tooltip can mean the difference between a user who sticks around and one who never comes back.

Why Microcopy Makes or Breaks Onboarding

Microcopy—the tiny bits of text in buttons, error messages, and tooltips—has a big job. It needs to:

• Explain what to do next (without overwhelming the user)
• Reduce friction (so users don’t get stuck)
• Build confidence (so they feel smart, not frustrated)

Think about it: If a tooltip says “Click here to get started,” it’s forgettable. But if it says “Let’s set up your first project—it’ll take 30 seconds,” it feels personal. Small changes like this can boost completion rates by 20% or more.

The Cost of Bad Onboarding

Here’s the hard truth: Most SaaS users drop off within the first 5 minutes. Studies show that 40-60% of users who sign up for a free trial never log in again. Why? Because they didn’t see value fast enough.

Tooltips fix this by: ✅ Showing quick wins (e.g., “You just saved 2 hours with this automation!”) ✅ Reducing confusion (e.g., “This button syncs your data—no manual work needed.”) ✅ Keeping users engaged (e.g., “Only 2 steps left to finish setup!”)

What Makes a Tooltip Actually Work?

Not all tooltips are created equal. The best ones follow a few simple rules:

1. Short and scannable – Users don’t read; they skim. Keep it under 10 words if possible.
2. Action-oriented – Start with a verb (“Click,” “Drag,” “Try”) to prompt movement.
3. Friendly, not robotic – Avoid jargon. Write like you’re helping a friend.
4. Contextual – Show the tooltip right when the user needs it, not before.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this article, we’ll share 8 proven prompts to write tooltips that convert. These aren’t just random examples—they’re battle-tested phrases from top SaaS companies. Whether you’re launching a new product or improving an old one, these prompts will help you:

• Reduce drop-offs with clearer guidance
• Increase feature adoption by highlighting value
• Make onboarding feel effortless (not like a chore)

Ready to write tooltips that actually work? Let’s dive in.

The Psychology Behind Effective Tooltips

Imagine you just signed up for a new SaaS tool. The dashboard loads, and suddenly—bam—you’re staring at a screen full of buttons, graphs, and menus. Your brain freezes. You don’t know where to click first. This is the moment most users quit.

Tooltips are the unsung heroes of onboarding. They don’t just explain features—they guide users through the chaos. But here’s the catch: not all tooltips work. Some feel like annoying pop-ups. Others get ignored. The best ones? They feel like a helpful friend whispering, “Hey, try this next.” So how do you write tooltips that actually stick? It starts with psychology.

Why Your Brain Hates Overwhelm (And Loves Small Chunks)

Your brain can only handle so much at once. Scientists call this cognitive load—the mental effort required to process information. When a dashboard throws 10 new features at you at once, your brain hits its limit. You feel frustrated. You give up.

Tooltips solve this by breaking information into tiny, digestible pieces. Instead of a wall of text, you get:

• A single sentence explaining one feature.
• A clear action to take (“Click here to connect your account”).
• A visual cue (like an arrow or highlight) to focus attention.

This isn’t just good UX—it’s brain science. Studies show that people remember information better when it’s presented in small, spaced-out doses. That’s why the best tooltips feel like a conversation, not a lecture.

The Progress Principle: Why Small Wins Keep Users Hooked

Ever noticed how video games give you rewards for tiny tasks? “You unlocked a new level!” “You earned 10 points!” That’s not random—it’s psychology. Humans love progress. Even small wins release dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical in your brain.

Tooltips can do the same thing. Instead of dumping all the info at once, they drip-feed progress:

1. First tooltip: “Welcome! Let’s start with your name.” (Easy win.)
2. Second tooltip: “Great! Now connect your first data source.” (Another win.)
3. Third tooltip: “You’re halfway there—just one more step!” (Momentum.)

This is called the Progress Principle, and it’s why apps like Duolingo and Headspace keep users coming back. They make onboarding feel like a game, not a chore.

Clarity Beats Cleverness (Every Time)

Here’s a hard truth: users don’t care how funny or clever your tooltips are. They care about getting things done. Jargon, humor, or vague instructions just slow them down.

Bad tooltip: “Unleash the power of your data with our revolutionary analytics engine!” Good tooltip: “Click here to see your sales reports.”

See the difference? The first one sounds like a marketing slogan. The second one tells the user exactly what to do. Research from Nielsen Norman Group found that users ignore tooltips that feel like ads. They want actionable language, not fluff.

Case Study: How [Slack] Increased Activation by 30%

Slack didn’t become a billion-dollar company by accident. Early on, they noticed a problem: new users would sign up, poke around, and leave. Their tooltips were technically correct, but they weren’t psychologically effective.

So they rewrote them. Instead of: “Configure your workspace settings here.” They used: “Let’s set up your team. Click here to add your first channel.”

The change was small, but the impact was huge. By focusing on user goals (not just features), Slack’s activation rate jumped by 30%. The lesson? Tooltips should answer one question: “What’s in it for me?”

The Bottom Line

Tooltips aren’t just about explaining features—they’re about guiding users. They reduce overwhelm, create small wins, and speak in plain language. The best ones feel invisible, like a natural part of the experience.

So next time you write a tooltip, ask yourself:

• Does this reduce cognitive load or add to it?
• Does it give the user a quick win?
• Is it clear or just clever?

If the answer isn’t “yes” to all three, go back to the drawing board. Your users will thank you.

Prompt #1: “What’s the One Thing They Need to Know Right Now?”

Imagine this: A new user just signed up for your SaaS product. They land on your dashboard, and—poof—a tooltip appears. What does it say? If it’s something like “Welcome! We’re glad you’re here!”, you’ve already lost them.

Tooltips aren’t just decoration. They’re tiny guides that help users take the next right step. But here’s the problem: Most tooltips try to say too much. They cram in features, benefits, and friendly greetings—all at once. The result? Users ignore them.

