💬 In this feature and product launch updates email checklist, I share some quick tests and experiments for optimisations and campaigns to try (with examples from top SaaS brands).
💬 Doing feature update/launch emails is a pretty key initiative for many SaaS products and brands, yet over the years I have seen, let's say "lacklustre" approach, to doing these types of email campaigns - however, I've also seen some amazing examples from products/brands I've used over the years, and included some of those in this checklist, as well as others I came across which I thought were really great for inspiration.
Various tactics and tests that you can try (which are cost-effective) for SaaS product update/feature launch emails
💬 As mentioned above, I've done mini-breakdowns, incl. examples, along with actionable tactics that you can test for context and objectives. :)
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For feature launches (especially for any major releases), focused emails like this example from Bubbles are great.
Like the UI of the first graphic with the "motion" of the video clip being dropped into the upload - helps readers visually see how it works instantly
Also like the second graphic that highlights the channel reordering
Great email layout overall which keeps things simple and concise for subscribers
I also wanted to share two great references from Vimeo as well with keeping emails succinct, and visually appealing to focus on one key CTA
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If you’ve got a few features/releases to share, or perhaps you’re wanting to do a roundup from the past month, incorporating annotations with images to showcase how certain features work can help communicate faster to readers.
Similar to the first example I shared above Bubbles, like the fact they've used the UI from the product to showcase the specific feature 'in action' -helps users better understand in a quicker fashion how it works
Also like the specific CTA callouts per feature highlight
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With any new larger initiatives related to the brand/business, you can incorporate product updates - some of which may be aligned with the larger initiative as well.
Just like this example from Dovetail, where thy did a main community announcement, alongside other helpful things to mention reated to the product
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GIFs are great for quickly sharing previews of how features work, which is great for those scanning down the email.
One of my fave daily tools is Notion, and they do an amazing job with their GIFs
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It’s worth running a test where you have “two CTAs” - one being the primary CTA (desired action), and the other being a secondary “softer” CTA which is a supporting resource related to the feature/release.
Remember, the guide is also a conversion path, but serves a CTA for audiences who may need to better understand the use case, value and how the feature can help with their context/goals.
This below from Anchor is a good reference of doing CTAs
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If you're looking into doing a campaign on getting customer feedback, then this is a good reference from MarkUp to check out.
Like the copy they've used - feels personable and conversational
It's good to remind audiences about previous comms - and it's good to incl. the link with 'quick demo' to provide further context for those who did miss
Also like the graphic with "you're invited"
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Another test worth running are video embeds, especially for larger campaign launches, or for any product updates/features that requires more explanation than a annotation/image or GIF.
Simply be adding a 'video icon' can help increase CTRs to get people to click and watch the video - have tested this before and it can work (depending on content and messaging too)
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As an email variant to test for any events/launches, a simple CTA focused on “add to calendar” to serve as a reminder to users can be effective for increasing ‘show rates’/opt-ins when the launch goes live.
I quite like this from Canva - sometimes, all you need are clear CTA emails like this to ensure audiences/users uptake whatever it is you're wanting to promote
Plus, this is a good tactic to get users to add a reminder in their emails (can help with show rates).
Heya 👋 from Author Dan Siepen
👋 G'day everyone, Dan Siepen here from down under 🇦🇺🦘🐨. I'm an experienced growth marketer w/ 8+ years exp. across SaaS, B2B, DTC & eComm. Get to know more about me (check my homepage too) & if you want to connect, just reach out. 👇
💬 Quick note - I've put a lot of time into these marketing checklists, which I hope you'll enjoy. 🙂 - I will also be adding, updating & editing from time to time, so make sure to subscribe to get updates! Important - thoughts & considerations It's important to state that these checklists are for fun, and hopefully can help you (as the reader) with idea generation, brainstorming and strategic discussion thoughts for your startup/brand (and chats with your team members) - BUT, like with anything you read online, you (as the reader) know your context best (whereas I don't). Not everything you read will be applicable, and people will value these various checklists I've created differently based on experience - however, I'm sure regardless of your experience or context, hopefully there's a good nugget/insight somewhere that you'll pick up/can help (or at least, hopefully create some sort of a 'spark' for a new idea/initiative/experiment, etc). Plus, I'm open to feedback (and love hearing it - the good and bad), so if there's something missing, or you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. 🙂
Other related checklists
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Checklists for those in SaaS/B2B :)
Tactics & Strategies to Help Improve & Reduce CAC Payback Periods
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I send out emails about 1x per month (maybe odd 2nd one here and there if worthy). Everyone gets enough emails already in general (work, promo, etc), so when I do send something out, I want to ensure I'm sharing value related to marketing. :)
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