Simple Design Tweaks That Increase User Sign-Ups

November 5, 2024 – Boosting user registration rates can sometimes be simpler than anticipated. Many app developers are now finding that adding two simple buttons – "Continue with Apple" and "Continue with Google" – to the registration page can nearly double their sign-up rates, with very little additional development or marketing investment.

This approach has become increasingly popular as companies seek to maximize user acquisition in an increasingly competitive app market. The rationale behind the effectiveness of these buttons is straightforward: by minimizing the effort required to sign up, user motivation increases. Users typically find it far easier to sign up with a couple of quick taps rather than entering lengthy credentials like email addresses and passwords. In an industry where every second counts, reducing registration time with single-tap options directly translates to more successful sign-ups.

More sign-ups also mean a larger email list for future marketing campaigns, which can translate to higher revenue down the line. With more users registered, app companies can engage potential customers even if they’re not ready to buy right away. As these companies build larger user bases, their chances of converting users to paid customers increase over time.

Case in Point: ClickUp's Strategic Sign-Up Approach

ClickUp, a popular project management tool, has effectively leveraged social sign-in options to enhance its user registration experience. By allowing users to sign up using their Google accounts, ClickUp simplifies the onboarding process, reducing the barriers to entry for new users.

In ClickUp's case, email registration remains the primary option, ensuring that they still collect essential user data for long-term engagement and marketing efforts. This strategic positioning of social sign-in options below the email registration field mirrors the successful tactics of other apps aiming to balance user convenience with effective data collection.

This method has proven beneficial, as it allows ClickUp to attract a larger user base quickly while retaining the ability to communicate with users via email, enhancing their overall marketing strategies.

Balancing User Convenience with Data Collection Needs

The benefits of the "Continue with Apple/Google" approach have some nuances. Approximately 70% of users now sign up with their Apple ID, using Apple's "Hide My Email" option, which can conceal the user's actual email address from the app. This makes it harder for companies to directly reach these users with marketing emails. In response, app developers are keeping email sign-up as the primary option, a strategy that seems to be paying off, especially for companies focusing on long-term user engagement.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Developers

The addition of "Continue with Apple" and "Continue with Google" buttons is proving to be a low-cost, high-reward strategy. For app developers, especially in the early stages of growth, these buttons represent an opportunity to simplify sign-ups and boost the size of their user base with minimal investment. And as Click up's success demonstrates, it’s possible to balance user convenience with data collection needs, especially if email-based sign-up options are prioritized.

With this approach, app developers are poised to increase their marketing reach and capitalize on the natural growth potential that comes with an expanded user base. For users, it’s a win in terms of accessibility and convenience. For developers, it’s a strategic move that could make a significant impact on conversion rates and revenue potential.