laptop with a website layout

Signup & Application Flow Optimization

Signup & Application Flow Optimization

A redesign of the login and signup flow that reduced support workload, and strengthened usability.

I led the redesign and optimization of the login, signup, and job application flow for the freelancing platform, focusing on both user experience and internal operations. The project addressed major usability issues causing applicant confusion and reduced the manual workload on the support team by improving profile quality and streamlining the application journey. My dual role as Product Manager and UX Designer allowed me to identify pain points, coordinate a cross-functional solution, and deliver both short-term fixes and long-term improvements.

UX Design UI Design Flow Optimization Project Management

My Role: Project Manager and Design Lead

Problem

signup flow illustration

The company experienced a surge in new users during job campaign promotions, but this revealed major pain points:

  • Freelancers thought they were applying for jobs but were only registering

  • Many accidentally signed up as companies

  • Profile quality was low, which overwhelmed the WFI support team, who manually reviewed each applicant

These UX issues caused confusion for users and a massive operational burden internally.

Goals

  • Improve the UX of the signup + apply flow to reduce user drop-off and * confusion

  • Increase the quality of freelancer profiles

  • Reduce WFI support team overhead from manual profile reviews

  • Prevent freelancers from accidentally signing up as companies

My Role

  • Mapped current flows and interviewed the support team

  • Analyzed data from job campaign traffic

  • Conducted usability audits

  • Designed and prioritized quick-win fixes and long-term improvements

  • Worked with dev and CS teams to align implementation and measure success

UX & Flow Improvements

Fixed the "Apply → Register → Lost" Flow

  • Users landed on a generic registration page with no continuity

  • We implemented a hotfix: redirect to the specific job application page immediately after registration

  • Long-term: designed a step-by-step interface showing:

  • Step 1: Register

  • Step 2: Complete profile

  • Step 3: Apply for job
 → Clearly labeled with progress indicators and contextual copy

work for impact website graphic

2. Prevented Freelancers from Signing Up as Companies

  • Initial screen defaulted to “I’m here to hire”

  • Unified CTA (“Join”) was confusing

  • Fix: Added dedicated CTA buttons for each option:
 “Join as a Freelancer” vs. “Join as a Company”

work for impact website graphic

Internal Process Optimization

Reducing Support Team Workload

  • Profile reviews were taking too long due to incomplete profiles

  • Freelancer signup required improvements:

  • Made photo upload mandatory

  • Made work experience and education required

  • De-emphasized manual CV creation (moved to secondary option)

  • Highlighted upload via LinkedIn or file

chart representing profile and application completion, review time, and support ticket volume

These changes:

  • Increased profile completeness

  • Reduced support review time significantly

  • Improved applicant quality after job campaign spikes

Results

  • Support ticket volume related to signups dropped

  • Profile approval time decreased

  • Profile completeness rate increased

  • Application conversion rate after job post clicks improved

  • Fewer freelancers accidentally signed up as companies

Why This Matters

This project is a prime example of how UX design and product thinking go hand in hand. By:

  • Aligning user goals with business processes

  • Balancing quick wins with strategic roadmap improvements

  • Collaborating across support, design, and dev

  • I helped deliver a smoother user experience and a more scalable internal workflow.

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