That’s where this first prompt comes in: “What’s the one thing they need to know right now?” It forces you to cut the fluff and focus on the single most important action a user should take in that moment.

The “Single Most Important Action” Rule

Every tooltip should answer one question: What’s the one thing that will make this user successful right now?

Think of it like a GPS. When you’re driving, your GPS doesn’t give you a history of the city or a list of nearby restaurants. It says: “Turn left in 500 feet.” Simple. Clear. Actionable.

The same rule applies to tooltips. If a user is on the dashboard for the first time, the tooltip shouldn’t explain every feature. It should say: “Click here to connect your first data source.” That’s it.

How to Find the “One Thing”

1. Ask: What’s the core value of this screen?

   • If it’s a project management tool, the first tooltip might say: “Create your first task in 30 seconds.”
   • If it’s an analytics dashboard, it might say: “See your traffic trends—click ‘Reports’.”

2. Look at user drop-off points.

   • Where do users get stuck? That’s where a tooltip can help.
   • Example: If users abandon the setup flow at the “payment method” step, a tooltip could say: “No credit card needed for the free trial.”

3. Avoid “nice-to-know” info.

   • “Did you know you can export data?” is nice, but not urgent.
   • “Export your first report in one click” is better—it’s actionable.

High-Impact vs. Low-Impact Tooltips

Let’s compare two versions of the same tooltip. Which one would you click?

Weak Tooltip	Strong Tooltip
”Welcome to our dashboard! Here you can see all your data in one place."	"See your first report—click ‘Analytics’."
"This button lets you invite team members."	"Add your first teammate in 10 seconds."
"We have many features to explore!"	"Start your first project—click ‘New Project’.”

The weak tooltips are polite but useless. The strong ones tell the user exactly what to do next.

When to Use This Prompt

This prompt works best in:

• First-time user flows (e.g., after signup, on the dashboard).
• Feature introductions (e.g., when a new tool appears in the UI).
• Empty states (e.g., “No data yet? Click here to import your first file.”).
• Critical actions (e.g., “Save your changes before leaving this page.”).

It’s not for every tooltip. Some screens need multiple steps, and that’s okay. But even then, each tooltip should focus on one action.

Exercise: Rewrite a Weak Tooltip

Let’s take a real-world example and improve it.

Original Tooltip (Weak): “This is your dashboard. Here you can see all your recent activity and manage your account.”

Step 1: Identify the “one thing.”

• What’s the most important action a new user should take here?
• Answer: Start using the product (e.g., create a project, upload data, etc.).

Step 2: Make it actionable.

• Instead of describing the dashboard, tell them what to do.
• Example: “Create your first project—click ‘New Project’.”

Step 3: Add urgency (if needed).

• If the action is time-sensitive, hint at it.
• Example: “Your free trial starts now—set up your first task in 30 seconds.”

Final Tooltip (Strong): “Your free trial starts now! Click ‘New Project’ to get started in 30 seconds.”

See the difference? The weak version is passive. The strong version drives action.

A Quick Test for Your Tooltips

Before you publish a tooltip, ask:

1. Does it tell the user exactly what to do?

   • ❌ “You can customize your settings here.”
   • ✅ “Change your theme—click ‘Settings’ > ‘Appearance’.”

2. Is it short enough to read in 2 seconds?

   • If it’s longer than 10 words, cut it down.

3. Does it answer “Why should I care?”

   • ❌ “This is the export button.”
   • ✅ “Export your data in one click—no formatting needed.”

If the answer isn’t “yes” to all three, rewrite it.

The Bottom Line

Tooltips are small, but they have a big job: get users to take the next step. The best ones don’t waste words. They focus on one thing—the thing that will make the user successful right now.

So next time you write a tooltip, ask: “What’s the one thing they need to know right now?” Then say only that. Your users will thank you.

Prompt #2: “How Can You Make This Feel Like a Conversation?”

Think about the last time you asked someone for directions. Did they give you a dry, robotic response like “Proceed north for 200 meters, then turn left at the intersection”? Or did they say something like “Oh, you’re almost there! Just walk past the coffee shop, and you’ll see it on your left—can’t miss it”?

That’s the difference between a tooltip that feels like a manual and one that feels like a helpful friend. When users sign up for your SaaS product, they don’t want to read instructions—they want to feel guided. Conversational tooltips turn a cold, confusing dashboard into a warm, welcoming experience. But how do you strike the right balance between friendly and professional? And how do you avoid sounding like a pushy salesperson or a condescending robot?

Let’s break it down.

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The Illusion of a Guided Tour: Why Conversational Tooltips Work

Imagine you’re at a party where no one introduces you to anyone. You stand there, awkwardly sipping your drink, unsure where to go or what to do. Now imagine someone walks up, smiles, and says, “Hey! I’m Alex. That group over there is talking about [topic you care about]—want me to introduce you?”

That’s what good onboarding feels like. Conversational tooltips don’t just tell users what to do—they invite them into the experience. Here’s why it works:

• It reduces friction. Users are more likely to follow a tooltip that says “Let’s set up your profile—it’ll only take 30 seconds!” than one that says “Complete profile configuration.”
• It builds trust. A friendly tone makes your product feel less like a machine and more like a tool designed for humans.
• It increases engagement. When users feel like they’re being guided by a person (not a pop-up), they’re more likely to stick around.

Example: ❌ “Click the ‘Settings’ icon to customize your preferences.” ✅ “Want to make this dashboard yours? Click ‘Settings’ to tweak it—we’ll wait!”

See the difference? The first one feels like a command. The second feels like a suggestion from a colleague.

