GROWTH PATTERN

Adding Activation to Next.js + Convex + Clerk + Stripe Apps

Users sign up with Next.js + Convex + Clerk + Stripe, but then there's no system to identify when they complete their first meaningful action—like connecting their first integration.

Next.js + Convex + Clerk + Stripe

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What's Missing in Standard Next.js + Convex + Clerk + Stripe Architecture

Convex's reactive queries update automatically, but they don't trigger workflows when users hit activation milestones. You'd need to manually check query results or build custom detection logic. The reactive nature means data updates automatically, but there's no event system for milestones.

Standard Next.js + Convex + Clerk + Stripe Flow vs Optimized Skene Flow

Standard Flow
1

User signs up via Clerk

2

User record created in Convex

3

No automatic trigger - manual follow-up required

Skene Flow
1

Watch Convex 'users' table for new signups using query('table')

2

Detect when user completes first key action (e.g., connecting their first integration) using Convex queries

3

Trigger activation email sequence via Resend with personalized onboarding

4

Track activation completion and send milestone emails

Visual comparison of the flows:

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How Skene Fixes This

This Skene Prompt installs activation detection that bridges Clerk authentication events with Convex data changes. It watches for specific actions (like connecting their first integration) and automatically triggers personalized onboarding sequences.

Implementation Comparison

Using Skene Infrastructure

Install via Prompt

cursor.mdc
@task: Initialize Skene.
@action: Analyze my local code, validating subscription via `npx skene login`, and generate `skene.config.ts` to implement the Activation Loop pattern for Next.js + Convex + Clerk + Stripe.

Copy Skene Prompt for Cursor

Generated skene.config.ts

skene.config.ts
// skene.config.ts - The Automated Way
import { defineLoop } from '@skene/sdk';

export default defineLoop({
  type: 'activation',
  opinion: 'Detect when users complete their first key action and trigger personalized onboarding',
  steps: [
    {
      trigger: {
        type: 'database',
        table: 'users',
        event: 'insert'
      },
      condition: {
        type: 'query',
        query: `SELECT * FROM user_actions WHERE user_id = $1 AND action_type = 'first_project_created'`,
        timeout: '5m'
      },
      action: {
        type: 'email',
        provider: 'resend',
        template: 'activation_welcome',
        personalization: {
          name: '{{user.name}}',
          activationLink: '{{user.activation_link}}'
        }
      }
    }
  ],
  recovery: {
    retries: 3,
    backoff: 'exponential'
  }
});

Frequently asked questions