We’re inundated with new products and services on a near-daily basis in the modern world. There’s an endless supply of innovative young startups jostling for our attention, and each one promises to transform our lives in some way or another. It is crucial that companies promote their minimum viable product (MVP) in a way that appeals users and enables them to provide feedback on what they like, or dislike, about the product.
However, that’s the thing about offerings from startups: Even if we like them now, will they be around tomorrow? In addition, what about all of those features they’ve promised to add in future versions of their product? Will they ever be implemented? What’s the best way to communicate forthcoming features? To get answers to those questions, keep reading.
Set Up an Official Feedback System
A good feedback channel should be easy to find and easy to use. Make the system user-friendly so your customers don’t have to go through a maze of links before they can leave their thoughts on your product.
Additionally, the feedback channel must be monitored by developers and other users. If someone has an issue with the product or thinks of something else that could make it better, you’ll know about it as soon as possible.
Keep Your Promises
- Use value-mapping to ensure you can meet your anticipated timeline.
- Communicate with your team consistently, and listen to their feedback.
Encourage Users to Report Bugs
- Assure customers that bug reports are taken seriously: Keep your customers in the loop, letting them know that their concerns are valued. Send out regular communications to share updates on how the company plans to fix bugs and when customers can expect to see the changes.
- Be transparent about your process: How long does it take for a support ticket to be seen? How long does each step in the process take? What is being done now so that things don’t worsen later down the road? Setting the appropriate expectations up front can help users trust your process.
- Offer rewards: Give customers a chance to win something in exchange for submitting bug reports. Maybe it’s a free t-shirt or a chance to win $250. Find out what motivates your customers, and offer that.
Give Users a Sneak Preview of New Features, Bug Fixes, and Other Improvements
Nothing pleases your users and builds anticipation more than giving them a sneak preview of what’s coming next. Here are a few key points to keep in mind when updating users about your MVP:
- Focus on sharing the primary benefits of your MVP: Ensure your customers are comfortable with the new features and have a clear understanding of why it’s crucial to update.
- Share the release date once everything is ready to launch: Maintain end-user excitement by sharing a timeline that is reliable.
- Keep it short and sweet: Offer quick and digestible bursts of information on your MVP to keep from overwhelming your users.
Be Realistic About Your Timelines and How You’re Prepared for Delays
- Under-promise and over-deliver.
- Be sure to set a timeline that is realistic and can be met. Use the scrum framework to help your project stay on track.
- Communicate with users when there are delays, and explain why your MVP is worth the wait.
Provide Software Updates for The MVP
It’s critical to provide regular software updates for the MVP. This will help show end-users that you’re still working on the product and making progress.
It’s also essential to get feedback from your users about what features should be added next. The quickest way to do this is by putting a link in your update notifications that takes customers directly to a form where they can submit their feature requests.
Updates are also a great way of marketing your product. If someone is already using your app in some capacity, it’s much easier for them to become engaged with any promotional materials than if they don’t know who you are or what your products do.
Include End-Users in The Process as Much as Possible
Often, it’s helpful to include your loyal customers in the process and offer consistent updates of the release timeline.
- Share how you have incorporated their feedback into designing your MVP. Be transparent about the process of developing a product, and let them know how they can contribute to future releases too.
- Incorporate confirmation that their voice was heard when deciding what makes sense for its launch date. Communicate often, clearly, and honestly, so that your end-users feel confident knowing how much their input matters within development cycles.
To Summarize
If you’re looking for a piece of advice on how to promote an MVP, this is our best one: Aim for something minimal – not feature-minimal, but style-minimal. Be honest and keep your commitments to your release timeline.
Finally, don’t forget about the significance of asking your customers directly for feedback—not just about your promotional tactics but also about their needs. This can give you some great ideas and insights that will help you plan out your next MVP launch with more confidence.
Keep your MVP on course by value-mapping. Get your value-mapping template now.
