What is a request for a feature?
A user’s comment, message, or request to include a specific feature in your product is called a feature request. When deciding how to iterate on a product that is already in use, feature requests can be used as a guide.
In addition to locating a means of communication with the developer, users are required to describe a feature request in one of the following ways:
Make it crystal clear what the feature is, how it could work, and what problem it would solve. Give an example of how the proposed feature—users’ emoji or abstracts—would work. Download our eBook on Customer Feedback for a comprehensive look at all of the most important aspects of customer feedback: what it is, how to collect it, the types of feedback we have, and a lot of useful advice and mistakes to avoid if you want to work effectively with customer feedback.
How can a feature request be submitted?
Your team needs a system for making suggestions that everyone on the team can see so that requests can be made. For instance, requesting features that your entire team can view on GitHub is simple.
How can you get a client to ask for a feature?
Customers can submit feature requests in a variety of ways. To begin, you must regularly communicate with your clients. A Contact Us page where customers can make requests is essential, even if the chatbot is automated.
Second, examine customer feedback. Two examples of requests for new features that customers will make here are “Please add form optimization” and “It takes too long to fill out forms.” These requests will be made either directly or indirectly.
How are customers’ feature requests ranked?
Your team’s approach and requirements will influence the method used to rank feature requests. However, the following hierarchy is the most prevalent type:
If you don’t have one, you won’t be able to collect and organize feedback from channels like product reviews and customer support. Small features and touch-ups that can be implemented in the short term Minor features and redesigns that can be implemented over the course of the long term The vast majority of feature request collection apps provide feedback structure templates. Minor bug and security fixes Minor bug and security fixes
You can read this page briefly to get some ideas for writing effective internal feature requests.
Management of feature requests is much more sustainable when they are templated.
Because feature requests arrive as structured, complete data, a feature request template makes it easier for product managers to manage them. The following should be included in a template for submitting a feature request:
Standardizing these channels and consolidating feature requests into a single location for evaluation are the first steps in managing feature requests. The first step in evaluation is to classify the requests. The three main types of requests are as follows:
1.Errors and absence of features :
2. Enhancements to the features The team then gives requests for brand-new features a higher priority. Installing a crucial security patch is more important than allowing a user to change the background color. Later, we’ll discuss prioritization in greater depth.
The product managers must then select the appropriate response to the feature request. Should this be included in the development plan? The feature might already exist, but it might need more visibility.
Is this a planned feature or a duplicate request?
To close the loop, you need to manage feature requests well. The requester ought to receive a response in which they are sincere thanked and informed of the situation.
How to Respond to a Request for Feature The procedure of responding to a request for feature is known as “closing the loop. It is absolutely necessary to acknowledge the feedback and inform the user if their concerns are being addressed when closing the loop (for example, “We already have a plan to implement this in the next update!”).”The exchange ought to be ended at that point.
As a result, I occasionally get the opportunity to submit feature requests and bug reports. Additionally, I’ve come across a report and request format that works well for resolving issues and bringing about changes.
Extensive outline for writing a bug report or feature request.
Although these guidelines are not final, they demonstrate the kinds of requests I’ve sent and received that have resulted in few information exchanges.
Give a brief synopsis of the request.
In the ideal scenario, this ought to be limited to a few words. It should be simple to include in an email’s subject line or in your ticket tracker.
Before moving forward, consider your options if you are unable to complete this step. It’s possible that you’re dealing with multiple issues at once. You run the risk of making the recipient a participant in an unintentional Twenty Questions contest if you reduce it too much.
When there is a contrast between the way things are and how you want them to be, it is easier for writers and readers to understand a proposal.
Specify the desired outcome.
To put it another way, demand the change. Always act politely.
You probably started this process in the first place because of this. If you want a bug fix, tell us what you thought would happen. Show how a new feature would actually work in practice if you want it.
You can’t tell how easy, hard, simple, or complicated the changes will be if you don’t know how they will be implemented. You don’t believe it to be as effective or persuasive as you thought it would be.
Outline the advantages of the changes.
substantiate your request. Give an illustration of how it will improve the lives of your employees, customers, or clients. Not only does this make it easier for the recipient to comply with your request, but it also gives her the information she needs to decide which projects she should tackle first.
Describe the change’s negative effects.
Make it clear, if at all possible, how the change will necessitate new efforts or behaviors on the part of your business, users, or customers. You might believe that discussing the disadvantages of your proposed change is counterproductive. On the other hand, ignoring disadvantages implies ignoring opportunities to mitigate them. You might also say that there is no disadvantage at times.
How to Properly Respond to Product Feature Requests You might have had trouble in the past responding to product feature requests. Now, allow us to offer you some guidance on how to effectively handle feature requests for your product and respond politely to customers.
A customer service representative must first pay close attention to what the customer is saying. Regardless of whether the feedback from your customers is positive or negative, you should never disregard it. You need to pay close attention to your customers if you want to strengthen your relationship with them.
The customer ought to feel appreciated.
Feel free to ask a few questions if you need to know exactly what your customer wants to say. This will give your clients the impression that you are considering their suggestions and paying attention to what they have to say.
Be open and honest. Treat your relationships with customers as if they were your own. Businesses frequently make the mistake of offering customers nothing but empty promises.