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Tone and Voice: When to Be Friendly, Professional, or Playful

Not every tooltip should sound like it was written by a stand-up comedian. The key is matching your tone to your audience and the context. Here’s a quick guide:

Tone	When to Use It	Example
Friendly	Most tooltips (general onboarding)	“Nice! You’ve added your first project. Want to invite your team?”
Professional	Enterprise SaaS, financial tools, or B2B	”Your account is now active. Next, configure your security settings.”
Playful	Consumer apps, creative tools, or startups	”Boom! 🎉 You’re in. Let’s make this dashboard yours.”
Encouraging	When users might feel overwhelmed	”You’re doing great! Just one more step to go.”

When to avoid being too playful:

• If your product is for serious industries (e.g., healthcare, finance).
• If your brand voice is minimalist or corporate.
• If the tooltip is for a critical action (e.g., deleting data).

Pro tip: Read your tooltips out loud. If they sound awkward or forced when spoken, rewrite them.

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Avoiding Robotic (or Patronizing) Language

Nothing kills a user’s enthusiasm faster than a tooltip that sounds like it was written by a 1990s GPS system. Here are the most common pitfalls—and how to fix them:

1. The Overly Formal Tooltip

❌ “Utilize the ‘Export’ function to download your data in CSV format.” ✅ “Need your data in a spreadsheet? Hit ‘Export’ to download it as a CSV.”

Why it works: “Utilize” is a red flag for robotic writing. “Hit” is casual but clear.

2. The Condescending Tooltip

❌ “You’ve successfully created a task! Good job! Now, try assigning it to someone.” ✅ “Task created! Next, assign it to a teammate so they can get started.”

Why it works: Users don’t need a pat on the back for basic actions. Keep it helpful, not patronizing.

3. The Vague Tooltip

❌ “This feature is powerful and can help you achieve your goals.” ✅ “Use this to automate repetitive tasks—save hours every week.”

Why it works: Users want specifics. Tell them exactly what the feature does.

4. The Overly Excited Tooltip

❌ “OMG!!! You’re SOOO close to finishing!!! Just ONE more step!!!” ✅ “Almost there! Just one more step to complete your setup.”

Why it works: Enthusiasm is good, but too much feels insincere. Keep it genuine.

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Case Study: How Slack Nails Conversational Tooltips

Slack is the gold standard for onboarding tooltips that feel human. Here’s how they do it:

1. They use contractions and casual language.

   • ❌ “You have not yet added any teammates.”
   • ✅ “You haven’t added any teammates yet.”

2. They anticipate user questions.

   • Instead of just saying “Invite your team,” they add: “Don’t worry, you can always add more later.”

3. They celebrate small wins.

   • When you send your first message: “You just sent your first message! High five. 🙌”

4. They keep it short and scannable.

   • No walls of text—just one clear action per tooltip.

The result? Users feel like they’re being guided by a helpful coworker, not a faceless app. And that’s why Slack’s onboarding is so effective.

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Your Turn: How to Write Conversational Tooltips

Ready to make your tooltips feel like a conversation? Here’s a simple framework to follow:

1. Start with a question or a friendly opener.

   • “Ready to get started?”
   • “Let’s set up your first project—sound good?”

2. Explain the action in plain English.

   • Instead of “Configure your notification settings,” try “Choose how often you want updates.”

3. Add a touch of personality (if it fits your brand).

   • “We won’t spam you—promise!”
   • “This’ll take less time than making coffee. ☕”

4. End with a clear next step.

   • “Click ‘Next’ to continue.”
   • “Hit ‘Save’ when you’re done.”

Bonus: If your product has a mascot or a distinct brand voice, lean into it! For example, if your brand is quirky, a tooltip like “Psst… want to see something cool?” can work wonders.

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Final Thought: Conversations Build Relationships

Your tooltips are often the first “conversation” users have with your product. Make it count. A well-written tooltip doesn’t just guide—it reassures, engages, and makes users feel like they’re in good hands.

So next time you write one, ask yourself: Would I say this to a friend? If the answer is no, rewrite it. Your users will thank you.

Prompt #3: “What’s the User’s Immediate Goal?”

Here’s the thing about SaaS onboarding: users don’t sign up to explore your dashboard. They sign up to solve a problem. Maybe they want to automate invoices, track team productivity, or finally organize their customer data. Whatever it is, your tooltips should speak directly to that goal—not just explain features.

Think of it like giving directions. If someone asks, “How do I get to the coffee shop?” you wouldn’t start with, “Well, first, let’s talk about the history of urban planning.” You’d say, “Turn left at the next light, and it’s on your right.” Tooltips work the same way. They should answer: “What do I need to do right now to get what I want?”

How to Uncover the Real Goal (Not Just the Surface One)

Users often don’t know how to articulate what they really need. They might say, “I want to send emails faster,” but what they actually want is to stop wasting time on manual follow-ups. That’s where the “5 Whys” technique comes in. It’s simple: keep asking “Why?” until you hit the core motivation.

Example:

1. “Why do you want to send emails faster?” → “Because I spend too much time writing them.”
2. “Why do you spend too much time writing them?” → “Because I’m always starting from scratch.”
3. “Why are you starting from scratch?” → “Because I don’t have templates.”
4. “Why don’t you have templates?” → “Because I didn’t know the tool had them.”
5. “Why didn’t you know?” → “Because the onboarding didn’t show me.”

Now you know the real problem: users don’t discover templates during onboarding. A tooltip like “Save time with pre-made templates—click here to explore” is far more effective than “This is the email composer.”

Before-and-After: Goal-Driven Tooltips in Action

Let’s look at how this plays out in real tooltips.

❌ Generic Tooltip: “This is your dashboard. Here, you can see all your data.”

✅ Goal-Driven Tooltip: “See your monthly sales at a glance. Click to filter by region or product.”

The first version just describes the feature. The second version shows the user how it helps them—in this case, by making it easy to track performance.

