Hi, I’m Serhan Baydı. I’m a Digital Product Designer with over 5 years of experience. I’ve designed more than 50 mobile apps in areas like finance, social media, productivity and education.

In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about creating paywall screens that convert. Clear, user-friendly, and built to generate real revenue.

Let’s get started.

Your screenshots are one of the first things people see on your App Store page. And within seconds, they decide whether to download or move on.

After working on many mobile apps, I’ve seen how small improvements in screenshot design can lead to big results. But it’s also easy to get it wrong with unclear text, weak visuals, or inconsistent layouts.

So I created this 17-step checklist to help you get it right. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing app, this guide will save you time and help you create screenshots that convert.

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1. Strategy & Planning

Every great screenshot starts with a clear goal. This section helps you define your message, understand your audience, and spot opportunities through competitor research.

✅ Define the Core Message: Users should quickly understand the main benefit.

All three examples communicate the main benefit in just seconds. That’s exactly what a strong first screenshot should do.

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1. Uber

Core Message: Freedom to move and multiple use cases

“Go Anywhere. Send Packages. Reserve Anytime.”

In just three short lines, Uber shows that it’s not only for rides. You can also send packages and schedule trips. The images support the message clearly with scenes of driving, deliveries, and even flying.

✨ The benefit is super clear. Go anywhere, do more, anytime you want.

1. Airbnb

Core Message: Find amazing homes anywhere in the world

“Book great homes around the world” is short, friendly, and easy to understand.

The screen shows a colorful and highly rated home, making the experience feel real and inviting.

✨ You instantly get the point. Airbnb helps you find trusted and beautiful places to stay.

1. Handshake

Core Message: Discover real career opportunities

“Make career moves” is a bold and motivating headline for students.

Stats like “15M+ students” and “900K+ companies” build trust. The screen also shows helpful content made just for students.

✨ The value is easy to see. This app helps you grow your career and take your next step.

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✅ Know Your Audience: Make sure the visuals clearly target a specific user group.

All three examples speak directly to their audience without any confusion. That’s exactly what effective screenshots should do when you know who you’re designing for.