Ask for a commitment to drive long term engagement

Fabulous Fabulous onboard

Overview

Fabulous, a digital accountability partner, asks users if they plan to take steps tommorrow towards their goal.
a screenshot of the onboard flow explaining how to Ask for a commitment to drive long term engagement

Business Outcome

User Engagement

Monitoring the level of user engagement with the commitment feature, such as the number of users participating in setting daily commitments and the frequency of commitment updates. Higher levels of user engagement indicate active involvement with the app and its features.

Retention Rate

Tracking the retention rate of users who engage with the commitment feature compared to those who do not. Users who regularly commit to daily goals may be more likely to continue using the app over time, leading to higher retention rates.

Behavioral Outcome

Behavioral Change

Evaluating the impact of the commitment feature on users' behavior change outcomes, such as improvements in health habits, productivity, or overall well-being. Tracking changes in user behavior over time can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the commitment device in driving positive outcomes.

Goal Achievement

Assessing the percentage of users who successfully achieve their committed goals for the day. Monitoring goal achievement rates can provide insight into the effectiveness of the commitment device in motivating users to take action and make progress toward their objectives.

The Behavioral Science

Commitment and Consistency Principle

The psychological tactic being used in this scenario is known as the "Commitment and Consistency" principle. This principle is based on the idea that once individuals make a public or written commitment to a goal or behavior, they are more likely to follow through with it to maintain consistency between their actions and their self-image.

How It Works

The science behind this principle stems from cognitive dissonance theory, which suggests that individuals experience discomfort or tension when their actions are inconsistent with their beliefs or attitudes.

By committing, individuals align their actions with their self-image as someone who follows through on their promises or intentions, reducing cognitive dissonance. In the context of Fabulous asking users what they will commit to for tomorrow, the app is leveraging the Commitment and Consistency principle to encourage users to set goals or intentions for the following day.

By stating their commitment within the app, users are more likely to feel compelled to follow through with their stated intentions to maintain consistency with their self-image as someone committed to personal growth or self-improvement.

How It Might Backfire

Reinforcement of Negative Habits

In some cases, the commitment device may inadvertently reinforce negative habits or behaviors if users consistently set goals that are not aligned with their values or well-being. This can perpetuate unhealthy patterns and hinder users' progress toward positive change.

Overwhelm and Burnout

If users feel pressured to commit to too many goals or tasks, it may lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. Users may become discouraged if they consistently fail to meet their commitments, leading to disengagement or abandonment of the app.

How To Test

A/B Tests

In condition A, the users are asked if they plan on committing to do the desired behavior tommorrow, and in condition B, this feature is absent. Compare the two for retention and engagement metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

To enhance a product-led growth (PLG) model using Fabulous's commitment tactic, implement a feature that asks users to commit to specific actions or goals related to your product's core value proposition. This can drive long-term engagement and increase user retention, key metrics in PLG models.

For example, prompt users to set daily or weekly commitments aligned with their objectives within your product. This leverages the Commitment and Consistency principle, encouraging users to follow through on their stated intentions. By fostering consistent product usage and goal achievement, you can accelerate time-to-value and improve overall user satisfaction, ultimately driving organic growth through word-of-mouth referrals.

To improve conversion rates using Fabulous's commitment tactic, incorporate commitment-based elements into your onboarding or sign-up process. Ask users to commit to specific actions or goals related to your product's value proposition early in their journey.

For instance, during sign-up, prompt users to set an initial goal or commit to trying a key feature within a certain timeframe. This creates a sense of purpose and investment in the product from the outset. By leveraging the Commitment and Consistency principle, users are more likely to follow through with their stated intentions, leading to higher engagement and reduced churn. This increased engagement can positively impact conversion rates as users are more likely to convert to paid plans or higher tiers of service.

To optimize your website using Fabulous's commitment tactic, integrate commitment-based elements throughout the user journey. This can include prompting users to set goals or make commitments related to their use of your product or service at various touchpoints on your site.

For example, you could add a feature that allows users to publicly share their commitments or goals on your platform, creating social accountability. You could also implement a progress tracking system that visually represents users' advancement towards their committed goals. By incorporating these elements, you can increase user engagement, time spent on site, and the likelihood of users returning to your website regularly. This can lead to improved website metrics such as reduced bounce rates and increased conversions.

To A/B test Fabulous's commitment tactic, create two versions of your product or website: one with the commitment feature (version A) and one without (version B). In version A, implement a feature that asks users to commit to specific actions or goals, while version B maintains the standard user experience without this prompt.

Randomly assign users to each version and measure key metrics such as user engagement, retention rates, and goal achievement. Additionally, track behavioral changes and the frequency of users following through on their commitments. Complement this quantitative data with qualitative feedback through user surveys to understand the perceived value and impact of the commitment feature.

Analyze the results to determine whether the commitment tactic leads to better outcomes in terms of user behavior, engagement, and overall satisfaction with your product or service.

Fabulous's commitment tactic improves the user experience by providing a sense of purpose and direction within the app or product. By asking users to commit to specific actions or goals, it creates a personalized and interactive experience that aligns with users' intentions for self-improvement or productivity.

This tactic leverages the Commitment and Consistency principle, which can lead to increased motivation and follow-through on stated intentions. As users consistently achieve their committed goals, they experience a sense of accomplishment and progress, which can boost satisfaction and engagement with the product. Moreover, the commitment feature can help users develop positive habits and make meaningful progress towards their objectives, ultimately enhancing the overall value they derive from the user experience.