📆 Fresh Start Effect
We're more likely to stick to habits made at the start of new time periods
People will often feel more motivated to do something (e.g., learn a new language) if it feels like a fresh start.
It's why New Years resolutions can be so powerful—you can put aside the old failings, and start "fresh".
✅ Conversion rates
Due to the fresh start, you may find people are more likely to convert near a specific event.
e.g., a gym will likely see higher conversion rates in January, than in July.
✅ Habits
Fresh starts are a fantastic entry point for new habits.
e.g., healthier choices, new challenges, committing to specific goals.
✅ Effort & motivation
People are motivated by the ability to have a fresh start.
✅ Feature usage
If your product is in a 'self help' category (e.g., learning, health), then consider fresh starts an important external trigger.
Consider how you could encourage a fresh start, if the user comes back after a period of inactivity.
Here are two examples from Duolingo:
After failing a streak, you'll just start fresh—they don't dwell on the old failings, or even remind you about them.
If you revisit the app after a longer period of inactivity, they'll ask if you want to start a fresh course (i.e., without all your old progress and failings).
