The good bits
- The home page is focused. The header introduces the backup service and shows a list of the sites it supports. This is followed by a call to action to begin setup. Instead of just a “Sign up” button, Revert.io exposes the 2 fields needed to get started: name and email address. By reducing the sign-up steps to 2 fields and by exposing them by default, Revert.io has made it easier for a new user to take the next step.
- The remainder of the home screen uses inline education to reinforce why a user should sign up. Under the header, it displays testimonials, 3 key features (“Search your cloud,” “Smart version history” and “Private and secure”), and repeats the “Get started” call to action at the bottom. Bookending the top and bottom of a page with the same action ensures the new user focuses on the primary next step.
- There is also a link to Revert.io’s blog, which is a free sample. It builds trust with the potential customer by demonstrating its technical expertise. It also gives the new user insight into how the service works.
- When a new user follows through sign-up from his confirmation email, the service automatically places him in a free 14 day trial. This is another way to build trust. All fields except a password field are pre-filled from the confirmation email, and additional information about the service (such as “What can I backup for free?”) are found to the right of the form.
- A chat message from the co-founder, addressed to the new user, appears when he lands on his new dashboard. This adds a personal focus while also introducing the new user to the online chat tool.
- When the new user selects a service, he is shown the steps that will be involved. This sets expectations and is also helpful because each service has a different authorization flow.
- The app takes advantage of the waiting time during the new user’s first backup by inviting him to take a guided tour. Because it is prompted during a waiting state, it isn’t interrupting the user’s flow. It is opt-in and is focused on 4 pieces of information.
- The “Activity” timeline on the dashboard is a form of inline cues, as it educates the new user on the status of his backup without presenting overlays or modals.
To be improved:
- Requiring users to leave the site, find a confirmation email, and follow a link back to the site to finish sign up could cause drop-off.
- If an existing user has already taken the guided tour on one computer, but logs in to Revert.io on another computer, he is prompted again to take the guided tour. Instead, Revert.io should track the completion or dismissal of the guided tour to the user’s login, instead of basing it on the user’s local computer cookies, so it is never shown to the same user twice.