The first 15 minutes of a developer's experience with your API determine whether they'll become an advocate or abandon ship. In that window, they're forming opinions about your product, your company, and whether you're worth their time.
This checklist covers the critical touchpoints from landing on your docs to making their first successful API call. If you can nail these fundamentals, you'll convert more evaluators into integrations.
First Impression (0-2 minutes)
What developers see the moment they land on your docs.
Clear value proposition visible immediately
Developers should understand what your API does within 5 seconds of landing on your docs.
Getting Started link prominently placed
Above the fold, ideally in the main navigation and as a hero CTA.
API capabilities summarized concisely
A brief overview of what's possible—not an exhaustive feature list.
No registration required to view docs
Gated docs kill adoption. Let developers evaluate your API before signing up.
Authentication Setup (2-5 minutes)
Getting developers authenticated and ready to make requests.
API key/token acquisition is straightforward
Ideally 3 clicks or fewer from signup to having a working API key.
Complete curl example with auth headers
A copy-paste command that actually works, not a pseudo-example.
Token format and placement clearly explained
Bearer token? API key header? Query param? Make it explicit.
Test/sandbox environment available
Developers should be able to experiment without consequences.
First API Call (5-10 minutes)
From authenticated to successfully making their first request.
Quickstart guide with working example
A complete, tested example that developers can run in under 5 minutes.
Example uses a simple, common endpoint
Don't start with your most complex endpoint. Pick something easy to understand.
Expected response clearly shown
Developers should know exactly what success looks like.
Code examples in multiple languages
At minimum: curl, JavaScript, Python. More is better.
Error Handling (10-15 minutes)
What happens when things go wrong.
Common errors documented with solutions
Authentication failures, rate limits, validation errors—cover the likely problems.
Error response format explained
Show the structure of error responses so developers can handle them programmatically.
Troubleshooting section available
A dedicated page or section for common issues and their solutions.
Support channel clearly indicated
When self-service fails, developers should know where to get help.
Next Steps (15+ minutes)
Guiding developers deeper into your API.
Common use cases documented
Real-world scenarios that show how pieces fit together.
Logical progression from simple to complex
Guide developers from basics to advanced features naturally.
Related endpoints linked contextually
Don't make developers hunt for related functionality.
Webhook/event documentation (if applicable)
Async patterns are often poorly documented. Don't neglect them.
Rate limits and quotas clearly stated
Developers need to know the constraints before building.
Pro Tips
Time yourself: Go through your own onboarding flow as a new developer. If it takes you more than 15 minutes to make a successful API call, it's taking new developers even longer.
Watch recordings: If possible, observe new developers going through your docs for the first time. Where do they get stuck? What questions do they ask? That's where your docs need work.
Track drop-off: Use analytics to see where developers abandon the onboarding flow. High drop-off at authentication? Your auth docs need work. Drop-off at the API reference? Your quickstart guide isn't doing its job.
Score Your Docs
Count how many items you can confidently check off. Here's what your score means:
Critical gaps are hurting adoption
Foundation is solid, but gaps remain
Your onboarding is developer-friendly
Want a Professional Assessment?
Book a free audit call and I'll walk through your developer onboarding experience with you—identifying gaps and prioritizing fixes.