The #1 reason users abandon apps? They don’t know what to do next.
When conversion points—buttons, prompts, or feature nudges—are poorly placed, users get frustrated, engagement drops, and upgrades never happen.
This guide will show you how to strategically place CTAs inside your product to keep users moving forward—whether that’s completing onboarding, exploring key features, or upgrading to premium. Let’s dive in.
The Key Moments for Conversion Points in Products
Users don’t take action just because a button exists; they act when it feels natural to do so. Focus on placing conversion points at the right moments in the user journey:
1. Onboarding: Help Users Start Quickly
Why it matters? Onboarding is where most drop-offs happen. A smooth start drives long-term engagement. Place CTAs that guide users step by step:
- “Complete Setup” buttons for unfinished tasks.
- Action-driven CTAs like “Start Your First Project” or “Connect Your Calendar.”
- Example: Notion’s onboarding highlights “Create Your First Page” to help users take immediate action.
2. First Interaction: Guide Users to Immediate Value
Why it matters? Users must see value right away or they’ll leave. Add CTAs on the main dashboard or homepage that encourage first actions:
- “Upload Your First File”
- “Invite Your Team”
- “Schedule Your First Meeting”
- Example: Trello’s “Create a New Board” button takes center stage, making it easy to start.
Tip #1
Show a big, clear CTA on the dashboard to help users take their first action.
Example: Trello’s “Create a New Board” button is front and center, making it obvious where to start.
3. Feature Engagement: Contextual Nudges
Why it matters? Many users miss key features unless prompted at the right time. Place CTAs where users naturally interact:
- When they finish a task, show: “Try This Feature Next.”
- For a locked feature, show: “Upgrade to Access This.”
- Example: Figma gently promotes its premium “Team Libraries” feature when users collaborate on projects.
4. Milestones and Achievements: Reinforce Progres
Why it matters? Recognizing user progress increases motivation and loyalty. Use progress CTAs that encourage next steps:
- “You’ve completed 50%! Finish the setup to unlock full features.”
- “Ready to go further? Upgrade now to grow.”
- Example: Duolingo uses milestone celebrations to encourage continued learning and premium upgrades.
Upselling and Upgrading: Seize the Right Moment
Why it matters? Users are most likely to upgrade when they feel the need for more. Use well-timed CTAs:
- Show “Upgrade to Pro” when users hit a limit on free-tier features.
- Add “Unlock This Feature” directly on locked premium tools.
- Example: Spotify shows “Go Premium” when free users try skipping too many songs.
Tip #2
Show upgrade CTAs only when users hit a feature limit—not before.
Example: Spotify prompts “Go Premium” when users try skipping too many songs, making the upgrade feel necessary.
The Rules for Designing Effective Product Entry Points
Creating the conversion point isn’t enough—it has to be designed to stand out without feeling pushy. Here’s how to do it:
- Make Actions Clear and Effortless
Use action-oriented microcopy: “Start Your Free Trial,” “Upgrade to Pro,” or “Get Started.” Avoid generic text like “Learn More.”
Keep the number of steps to a minimum. (E.g., use autofill options, one-click sign-ups.) - Use Visual Hierarchy to Highlight CTAs
Buttons should stand out from the rest of the UI using contrast and size. Use whitespace around CTAs to make them more noticeable. - Embed CTAs Naturally into the Flow
Avoid interruptive pop-ups unless absolutely necessary. Place buttons where users expect to find them. - Optimize for Mobile
We know mobile phones are part of our life now. We need to ensure CTAs are thumb-friendly and visible without too much scrolling. Test placement on various devices to ensure accessibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Interruptive Prompts: Bombarding users with pop-ups leads to frustration. Focus on subtle, well-placed nudges.
- Cluttered Interfaces: Too many buttons confuse users. Stick to one primary action per screen.
- Ignoring User Intent: Don’t show a premium upgrade if the user hasn’t explored basic features yet. Meet them where they are in their journey.
Quick Wins for Websites
- Add a progress bar during onboarding with a CTA like “Finish Setup to Unlock Features.”
- Place an upgrade prompt on free-tier users’ dashboards with context (e.g., “Unlock Pro Analytics”).
- Add contextual CTAs to empty states (e.g., “Create Your First Project” on an empty project list).
- Test your CTAs using heatmaps or A/B testing tools like Hotjar or Optimizely.
A great product isn’t enough—users need clear, timely nudges to keep moving forward. By strategically placing CTAs at key moments, you remove friction, increase engagement, and drive conversions naturally. Start optimizing today, and turn passive users into power users. 🚀
