Best Practices for Onboarding Location Sharing

Optimized user onboarding is critical in helping you introduce and gain opt-ins for Location and Bluetooth from your users. Successfully onboarding users after they download your app is your opportunity to make a great first impression. It’s important to get it right so they “stick” and become loyal, long-term users.

PROMPT THE USER TO OPT-IN OR DEFER LOCATION

The operating system restricts an application from requesting location permissions in the future if a user declines location opt-in from the get-go – so avoid presenting an option like “Never." The onboarding flow should be smart when registering with the operating system for location privileges. Applications that do it best, present users with “Yes” and “Later” options. The “later” option allows the app to prompt for location at a later date.

SHOWCASE THE BENEFITS OF LOCATION & PUSH

Make a great first impression with a clear and informative splash page, an extra screen that pops up the first time a user opens your app. Use this page to display your app’s top features and clearly state the value of opting into (such as saving time or money)  location services, turning on Bluetooth, and accepting push notifications. As new users understand the value of how opting-in will enhance their experience, they are more likely to participate.

GIVE A GREAT TOUR OR TUTORIAL

Showcase the value of your app with an innovative, informative in-app tutorial. Create a highly engaging welcome message and as the user explores your app, use in-app messaging to guide them through the various features of your app, showcasing how location sharing and Bluetooth enablement add to the functionality of the app.

OFFER NEW USERS AN INCENTIVE

Offer customers something of value in return for their participation, providing an incentive that will help them become active, opted-in users.

For more information on best practices for iOS 13 location services, read our blog post. Additional information and FAQ's can be found in our iOS 13 article