Changelog Best Practices for SaaS Companies
Everything you need to know about running a world-class changelog.
A changelog is more than a list of updates. It's a communication channel that builds trust, reduces support tickets, and shows users you're actively improving your product.
Use Clear Categories
Most changelogs use three categories: New, Improved, and Fixed. This simple system works because:
- Users can quickly find what they care about
- It's easy to maintain consistency
- It covers 99% of updates
Publish Regularly (But Not Too Often)
The ideal frequency depends on your product and team:
- Weekly: Good for fast-moving products with engaged users
- Bi-weekly: Balances keeping users informed without overwhelming them
- Monthly: Better for enterprise products or slower development cycles
Write for Users, Not Developers
Your changelog should be readable by anyone who uses your product. Avoid:
- Technical jargon ("refactored the API layer")
- Internal references ("fixed JIRA-1234")
- Vague descriptions ("various improvements")
Include Enough Detail
Each entry should answer three questions:
- What changed? - The feature or fix
- Why does it matter? - The benefit to users
- How do I use it? - Quick instructions or link to docs
Make It Discoverable
A changelog that nobody reads isn't helping anyone. Make sure users can find it:
- Add a link in your app's header or menu
- Use a changelog widget that shows unread updates
- Send email notifications for major updates
- Link to your changelog from marketing pages
Maintain a History
Don't delete old entries. Users often search for when a specific feature was added or when a bug was fixed.
Getting Started
The best changelog is the one you actually maintain. Start simple: choose your categories, pick a publishing frequency, write your first entry, and make it discoverable.