Here’s another example:

❌ Generic Tooltip: “This button exports your reports.”

✅ Goal-Driven Tooltip: “Need to share data with your team? Export as PDF or CSV in one click.”

The difference? The second tooltip answers the unspoken question: “What’s in it for me?”

When Not to Use This Prompt

Goal-driven tooltips are powerful, but they’re not always the right fit. Some situations call for a different approach:

• Legal disclaimers: “This action cannot be undone. Are you sure?” (No need to tie this to a user goal—it’s about risk.)
• Error messages: “Your file is too large. Maximum size: 10MB.” (The goal here is clarity, not motivation.)
• Mandatory fields: “This field is required.” (Sometimes, you just need to state the rule.)

In these cases, focus on clarity and safety over user goals. The priority is preventing mistakes, not guiding action.

Putting It Into Practice

Ready to write goal-driven tooltips? Start with these steps:

1. List the key actions users take in your product (e.g., “upload a file,” “invite a teammate”).
2. Ask the 5 Whys for each action to uncover the real motivation.
3. Write the tooltip to answer: “What’s the fastest way for the user to get what they want?”
4. Test it with real users. If they hesitate or ask questions, refine the copy.

Remember: the best tooltips feel like a helpful nudge, not a manual. They don’t just explain what to do—they show why it matters. And when you get it right, users won’t just complete onboarding—they’ll see the value of your product faster. That’s how you turn sign-ups into loyal customers.

Prompt #4: “How Can You Reduce Friction in 10 Words or Less?”

Tooltips are like tiny tour guides for your SaaS product. They should help users, not confuse them. But many tooltips fail because they say too much. The best ones? They get straight to the point—fast.

Here’s the truth: users don’t read tooltips. They scan them. If your tooltip is longer than 10 words, you’ve already lost them. Studies show that users spend less than 3 seconds on a tooltip before deciding whether to act. That’s not much time to make an impact.

So how do you make every word count? Start by asking: “What’s the one thing they need to do right now?” Then cut everything else.

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Why Shorter Tooltips Work Better

Long tooltips feel like work. Short ones feel like help.

Think about it: when you’re learning a new app, do you want a paragraph explaining a button? Or do you just want to know what happens when you click it? Most users prefer the second option.

Data backs this up:

• Users complete tasks 40% faster when tooltips are under 10 words (Source: Nielsen Norman Group).
• Engagement drops by 50% when tooltips exceed 15 words (Source: UserTesting).
• Stripe’s tooltips average 5-7 words—and their onboarding completion rate is 85%.

The lesson? If you can’t explain it in 10 words, you’re not explaining it clearly enough.

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Where Users Get Stuck (And How Tooltips Can Help)

Not all friction is obvious. Sometimes, users don’t even realize they’re stuck—they just feel frustrated. Here are the most common friction points in SaaS onboarding:

1. Unclear next steps – “What do I do now?”

   • ❌ “You can customize your dashboard here.”
   • ✅ “Click to add your first widget.”

2. Hidden actions – “Where’s the button I need?”

   • ❌ “This section allows you to manage your settings.”
   • ✅ “Tap here to change your preferences.”

3. Overwhelming options – “Too many choices, I’ll just quit.”

   • ❌ “You can sort, filter, or export your data.”
   • ✅ “Filter your results here.”

4. Fear of mistakes – “What if I break something?”

   • ❌ “This feature is powerful and flexible.”
   • ✅ “Don’t worry—you can undo this.”

The fix? Tell them exactly what to do, not what the feature does.

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How to Trim Your Tooltips Without Losing Meaning

Cutting words doesn’t mean cutting clarity. Here’s a quick checklist to make your tooltips sharper:

✅ Remove filler words – “Just click the button to proceed.” → “Click to proceed.” ✅ Replace jargon – “Utilize this functionality to optimize workflows.” → “Save time with this shortcut.” ✅ Use verbs, not nouns – “The configuration of settings is here.” → “Set up your account here.” ✅ Avoid passive voice – “The report can be generated by this button.” → “Generate your report here.” ✅ Test with a 5-year-old – If a kid wouldn’t understand it, rewrite it.

Pro tip: Read your tooltip out loud. If it sounds like something you’d say to a friend, it’s probably good. If it sounds like a robot wrote it, try again.

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Stripe’s Secret: Ultra-Short Tooltips That Work

Stripe is famous for its clean, minimalist design—and its tooltips are no exception. Here’s how they do it:

• “Add a card” (instead of “Enter your payment details here”)
• “Save & continue” (instead of “Click this button to proceed to the next step”)
• “Try it now” (instead of “This demo will show you how it works”)

Notice a pattern? No fluff, no explanations—just action.

Stripe’s tooltips don’t teach users how to use the product. They guide them through the next step—and that’s the key to reducing friction.

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The 10-Word Challenge

Here’s a fun exercise: take one of your existing tooltips and rewrite it in 10 words or less. Then ask yourself:

• Does it still make sense?
• Does it tell the user what to do?
• Does it feel easier to follow?

If the answer is yes, you’ve just made your onboarding better. If not, keep cutting.

Remember: The best tooltips don’t explain—they direct. And the shorter they are, the more users will actually read them.

Prompt #5: “What’s the Next Logical Step?”

Imagine you’re teaching someone to drive. You wouldn’t start by explaining how the engine works—you’d say, “First, adjust your seat. Then, check the mirrors.” Onboarding tooltips should work the same way. They need to guide users step by step, like a friendly GPS for your product.

This is where the “What’s the next logical step?” prompt comes in. It forces you to think like a user: “If I just did this, what should I do next?” The answer becomes your tooltip. Simple, right? But most SaaS products get this wrong. They either dump too much info at once or leave users stranded with no clear direction. Let’s fix that.

