How to write software release notes that users find useful
Did you know that when software release notes are user-centric, they can help drive awareness of product changes and updates? Useful release notes can increase product adoption and reduce churn rate, especially because users can easily understand product values and new features.
When done right, release notes can be helpful user documentation. Not only will it benefit existing users, but it will also attract new ones.
In this guide, we will get to understand software release notes, their importance, what to add to produce a helpful release note, and some tips to help you get writing.
What are software release notes?
Software release notes are a type of technical documentation that developers or product managers use to inform users of any changes. These can include product improvements, new features, pending issues, or major bug fixes.
With these release notes distributed, users can clearly understand how these changes and improvements will affect them. You will find these release notes on the company’s blog, the home page, or the feed.
For instance, if a software update includes a new tool, the release notes will discuss it and explain how to use it effectively.
Why are software release notes important?
Regarding software, users know that there might be some changes. However, it is important to communicate these updates to users. Release notes are a good place to inform end-users about what you have been working on.
However, that’s not all; here are other reasons software release notes are valuable.
Methods of distributing release notes
Sometimes, you will find software or product release notes in Google Play Store or App store. To find it on either of these stores, search for the software or product in question just like you would when you want to download it.
We will use the Apple App store as an example in this guide and check out Canva’s release note.
Next, open up the particular app you searched for when you see it from the list. On the Apple App store, click on the name of the application.
The software/product release note is under the heading ‘What’s New.’ Here you can read about the changes and the updates made.
The Version History is also available; here, you can see a comprehensive list of updates and improvements made on each release.
Blog posts/pages on the website
Some companies have their release notes on their blog or dedicated page. There are different reasons for this. One is that some release notes require more explanation than a small copy on an app store or social media. A blog post or a page on the website will be more appropriate for such.
This way, you can organize all your information properly and showcase all the work that has gone down so far. This is a great idea for B2B products.
Here’s an example of a release note on a dedicated page on a website: Amazon
With this, users can access all the information they need on the changes made to a particular product and the date they were made.
This is a viable means of communication when you have interesting announcements or updates and intend to reach more users personally. It is a great way to bring updates to users rather than waiting for them to find them on your website, social media, or app store.
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Other methods of distributing release notes include in-apps or pushups, social media, and media coverage.
Before deciding what method to use, evaluate all the user touchpoints, you have with your customers and determine which will be most effective for communicating updates.
What to include in your release note?
The heading should contain certain important information, including the release number, product name, and date it was released. Even with your heading, it is a good idea to get creative. You have to stick to the old boring method. You can tweak it a little and make it more fun; however, ensure that all necessary information is included.
Here, you can state what changed if you completely changed the feature or function. It is important to include this information as users are particular about it.
Describe the problem that existed previously and how you fixed this. It helps the users to set their expectations right. As mentioned earlier, the goal is for users to find it worthy of reading, so write for humans.
This is simple; it talks about the update, changes, or improvement that solved the problem you mentioned in the issue description.
Let users know how these changes will affect how they use the software. How should they approach the new release? Are there some prerequisites they should now have? Do they need to know about a third-party application that was integrated? Are there some configurations they should confirm? Be sure to include all of these here.
5 tips for writing release notes
With your software release notes, you can grab your user’s interest or frustrate them by including vague information. Here are some tips for writing software release notes that delight users.
When it comes to software release notes, aim to impact your end-user. There is no point in getting too technical when your audience will not be able to understand the terms or will end up frustrated.
Think about the level of technical knowledge your users have when writing your release notes. Do they want to read all that technical jargon? If your users are not tech-savvy, leave out the technical information to help retain their interest and attention.
A menu anchor or jump menu helps users navigate to the particular section of the release notes they are interested in. With this, they can easily scan through the information in the release notes and find what they are looking for.
For an easier approach, divide your software release notes into different categories and create a jump menu for each section so the user can click.
Images play an important role in release notes. Including visual aids can take your software release notes from boring to exciting. This helps guide your users through complex technical information.
Make sure to include GIFs, videos, pictures, and screenshots to solidify the update or information you are passing across.
One important thing to always take note of is keeping your content concise. Let’s face it; users don’t like to be bombarded with unnecessary information. In this time and age, it takes skill to keep your audience’s attention on your content long enough. A good way to do that is by keeping your information simple.
Keep your release notes simplified and organized. In such a way, users can scan easily and still get the information they need.
Actionable release notes will always do better than others. Add call-to-action buttons in your software release notes to help users get more details or point them to useful resources.
For instance, if you have updated your user guide to include information about how to use a new feature, you can link that to the release notes. This way, the user is informed of the new feature and guided on how to use it effectively.
Conclusion
There you go! You are all set to write that effective software release note. When done right, release notes are one way to retain user engagement and even increase it. Now that you know how to get it done right, it’s a good time to get to work.
Software companies should read this 👍🏽