Beware of Tool Templates

Don't Blindly Trust Tools & Their Templates

RECENT SITUATION: I was setting up an exit-intent poll. 👀

I don't often click into templates as I usually have custom setups for things like this. However, I clicked into their exit-intent poll template out of curiosity since that's what I was doing.

MY REACTION TO A TOOL'S TEMPLATE

I was disappointed in what I saw. 😕

I definitely would not have launched it as is. I had thoughts about all three of the questions they included.

Watch the video if you want the specifics. 🎥 (Sorry, Hotjar. It's not just you, and it's not personal. You're not the only one.)

TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ Templates, pre-made things, and guidance to enable more people to be productive and capable are great...sometimes. However, it's also undermining the value of true expertise and makes things seem oversimplified and commoditized. Don't always take this stuff as is.

2️⃣ One of the worst offenses in gathering qualitative data from users is asking leading questions. Open-ended, empty text boxes are one of your best tools.

Distraction is an Enemy

"What did I even do today?"

I used to ask myself that often.

And feel terrible about the day.

Even though I knew I did a ton.

NEW 2025 TACTIC FOR BETTER PRODUCTIVITY

Write down every major thing you do in a day on a calendar printout. 🗓️

Yes.

An actual piece of paper. 📄

Keep it on your desk with a pen. 🖊️

If you want to take it to the next level, you can have a "planned" and an "actual" version. Plan as little or as much as you want in advance and then compare your actual to it later to see how you did.

WHAT THIS DOES

1️⃣ It allows you to see that you've actually been extremely productive (hopefully). It boosts your confidence. It's motivating. It makes you feel good about your professional self. You won't leave wondering what you did in a day.

2️⃣ It allows you to minimize distractions and stay on track. It allows you to course correct faster. It's an instant point of feedback for yourself. It's free. It's easy.

3️⃣ It's an accountability buddy that's much easier, faster, productive, and less daunting than a human one.

I was able to form this habit immediately because it's in my face constantly right next to my keyboard. I started doing it and immediately loved it.

#StayChirpy

Want to connect? Reach out to our Founder, Haley Carpenter, at [email protected].