Intro post vs onboarding survey: which first action to require

Intro post vs onboarding survey: which first action to require

New member's first required action shapes everything after. Two common choices, very different effects.

Intro post (public, in-channel):
☐ Use when peer connection is the value.
☐ Strength: creates a visible thread, members reply to each other, instant belonging.
☐ Weakness: public exposure scares the shy; 40-60% lurk instead.

Onboarding survey (private form):
☐ Use when you need data to segment or personalize.
☐ Strength: zero social pressure, high completion, feeds your routing.
☐ Weakness: private, so it builds no public energy and no peer bond.

The tradeoff: intro posts build community but lose the timid. Surveys capture everyone but build nothing visible.

The move: survey first (low friction, captures the shy), then an automated nudge to post one line publicly within 48 hours. Data first, belonging second.

Save this for your next launch.