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The “Progressive Disclosure” Principle: Less Is More

Progressive disclosure is a fancy term for “don’t overwhelm users with everything at once.” Instead, reveal information bit by bit, just when they need it. Think of it like peeling an onion—one layer at a time.

Here’s how to apply it to tooltips:

• Start with the basics. What’s the first action a user should take? (e.g., “Click here to create your first project.”)
• Build on what they just did. If they completed Step 1, what’s Step 2? (e.g., “Now, invite your team to collaborate.”)
• Save advanced features for later. Don’t mention automation or integrations until they’ve mastered the basics.

Why this works: Users learn faster when they’re not bombarded with options. A study by Nielsen Norman Group found that users ignore tooltips that feel like walls of text. But short, sequential tooltips? They actually read them.

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Designing Tooltips as a Journey (Not a Dead End)

A tooltip should never leave users asking, “Okay… now what?” That’s a dead end—and dead ends kill onboarding. Instead, design tooltips like a conversation:

1. Tell them what to do. (Action) “Click ‘New Task’ to get started.”
2. Explain why it matters. (Value) “This will help you track progress in one place.”
3. Show them what’s next. (Next step) “Next, assign it to a team member.”

Example of a bad tooltip: ❌ “This is the task creation button.” (No action, no value, no next step.)

Example of a good tooltip: ✅ “Click here to add your first task. Next, you’ll assign it to someone—so nothing slips through the cracks.”

See the difference? The second one leads the user forward.

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Case Study: How Notion Nails Sequential Tooltips

Notion’s onboarding is a masterclass in progressive disclosure. Here’s how they do it:

1. First tooltip: “Welcome! Let’s start with a blank page.” (Simple, no jargon.)
2. Second tooltip: “Type ‘/’ to see all the blocks you can add.” (Teaches a core interaction.)
3. Third tooltip: “Try adding a to-do list. Click the checkbox to mark it done.” (Guides them to complete a task.)
4. Fourth tooltip: “Now, share this page with your team.” (Introduces collaboration.)

Why it works:

• Each tooltip builds on the last.
• They teach one thing at a time.
• Users feel progress, which keeps them engaged.

Notion’s retention rates prove it: users who complete onboarding are 3x more likely to stick around. That’s the power of a well-structured tooltip journey.

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How to Avoid Dead Ends in Your Tooltips

Dead ends happen when tooltips don’t connect to the next action. Here’s how to fix them:

✅ Always end with a next step. “Now that you’ve set up your profile, let’s connect your calendar.”

✅ Use “if-then” logic. “If you’re done here, click ‘Next’ to see your dashboard.”

✅ Link to related features. “Loved this? Try our advanced filters—just click here.”

Pro tip: Test your tooltips with real users. If they pause or look confused, your tooltip probably needs a clearer next step.

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Putting It All Together

The “What’s the next logical step?” prompt is your secret weapon for onboarding that actually works. Here’s how to use it:

1. Map out the user’s journey. What are the 3-5 key actions they need to take?
2. Write tooltips that lead from one step to the next. No dead ends!
3. Keep it short. 10-15 words max.
4. Test and refine. Watch how users interact with your tooltips. Do they follow the path? If not, adjust.

Final thought: Great onboarding doesn’t just show users how to use your product—it shows them why they’ll love it. And that starts with tooltips that feel like a natural conversation, not a manual.

Now, go write some tooltips that don’t suck. Your users will thank you.

Prompt #6: “How Can You Make This Feel Personal?”

You know that moment when you sign up for a new app, and it feels like it gets you? The tooltips don’t just explain features—they speak your language, solve your problems, and make you think, “Wow, this was made for me.” That’s the power of personalization in onboarding. And the best part? You don’t need fancy AI or complex algorithms to make it happen. Sometimes, just a few tweaks to your microcopy can turn a generic tooltip into something that feels like a one-on-one conversation.

But here’s the catch: personalization isn’t about slapping a user’s name into a tooltip and calling it a day. It’s about understanding who they are, what they need, and how your product fits into their world. Let’s break down how to do it right—without crossing into “creepy” territory.

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Why Personalization Works (And When It Doesn’t)

Imagine you’re a marketer signing up for a new analytics tool. You see this tooltip: ❌ “This dashboard shows your data.”

Now compare it to this: ✅ “See how your campaigns are performing in real time—no more guessing which ads drive the most leads.”

The second one speaks directly to a marketer’s pain points. It’s not just about what the feature does—it’s about why it matters to you. That’s the difference between a tooltip that gets ignored and one that makes users feel understood.

But personalization isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s when it works best:

• For different user roles: A CEO cares about revenue growth; a designer cares about collaboration tools.
• For specific industries: A healthcare app might highlight compliance features, while a retail tool focuses on inventory tracking.
• For user behavior: If someone keeps clicking on a feature but not using it, a tooltip like “Stuck? Here’s how to get the most out of this” can feel like a lifeline.

The key? Relevance over gimmicks. If your personalization doesn’t add value, it just feels like noise.

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Dynamic vs. Static Tooltips: Which Should You Use?

Not all personalization requires real-time data. Sometimes, a little upfront planning is all you need.

Static Tooltips (Simple but Effective)

These are pre-written for different user segments. For example:

• For freelancers: “Track your billable hours in one click—no more spreadsheets.”
• For agencies: “Manage multiple client projects without switching tabs.”

When to use them: ✔ You have clear user personas (e.g., “freelancer,” “enterprise team”). ✔ You want to keep things simple without complex logic. ✔ Your product has distinct use cases for different audiences.

Dynamic Tooltips (Smart but Risky)

These change based on user behavior, like:

• “You’ve uploaded 3 files—here’s how to organize them.”
• “You haven’t used [Feature X] yet. Want a quick demo?”

When to use them: ✔ You have data on how users interact with your product. ✔ You want to nudge users toward key actions (e.g., “You’re 80% done with setup!”). ✔ You can avoid being too specific (more on that below).

