A customer who can see what changed last Tuesday files fewer tickets. Release notes are how you tell them: what shipped, what broke and got fixed, and what is coming.
Here is what belongs in a release note, who should write them, and how to publish them without it becoming a chore nobody picks up.
What are release notes?
Release notes are the technical documentation about the latest release of a piece of software. They usually include descriptions of new features, improvements, bug fixes, and known issues. Release notes can then be added to a changelog, which shows all product release notes in chronological order.
They set expectations. A customer reads what changed, sees what is coming next, and finds the bug they reported listed as fixed. That last one does more for trust than any of the feature announcements.
Audience for release notes
The main audience is your customers, who are the users of your product. However, you can also use release notes internally, as they're great for telling stakeholders about updates.
Your release notes should always be good enough for both customers and internal stakeholders to understand the changes.
Benefits of release notes
- Communicate with users and stakeholders: Release notes tell users how software has changed. They give you an opportunity to explain why you've added features. They also communicate with stakeholders to show how changes improve customer experience.
- Provide historical documentation: A record of all changes. They help users, developers, and stakeholders understand when and why changes were introduced.
- Drive engagement: Great release notes excite users about new features and explain benefits. Users are more likely to adopt features and become loyal.
- Generate feedback: Open a dialogue between you and customers to help prioritize what your development team works on next.
At Productlane, we make prioritizing tasks supported by user feedback even easier. You can share a portal with your users that allows them to give feedback on your projects and issues directly.
- Reduce customer support queries: If there are known issues, use release notes for transparency about what you're doing to fix bugs. Communicating can reduce churn.
- Create trust and transparency: Shows customers you're constantly improving and adding new features.
Writing release notes
Everything should be useful and explained clearly. Include:
- Title: Show your brand's personality. Get creative if your brand allows.
- Version number and release date: Without them, a reader cannot tell whether these notes describe the build they are running.
- Clear overview: Quick summary of changes, bug fixes, new features.
- Impact and benefits to users: Explain how changes solve problems.
- Known issues: Address unfixed issues, be open about workarounds and timelines.
- Support and documentation: Links to support team and documentation.
- Feedback mechanism: Provide a way to give feedback. With Productlane, you can manage insights from various sources in one place.
5 key elements of engaging release notes
1. Show your brand's personality
If your tone allows fun, go for it! Otherwise, show you care about customers.
2. Use clear language
Not for techies. Use language everyone can understand.
3. Keep them short
Get to the point with as few words as possible.
4. Use headings
Group release notes with headings like 'Bug Fixes', 'New Features', 'Improvements'.
5. Include links to more info
Add links to user guides, blogs, or tutorials for users who want more detail.
How Productlane helps you create release notes efficiently
- Use the optional changelog feature to chronologically order your release notes
- Choose whether to share your changelog internally, externally, or both
- Get help with writing using Productlane's overview of all Linear issues completed
Exemplary Release Notes Template
[Title Reflecting Your Brand's Personality]
Version [Version Number], released on [Release Date]
Overview:
We're excited to announce the release of [Product Name] version [Version Number]. This update brings [brief summary]. Our team has worked hard to ensure this release enhances your experience.
What's New:
- [Feature 1]: [Brief description and benefits].
- [Feature 2]: [Brief description and benefits].
- [Improvement]: [Description of how it enhances previous functionality].
- [Bug Fixes]: [List major bug fixes].
Impact and Benefits:
This update is designed to [explain overall benefits].
Known Issues:
- [Issue 1]: [Brief description and workarounds].
- [Issue 2]: [Brief description and workarounds].
Support and Documentation:
For detailed information, visit our Documentation Page. Our support team is ready to assist via Email, Phone, or Live Chat.
Tell us what you think
If something here does not work the way you expected, send it to [Feedback Mechanism].
FAQs on Release Notes
What are release notes?
Release notes are summaries of changes, improvements, and bug fixes in the latest release of your software. They help users and stakeholders understand new features, known issues, and changes in functionality.
Who is the audience for release notes?
Your customers as the users of your product. Notes should be in plain language that anyone can understand. You can also use them for internal stakeholders.
Who should write release notes?
Product managers or technical writers who have a deep understanding of the updates and what it means for users.
What is the difference between release notes and a changelog?
Release notes are summaries of the latest changes, whereas the changelog lists all release notes published so far in reverse chronological order. A changelog provides a historical record of all updates.
Should I include bug fixes in release notes?
Yes, bug fixes should definitely be included. It helps customers see what has been fixed and increases trust.
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