CommandBlogue

CommandBlogue focuses on lessons from building CommandBar, covering product, UX, and startup experiences. Topics include newsletter benefits, AI in product management, UX improvements, strategic innovation, pricing models, achieving product-market fit, user assistance, and effective communication tactics.

Product Management User Experience (UX) Startups Artificial Intelligence Pricing Strategies Customer Engagement Growth Tactics Communication Tools

The hottest Substack posts of CommandBlogue

And their main takeaways

Newsletters we read to stay smarter than the competition

139 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
💼 Business Startups Growth Innovation Marketing Entrepreneurship
  1. Staying updated with newsletters is super important for personal and professional growth. They help you learn quickly and efficiently in a fast-changing world.
  2. Some recommended newsletters focus on tech, product growth, and honest startup experiences. They provide unique insights and practical advice that can really help new teams and startups.
  3. Reading newsletters can keep you motivated and optimistic about the tech industry. It’s a great way to stay informed and inspired by successful stories and strategies.

Claire Vo: The CPO who automates herself with AI

19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Product Management Startups Software Development Tech Trends
  1. AI is changing how product managers work. It helps them complete tasks much faster, which could mean fewer PMs are needed in the future.
  2. The role of PMs might shift more towards being makers, meaning they will need to have skills in design and engineering to stay relevant.
  3. To break into product management, it's important to show what you can do by building something real for the companies you're interested in, rather than just sending a resume.

5 learnings from making UX less annoying for 20M+ users

19 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Product Design Data Analysis Software Development Customer Engagement
  1. Users don't easily forget bad experiences, like annoying pop-ups. Once trust is lost, it's hard to regain, so it's important to be careful with how you present information to them.
  2. Beautiful design attracts users and keeps them engaged. Nowadays, a nice look matters just as much as solving a problem, since many products are similar.
  3. Users prefer having multiple options. If they feel like they don't need help at first, they might still end up needing it later, so providing a way for them to revisit guides is key.

Startups: Stop innovating so damn much

1 HN point • 06 Sep 24
💼 Business Startups Innovation Management Strategy Leadership
  1. Startups should focus their innovation efforts on fewer things that really matter. Trying to change everything can slow your progress and make things confusing.
  2. Innovation comes with risks, especially if a startup decides to ignore proven methods that have worked for successful companies. It's often safer to go with what’s already known to work.
  3. Not all areas need innovation. It's smarter to copy what works well in job roles, company structure, and communication tools, so you can spend your energy on truly valuable changes.

How we priced our AI SaaS product (and the mistakes we avoided)

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business SaaS Pricing Revenue AI Strategy
  1. Pricing needs to maximize revenue while keeping cash flow stable. Companies should seek to charge what customers are willing to pay without running out of money.
  2. There are different pricing models to consider for AI products. Usage-based or subscription models can create various incentives for both the customer and the company.
  3. Understanding how customers derive value from a product is crucial. The pricing model should support delivering that value easily, making it convenient for customers to use the service without worrying about costs.
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CommandBar's seed deck, what we got right and wrong, 3 years later

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Investment Pitching Fundraising
  1. A pitch deck should focus on clarity and simplicity, as it helps in understanding your business better. It's not about flashy designs but about conveying your core ideas effectively.
  2. Founders should be honest about their business's risks and challenges in the seed deck. Being transparent about the skeletons can create trust with investors and help them align as partners.
  3. It's important to address tough questions in your pitch deck, not just the positive aspects. Discussing key challenges shows that you've thought carefully about your business and its direction.

We found PMF. Here were the signs.

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Product Development Market fit Business strategy
  1. Product-market fit (PMF) isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s a gradual process that evolves over time. You need to keep measuring and adjusting as you grow.
  2. To know if you’ve found PMF, ask your users how disappointed they would be if your product disappeared. A high percentage of disappointment indicates strong PMF.
  3. Focus on making a few customers love your product instead of trying to reach a big audience early on. Understanding your ideal customer and their pain points is key.