Example: HubSpot does this well by tailoring onboarding for different roles. A sales rep sees tooltips about deal pipelines, while a marketer gets tips on email campaigns. It’s not magic—just smart segmentation.

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The Fine Line: Personalization vs. Creepiness

Here’s the thing: users love feeling understood… until it feels like you’re stalking them. Over-personalization can backfire if it crosses into “How do they know that?!” territory.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Too much detail: “We noticed you’re in Austin and work at a SaaS company—here’s a feature just for you!” (Uh… how did you know that?)
• False assumptions: “Since you’re a designer, you’ll love this color-picker tool.” (What if they’re a developer who hates design tools?)
• Overly familiar tone: “Hey [First Name], we totally get your struggles!” (Unless you’re a close friend, this feels forced.)

How to balance it:

• Stick to role/industry-based personalization (e.g., “For e-commerce teams…”).
• Use behavioral triggers sparingly (e.g., “You haven’t tried [Feature] yet—here’s why others love it”).
• Keep it helpful, not invasive. If a tooltip feels like it’s reading their mind, dial it back.

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Putting It Into Practice: A Quick Checklist

Ready to make your tooltips feel personal? Ask yourself:

1. Who is this user? (Role, industry, or behavior)

   • Example: “For customer support teams: Resolve tickets 30% faster with this shortcut.”

2. What’s their immediate goal?

   • Example: “Need to generate a report? Start here.”

3. How can I make this about them, not the feature?

   • ❌ “This is our analytics dashboard.”
   • ✅ “See your top-performing content at a glance—no more digging through spreadsheets.”

4. Does this feel natural or forced?

   • Read it out loud. If it sounds like a robot trying too hard, rewrite it.

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The Bottom Line

Personalization isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being useful. The best tooltips don’t just explain; they anticipate what the user needs and deliver it in a way that feels like a lightbulb moment. Start small: segment your users, tweak your microcopy, and test what resonates. You’ll be surprised how much difference a few well-placed words can make.

Now, go write some tooltips that don’t just guide users—they connect with them. Your onboarding (and your users) will thank you.

Prompt #7: “What’s the Risk of Not Doing This?”

People don’t like to lose things. This is why we check our pockets for keys before leaving the house. This is why we save important files in two places. And this is why smart SaaS companies use risk in their onboarding tooltips—not to scare users, but to help them see what they might miss.

A tooltip that says “Click here to set up your profile” is fine. But one that says “Without a complete profile, you won’t get matched with the best projects” works better. The first tells users what to do. The second tells them why it matters—and what happens if they skip it. That small change can make the difference between a user who clicks “Next” and one who actually takes action.

How to Use Risk Without Scaring Users

Risk isn’t about fear. It’s about clarity. The best tooltips show users the real cost of inaction—without making them feel bad. Here’s how to do it right:

• Be specific. Vague warnings like “You might miss out” don’t work. Instead, say exactly what they’ll lose: “Without two-factor authentication, your account is 10x more likely to get hacked.”
• Keep it short. A tooltip isn’t the place for a long explanation. One sentence is enough: “If you don’t invite your team now, they’ll lose access to shared files.”
• Focus on their goals. Users care about their own success, not your product. So tie the risk to what they want: “Without setting up notifications, you might miss important updates from your clients.”
• Use numbers when you can. People trust data. “Users who complete their profile get 40% more job offers” is more convincing than “You’ll get more opportunities.”

The key is balance. Too much risk feels pushy. Too little, and users ignore it. The sweet spot? A gentle nudge that makes them think, “Oh, I don’t want that to happen.”

Real Examples from Top SaaS Companies

Some of the best onboarding tooltips use risk in subtle, effective ways. Here’s how big brands do it:

• Dropbox: “If you don’t back up your files now, you could lose them if your device crashes.” (Simple, direct, and tied to a real fear—losing work.)

• Zoom: “Without testing your audio, you might start a meeting with no sound.” (No one wants to be the person who joins a call and can’t be heard.)

• Slack: “If you don’t set your status, your team won’t know when you’re available.” (Social pressure works—people don’t want to seem unresponsive.)

• Notion: “Without saving this template, you’ll have to set it up again later.” (A small inconvenience, but enough to make users click “Save.”)

These tooltips don’t scream “DO THIS OR ELSE.” They just show users the natural consequences of skipping a step. And that’s often enough to get them moving.

Exercise: Rewrite a Tooltip to Include Risk

Let’s take a boring tooltip and make it better. Here’s the original:

“Click here to connect your calendar.”

This tells the user what to do, but not why. Now, let’s add risk:

1. Identify the user’s goal. What do they want? Probably to avoid double-booking or missing meetings.
2. Ask: What happens if they skip this? They might schedule a meeting when they’re already busy.
3. Write the new tooltip: “Connect your calendar to avoid double-booking. Without it, you might schedule meetings when you’re already busy.”

See the difference? The first version is forgettable. The second makes the user think, “I don’t want that to happen.”

Try this with your own tooltips. Pick one that’s not getting clicks and ask:

• What does the user lose if they skip this?
• How can I say that in one clear sentence?

When Risk Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Not every tooltip needs risk. Some actions are obvious—like clicking “Next” to move forward. But for key steps that users might skip, risk can be a powerful motivator. Here’s when to use it:

✅ When the action is important but not urgent. Example: Setting up security features. Users might put it off, but the risk (getting hacked) is real. ✅ When users don’t see the value yet. Example: Filling out a profile. They might not care until they realize they’ll get fewer matches. ✅ When skipping has a clear downside. Example: Not inviting their team. They’ll have to do it later, and it’ll be more work.

