How to Use UX Modals to Onboard and Engage Users of your SaaS

UX modals are an easy-to-implement, intuitive feature you can add to your product that will guarantee higher engagement. Here’s why. 

For SaaS companies today, your product is your number one focus when it comes to increasing engagement and retention. And UI elements such as UX modals are small but powerful features you can add that can completely transform the way your customers experience your product. 

By delivering targeted, personalized messages and content to users while they’re actively using your app, you can boost engagement and drive growth like never before. And, check this out: users who receive in-app messages have engagement rates that are 131% higher than those who receive no messages. You can’t argue with that. 

So, what exactly are UX modals? And how can you implement them inside your own SaaS product? We’ll answer this essential question and more, including:

• What is a UX Modal?
• What are UX Modals used for?
• Best practices for UX Modal use
• Difference between Modals, Tooltips, and Hotspots
• How to easily set up a UX Modal
• UX Modal Alternatives
• Best Use of UX Modals for SaaS

Let’s jump right in!

What is a UX Modal?

A UX modal, also known as a modal window or dialog box, is a user interface (UI) element that appears on top of a web page or app’s main content. It temporarily “takes over” the screen, requiring user interaction before they can continue using the app. Modals are great for grabbing users’ attention and prompting them to perform specific actions, such as signing up for a newsletter or confirming a choice.

These pop-up-like windows are designed to be visually engaging and user-friendly, helping you to effectively communicate important information and guide users through specific tasks in your app. UX modals are a versatile tool for enhancing the user experience and fostering user engagement.

[Screenshot of modal inside FROGED]

What are UX Modals used for?

UX modals have a variety of uses that can enhance user experience and boost engagement. They can be used for both onboarding and marketing purposes to provide users with relevant information and call to action, effectively driving conversions and improving engagement within your SaaS product. Here are some common examples:

• Welcome message: Greet new users with a friendly message, setting the tone for their experience with your app.
• User onboarding: Guide users through the initial setup process, helping them get started quickly and efficiently.
• Highlight new features: Draw attention to newly released features, encouraging users to try them out and discover their benefits.
• Notify new discounts: Market new discounts and offers for users, to encourage them to try them out for themselves. 
• Start a product tour: Offer guided tours of your app to help users familiarize themselves with its functionality and features.
• Surveys: Collect valuable user feedback by presenting surveys or questionnaires within a UX modal.

Best Practices for UX Modal use

When using UX modals effectively, it’s essential to follow best practices. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Do not use them for error or bug messages: Instead of using modals for error messages or bug notifications, opt for less intrusive methods like inline messages or status bars.
• Don’t overkill: Overusing modals can frustrate users and reduce their effectiveness. Use them sparingly and only when absolutely necessary for essential interactions.
• Make them easily dismissable: Ensure users can quickly and easily close the modal, either by clicking outside the modal area, pressing the “Esc” key, or providing a clear “Close” button.
• Use correct sizing: Keep your modals appropriately sized to display the content without overwhelming the screen or hiding critical information.

Difference between Modals, Tooltips, and Hotspots

Understanding the differences between modals, tooltips, and hotspots is crucial for creating an engaging user experience. Let’s explore each of these user interface elements and their unique purposes:

• Modals: As mentioned earlier, modals are pop-up-like windows that appear on top of the main content, temporarily blocking interaction with the rest of the app. They are primarily used to grab users’ attention, prompt action, or present important information.

• Tooltips: Tooltips are small, contextual messages that appear when users hover over or click on specific interface elements, such as buttons or icons. They provide helpful guidance or additional information about a particular feature or function. Tooltips are unobtrusive and disappear once the user moves their cursor away or clicks elsewhere.

• Hotspots: Hotspots are interactive areas within an app or webpage that, when clicked or tapped, trigger a tooltip or other user interface elements, such as a modal or a popover. Hotspots are often used to guide users through a product tour or highlight important features without being too intrusive.

You can use pretty much any of these UI elements inside your product at various points, but keep in mind that you don’t want to overwhelm your users. That’s why we recommend using a Product Success Platform (PSP) like FROGED, which can help you determine which UI element is most appropriate for your goal and makes creating these elements much easier, all in one place!

UX Modal Alternatives

Sometimes, a UX modal might not be the best option in a customer journey. Luckily, there is a range of alternatives that may be a better choice, all of which FROGED offer!

FROGED offers a range of features, including customizable modals, tooltips, product flows, and in-app notifications, all designed to enhance the user experience and drive growth. You can use these during your onboarding process, guiding new users through the initial setup process and ensuring they understand how to use your app’s features effectively. You can also use them to promote new features, offer special discounts, and collect valuable feedback from users. 

Let’s take a look at these alternatives, shall we?

1. Tooltips

Tooltips are small, helpful messages that pop up when users hover over or click on parts of your app. They’re perfect for providing quick guidance or extra info without interrupting users’ tasks.

2. Product Flows

Product flows, or guided tours, walk users step-by-step through your app’s features. These interactive guides offer a hands-on way to onboard users or show off what your app can do. 

FROGED’s Product Flows feature takes this to the next level, allowing you to create fully customizable guided tours that can be tailored to different user segments. This way, you can ensure that every user has a personalized onboarding experience that meets their specific needs and preferences.

3.  In-App Notifications

In-app notifications are messages that appear within your app to share important updates or alerts. They’re less intrusive than modals and great for delivering timely info without getting in the way of users’ main tasks.

FROGED’s Automessages feature takes it a step further by allowing you to target specific user segments with personalized messages, offers, and promotions. By using this feature, you can engage with your users in a more meaningful way and drive customer expansion. 

For more information on in-app messaging best practices, check out this article on how to use in-app notifications.

Best Use of UX Modals for SaaS

So here’s the deal! UX modals are a game-changer for your SaaS when it comes to getting users on board and keeping them engaged. Just remember, it’s all about mixing it up—use modals together with tooltips, product flows, and in-app notifications for a smooth and fun experience that has users coming back for more. With the right balance and best practices, you’ll create a user-friendly environment that encourages exploration and boosts product adoption.

Curious about how FROGED can take your SaaS user experience to the next level? Swing by our solutions page and see how you can connect with and support your users, offering tailor-made solutions that cater to your specific needs.

And hey, why not see the magic of FROGED’s customizable Product Flows for yourself? Book a demo right now and uncover the secret sauce to boost your SaaS product adoption.