Are we crazy? From digital adoption to user assistance

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Software User Experience Digital marketing Interface Design Product Development
  1. Pop-ups are annoying and most users have developed 'pop-up fatigue', which makes them ignore these interruptions. It's frustrating when software we pay for still uses this old tactic.
  2. The concept of a 'user assistant' would replace annoying pop-ups. It would help users based on their needs and intentions, making software easier and more pleasant to use.
  3. As users expect better experiences, companies need to change how they design software. Innovations are needed to improve interactions between users and technology.

How link detection engages users more

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Product Design User Experience Software Development Cloud Services
  1. Links are common in today's digital world, often replacing traditional file sharing. Using links helps keep information accessible but can pull users away from your app.
  2. Enhancing user experience is important, so product builders should aim to integrate link previews or embed features. This allows users to interact with linked content without leaving the main app.
  3. Users prefer to stay in one app for convenience. The less they have to jump between different applications, the smoother their experience will be.

Make users feel safe with a 2-word widget

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Software User Experience Product Design Automation Web Development
  1. Users need to feel their work is safe, especially after bad experiences with crashes or lost documents. It's important to provide reassurance in software applications.
  2. Showing the last time work was saved can help users feel more secure about their progress. They can easily check that their recent changes are saved.
  3. Auto-saving features are really helpful, but they can confuse users. Clear notifications about saving can make a big difference in user trust and satisfaction.

The simple button that makes data easier to use

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Data Management User Experience Product Design Software Development
  1. Adding a reset button in dashboards helps users easily undo multiple customizations with one click. It saves time and makes exploring data more efficient.
  2. This feature allows users to quickly return to the default view, which is helpful when working with multiple users in an app.
  3. Just like pressing delete to start over, users prefer easy solutions that let them change their paths without wasting time.

Simplify scaling to big customers with tags

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business Product Development Enterprise Solutions Software Engineering Scalability
  1. As companies grow, they often need to add complex features to their products, which can be overwhelming. A simple way to manage this complexity is by using tags to help organize information better.
  2. Tags allow users to categorize items in multiple ways, making it easier to find what they need. Unlike folders, tags let you label something with several different tags without duplication.
  3. Implementing a tagging feature is essential for products as they scale, providing flexibility and improving user experience. It helps keep things organized even when users have lots of content.

Maybe you don't need PLG after all. These start-ups are completely sales-led.

0 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Sales Marketing Product Strategy Growth Hacking
  1. Some start-ups are finding success with a sales-led approach instead of product-led growth (PLG). They focus on talking to customers and learning about their needs, which helps improve their offerings.
  2. Removing a free tier in product trials can create urgency and lead to higher conversion rates. When customers have to engage with sales first, it can mean better discussions and larger deals.
  3. PLG might not be suitable for every business, especially for early-stage companies or complex products. It's important to focus on what works best for your unique situation.

Get rid of user confusion with better empty states

0 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Product Design Analytics Digital Tools User engagement
  1. Empty states in apps can confuse users when there's no data to show. It's important to fill that space with meaningful actions.
  2. Instead of just saying 'no events found,' apps can encourage users to create new content, making the experience more engaging.
  3. Sometimes users want to see empty spaces as they indicate they've reached their goals, like finishing a to-do list. Celebrating that can enhance satisfaction.

A simple email that drives more adoption from customers

0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
💼 Business Marketing Product Growth Strategy
  1. Sending emails when new users join a team can boost product adoption. This simple tactic keeps everyone in the loop and encourages others to use the product.
  2. Seeing teammates use a product creates a sense of urgency to adopt it. People want to stay connected and not fall behind their colleagues.
  3. This approach uses social proof, which is when people do something because they see others doing it. It's a powerful way to motivate users to engage with a product.

Get your users into the habit of upgrading

0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
💼 Business Marketing User Experience Product Design SaaS Consumer behavior
  1. Make it easy for users to take actions like signing up or upgrading. The simpler it is, the more likely they are to do it.
  2. Using a consistent button for similar actions helps users form good habits. They will associate that button with success and keep using it.
  3. Be careful with what you make easy to do. Some actions, like deleting data, should have extra steps to prevent mistakes.