❌ When the action is trivial. Example: Changing a theme color. The risk of not doing it is zero. ❌ When the risk is too big or scary. Example: “If you don’t do this, your business will fail.” That’s not helpful—it’s just stressful. ❌ When users are already motivated. Example: A tooltip for “Start your free trial.” They’re already sold; no risk needed.

The Bottom Line

Risk isn’t about manipulation. It’s about honesty. Users deserve to know what they’re giving up when they skip a step. A well-written tooltip doesn’t just guide them—it helps them make better choices.

So next time you write a tooltip, ask: “What’s the risk of not doing this?” If the answer is something users care about, put it in the tooltip. They’ll thank you for it.

Prompt #8: “How Can You Make This Fun (Without Distracting)?”

Tooltips are like tiny tour guides for your SaaS product. They pop up to say, “Hey, look here!” or “Click this to do that.” But let’s be honest—most tooltips are boring. They sound like a robot wrote them: “Click the button to proceed.” Yawn.

What if your tooltips could make users smile instead of sigh? A little fun can turn a forgettable onboarding experience into something people actually remember. But here’s the catch: fun shouldn’t get in the way of clarity. So how do you strike the right balance?

When Fun Actually Works (And When It Doesn’t)

Not every tooltip needs a joke or a meme. Fun works best when:

• The user is already engaged – If someone is exploring your product, a playful nudge can keep them going.
• The action is low-stakes – A tooltip for a “Skip” button? Sure, add some personality. A tooltip for a critical security setting? Probably not.
• It matches your brand voice – If your company is all about serious business, a pun might feel out of place. But if you’re a creative tool or a fun startup, go for it.

For example, Slack’s tooltips often feel like a friendly coworker giving advice:

“This is your sidebar. Think of it like your command center—everything you need, right here.”

No jokes, but still warm and human. That’s the sweet spot.

How to Keep It Fun Without Going Overboard

The biggest mistake? Trying too hard. A tooltip that says “OMG, you’re gonna LOVE this feature!!!” might make users roll their eyes. Instead, focus on:

• Subtle humor – A lighthearted phrase or a clever comparison.
• Personality, not gimmicks – A playful tone is better than forced jokes.
• Relevance – The fun should tie back to what the user is doing.

Here’s a bad vs. good example:

❌ “This button is AMAZING. Click it NOW or regret it FOREVER!” ✅ “This button saves your work. No more lost progress—just peace of mind.”

The second one is still friendly but doesn’t distract from the task.

Case Study: Duolingo’s Playful Tooltips

Duolingo is the king of fun microcopy. Their tooltips don’t just guide—they entertain. For example:

• “This is your daily streak. Don’t break it, or the owl will judge you.” (With a little owl emoji.)
• “You’re doing great! Keep going, or the owl gets sad.”

Why does this work?

1. It’s on-brand – Duolingo’s mascot is an owl, so the humor feels natural.
2. It’s motivating – The playful tone makes users want to keep going.
3. It’s not distracting – The fun supports the action, not the other way around.

But even Duolingo knows when to dial it back. For serious features (like account settings), their tooltips are clear and straightforward.

Does Fun Actually Improve Engagement?

You might be thinking: “This sounds nice, but does it really work?” The answer is yes—but you need to test it.

Here’s how to measure if your fun tooltips are helping:

1. A/B test – Try a playful version vs. a neutral one. Which gets more clicks?
2. Track completion rates – Do users finish onboarding faster with fun tooltips?
3. Watch for drop-offs – If users ignore or dismiss tooltips, maybe the fun is too much.
4. Ask for feedback – A quick survey: “Did the tooltips help? Were they annoying?”

If the data shows that fun tooltips improve engagement, keep them. If not, tweak or simplify.

Final Tip: Start Small

You don’t need to rewrite every tooltip at once. Pick one or two key moments in your onboarding and test a playful version. For example:

• The first tooltip a user sees.
• A tooltip for a feature that users often miss.

See how it feels. If it works, expand. If not, try something else.

Fun tooltips won’t save a bad product, but they can make a good one even better. The goal isn’t to be the funniest app—it’s to make your users feel like they’re being guided by a helpful friend, not a boring manual. So go ahead, add a little personality. Your users might just thank you for it.

Putting It All Together: A Step-by-Step Tooltip Writing Framework

You’ve got the prompts. You know the tricks. But how do you actually use them to write tooltips that don’t just exist—but actually work? Let’s break it down into a simple, repeatable process. Think of this as your onboarding toolkit: a step-by-step way to turn good tooltips into great ones.

The 8-Prompt Workflow (In the Right Order)

First, don’t just pick a prompt at random and start writing. The best tooltips follow a natural flow—like a conversation, not a pop quiz. Here’s the order I recommend:

1. Start with the “Why” (Prompt #1: “Why does this matter?”)

   • Before you write a single word, ask: What’s the real value here? If you can’t answer that, the tooltip isn’t worth writing.
   • Example: Instead of “Click here to set up your profile,” try “Complete your profile to get matched with better leads—takes 2 minutes.”

2. Clarify the action (Prompt #2: “What exactly do they need to do?”)

   • Be specific. “Click the blue button” is better than “Get started.” Even better: “Click ‘Connect Account’ to sync your data automatically.”

3. Add context (Prompt #3: “What happens if they skip this?”)

   • Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a powerful motivator. “Skip this step, and you’ll miss weekly reports in your inbox.”

4. Guide the next step (Prompt #5: “What’s the next logical action?”)

   • Always end with a nudge. “You’re 80% done! Just add your billing info to unlock full access.”

5. Personalize where possible (Prompt #6: “How can you make this feel personal?”)

   • Use data you already have. “Hey [Name], your trial ends in 3 days—upgrade now to keep your workflows.”

6. Highlight the risk (Prompt #7: “What’s the risk of not doing this?”)

   • People avoid loss more than they seek gain. “Without this, your team won’t see real-time updates.”

