What are the best ways to communicate a SaaS product roadmap?

1 Know your audience

The first step to communicate your product roadmap is to know who you are talking to and what they care about. Different audiences have different needs, expectations, and preferences when it comes to product information. For example, your internal team may want more details, feedback, and collaboration on your roadmap, while your external customers may want more clarity, transparency, and value on your roadmap. Therefore, you should tailor your communication style, format, and content to suit your audience's goals and interests.

3 Use visuals and stories

The third step to communicate your product roadmap is to use visuals and stories to make your message more compelling and memorable. Visuals, such as charts, graphs, diagrams, or screenshots, can help you illustrate your product vision, direction, and progress in a clear and concise way. Stories, such as user scenarios, testimonials, or case studies, can help you convey your product value, benefits, and impact in a relatable and emotional way. By using visuals and stories, you can capture your audience's attention, interest, and trust in your product roadmap.

4 Be clear and concise

The fourth step to communicate your product roadmap is to be clear and concise in your message. You should avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. Instead, you should use simple and familiar language that your audience can understand and relate to. You should also avoid giving too much or too little information that may overwhelm or underwhelm your audience. Instead, you should focus on the key points and highlights that your audience needs to know and care about.

5 Provide context and rationale

The fifth step to communicate your product roadmap is to provide context and rationale for your decisions and plans. You should explain why you are building what you are building, how it aligns with your product vision and strategy, and what value it delivers to your customers and stakeholders. You should also acknowledge the uncertainties and risks that may affect your roadmap, and how you are managing them. By providing context and rationale, you can show your audience that you have a clear and logical approach to your product development, and that you are open and honest about your challenges and opportunities.

6 Invite feedback and collaboration

The sixth and final step to communicate your product roadmap is to invite feedback and collaboration from your audience. You should encourage your audience to share their opinions, questions, and suggestions on your roadmap, and respond to them in a timely and respectful manner. You should also involve your audience in your product development process, such as by asking them to test, review, or co-create your features. By inviting feedback and collaboration, you can build a stronger relationship with your audience, and improve your product roadmap based on their needs and preferences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?