New members decide whether to stay within their first session. A good onboarding flow removes guesswork and gives them a reason to come back tomorrow.
The first five minutes
Welcome them by name, point to one space that matches their interest, and prompt a single low-friction action — an introduction post, a poll vote, or an RSVP. One completed action is worth more than a long tour.
The first week
Follow up with a nudge that references what they did, not a generic digest. Surface the people and conversations most relevant to them. Retention is won in these early touches, long before any paywall.