7. Add a little fun (Prompt #8: “How can you make this fun (without distracting)?”)

   • Only if it fits your brand. “Your dashboard is lonely—give it some data to crunch!”

8. Test and refine (More on this later.)

   • No tooltip is perfect on the first try. Always ask: Could this be clearer? Shorter? More compelling?

Pro tip: Not every tooltip needs all 8 prompts. Start with the first three, then layer in the others where they add value.

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Where to Place Tooltips for Maximum Impact

You could slap tooltips on every button, but that’s like shouting directions in a crowded room—users will just tune you out. Instead, focus on these high-ROI spots:

• First-time user moments: The first 30 seconds in your app are make-or-break. Use tooltips to highlight:

  • The one thing they should do first (e.g., “Start here: Upload your first file”).
  • Key features they might miss (e.g., “Pro tip: Drag and drop files here for faster uploads”).

• Empty states: When a user lands on a blank page, they’re lost. A tooltip here is like a friendly guide. Example: “No projects yet? Click ‘New Project’ to get started.”

• Complex workflows: If a feature has multiple steps, break it down. Example: “Step 1 of 3: Name your campaign. (Don’t worry, you can edit this later.)”

• Upgrade prompts: If a feature is locked behind a paywall, be transparent. Example: “Want to schedule unlimited posts? Upgrade to Pro for just $9/month.”

• Error prevention: Stop mistakes before they happen. Example: “Warning: Deleting this will remove all associated data. Are you sure?”

Avoid these tooltip traps:

• Overloading users with too many at once (stick to 1-2 per screen).
• Placing them on obvious actions (e.g., “Click here to save” on a save button).
• Making them too long (aim for 10-15 words max).

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A/B Testing Tooltips: How to Know What Works

You think your tooltips are good. But do your users? The only way to know for sure is to test. Here’s how:

1. Pick one variable to test. For example:

   • Short vs. long copy (“Click here” vs. “Click to sync your contacts automatically”).
   • Different tones (“Get started” vs. “Let’s do this!”).
   • With or without emojis (“Set up your profile” vs. ”🚀 Set up your profile”).

2. Use the right tools. You don’t need fancy software—just something that tracks clicks. Try:

   • Google Optimize (free for basic A/B tests).
   • Hotjar (to see how users interact with tooltips).
   • Your own analytics (track clicks on the tooltip’s CTA).

3. Measure what matters. Don’t just look at clicks—look at behavior. Ask:

   • Did more users complete the action after seeing the tooltip?
   • Did they spend less time figuring out what to do?
   • Did they come back to the app more often?

4. Iterate. If Version A wins, try tweaking it further. If Version B wins, ask why—then apply that insight to other tooltips.

Example: Slack tested two versions of their onboarding tooltip:

• Version A: “Invite your team to start collaborating.”
• Version B: “Your team’s waiting! Invite them to start chatting.”

Version B saw a 22% increase in invites—because it created urgency and made the action feel social.

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Your Tooltip Writing Checklist (Downloadable Template)

Before you hit “publish,” run through this checklist to make sure your tooltip is actually helpful:

✅ Is it necessary? (Does this action need explaining, or is it obvious?) ✅ Is it clear? (Can a new user understand it in 2 seconds?) ✅ Is it concise? (10-15 words max. If it’s longer, split it into two tooltips.) ✅ Does it add value? (Does it answer why the user should care?) ✅ Does it guide the next step? (Does it tell the user what to do after this?) ✅ Does it match your brand voice? (Friendly? Professional? Playful?) ✅ Is it in the right place? (Does it appear before the user needs it?) ✅ Have you tested it? (Even just with a teammate—does it make sense to them?)

Bonus: Keep a swipe file of tooltips you love (from apps like Notion, Slack, or Duolingo). When you’re stuck, ask: How would [Brand] write this?

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The Biggest Mistake (And How to Avoid It)

Here’s the truth: Most tooltips fail because they’re written for the product, not for the user. They explain what a button does, not why the user should click it.

Bad: “Click here to configure settings.” Good: “Customize your dashboard to see only what matters to you.”

The difference? The first one is about the product’s features. The second one is about the user’s goals.

So before you write another tooltip, ask: What’s in it for them? If you can’t answer that, go back to Prompt #1.

Conclusion: Mastering SaaS Onboarding Tooltips for Long-Term Success

Great onboarding tooltips don’t just show users where to click—they make them want to click. You’ve seen the eight prompts we covered: from making tooltips personal to adding a little fun, each one helps turn those small bubbles into powerful guides. But here’s the thing: tooltips aren’t just about the first login. They’re about keeping users engaged, reducing frustration, and even boosting your revenue over time.

Think about it. When users understand your product faster, they stick around longer. Fewer support tickets, higher NPS scores, and more upgrades—all because of a few well-written sentences. Companies like Duolingo and Slack prove this every day. Their tooltips don’t just explain; they connect. And that’s the difference between a user who quits after a week and one who becomes a loyal customer.

Your Next Steps: Start Small, Then Scale

Ready to put this into action? Here’s how to begin:

1. Pick one prompt – Don’t overhaul everything at once. Start with the one that feels most relevant to your product (e.g., “What’s the risk of not doing this?” for critical actions).
2. Test with real users – Show your new tooltips to a small group. Do they get it? Do they smile? Adjust based on their reactions.
3. Measure the impact – Track metrics like time-to-first-value or feature adoption. If tooltips work, double down. If not, tweak and try again.
4. Build a library – Save your best tooltips in a shared doc. Over time, you’ll have a go-to resource for every onboarding scenario.

Remember, the best tooltips feel like a helpful friend, not a manual. They’re clear, concise, and—when done right—even a little delightful. So go ahead, rewrite that “Next” button. Your users will thank you.

Got a tooltip that worked (or flopped) for your product? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear what you’ve learned!