The easiest way to fix navigation

0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Navigation Product Design Software Development User Behavior
  1. Always have back and forward buttons in apps to help users navigate easily. This small change can make a big difference.
  2. Users should not need to understand the whole site layout to find their way around. It’s key for new users to feel confident while using the app.
  3. Making users feel smart and comfortable boosts their overall experience. If they don’t feel lost, they’re more likely to stick around.

Use relative dates and to help users learn your UI

0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🕹 Technology User Experience User Interface Product Design Software Development Natural Language Processing
  1. Using relative dates makes it easier for users to understand and interact with a user interface. For example, saying 'next Thursday' is more natural than giving a specific date.
  2. People think about time differently than computers do. They often use relative terms, so designs should accommodate that way of thinking.
  3. Date pickers should be simple and consistent with other input methods. Changing how users input information can frustrate them and make the experience less enjoyable.

How to make settings less frustrating

0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Product Design Software Development User Interface Usability testing
  1. Users often struggle to find the right settings because the organization of options can be confusing. Labels need to be clear so users know exactly where to look.
  2. A good solution is to show users what settings are already active. This helps them understand their current options without clicking through multiple menus.
  3. Reducing the number of choices and distractions can help users feel less overwhelmed. A simple display of enabled settings can lead to a smoother experience.

How Miro collects more relevant emails from signup

0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
💼 Business Marketing User Experience Product Management Data Collection Copywriting
  1. Miro improves email sign-up by changing how they ask for work emails. They highlight a benefit, saying it helps separate work and life, which makes users more willing to share their emails.
  2. Instead of just asking for an email, it’s better to explain why it's good for the user. This motivation helps users feel more positive about the action you want them to take.
  3. Always make sure the benefit you mention is real. If users find out it's not true, they won't trust you again.

Why even B2B products need more emoji (even if you target boomers)

0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business Product Management Marketing Communication Remote work User Experience
  1. Using emoji reactions in communication apps can help make conversations shorter and clearer. They let people respond without needing to write a long message.
  2. Emoji reactions create a sense of closure in conversations. When you react, it shows you acknowledge the message without expecting more replies.
  3. Almost every app now has emoji reactions because they improve communication. They help maintain good working relationships without overwhelming users.

Is usage-based pricing overrated? These 3 YC founders agree (and so do we)

0 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Pricing Models Startups Entrepreneurship Market Trends AI Technology
  1. Many startup founders find usage-based pricing complicated and unpredictable. They believe subscription models are easier for customers because they know ahead of time what they'll pay.
  2. Pricing should focus on providing clear value to customers. For example, some companies base their fees on the time saved or the productivity gains their services offer.
  3. When it comes to pricing, a simple model can reduce friction in the buying process. Customers often prefer clear, straightforward pricing over models that require them to estimate their usage.

$10m ARR in 2.5 years - How Beehiiv wins with an email tool in 2024

0 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Technology Marketing E-commerce Advertising
  1. Beehiiv has grown quickly, reaching $10 million in annual recurring revenue in just 2.5 years by focusing on email newsletters. It offers tools that make it easier for writers to manage their content and reach audiences.
  2. Unlike Substack, which aims to create a social media destination for readers, Beehiiv focuses on providing growth tools and features for creators. This strategy targets writers who want more control and options over their newsletters.
  3. Beehiiv is also building an ad network, which could be a major opportunity. By connecting advertisers with a wide range of newsletters, it simplifies the ad process for both writers and businesses, potentially leading to significant revenue.

How Deel became the fastest-growing startup in history

0 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship HR Finance Marketing
  1. Deel became super successful by solving real problems that people faced when hiring internationally. They made it easier for companies to handle complex employment laws and payroll in different countries.
  2. Timing was key for Deel. They launched just as more companies were looking to hire globally, especially during the pandemic when remote work became popular.
  3. Good customer support helped Deel grow a lot. The founders engaged directly with customers to gather feedback, which created a loyal user base and worked as effective marketing.