The first 15 minutes determine whether developers become advocates or abandon ship. This checklist covers the critical touchpoints from landing on your docs to making their first successful API call.
First Impression
- Clear value proposition visible immediately
- Getting Started link prominently placed
- No registration required to view docs
Authentication
- API key acquisition is 3 clicks or fewer from signup
- Complete curl example with auth headers that actually works
- Token format and placement clearly explained
First API Call
- Quickstart guide with working example under 5 minutes
- Expected response clearly shown
- Code examples in multiple languages (curl, JS, Python minimum)
Error Handling
- Common errors documented with solutions
- Error response format explained
- Support channel clearly indicated
Pro Tips
Time yourself: Go through your own onboarding as a new developer. If it takes more than 15 minutes to make a successful API call, it's taking new developers even longer.
Watch recordings: Observe new developers going through your docs. Where do they get stuck? What questions do they ask? That's where your docs need work.
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