Two Things Every App Needs
AI is making the barrier to building software close to zero. Shipping is faster than ever. Competition is noisier than ever.
So what makes users trust you enough to stay?
For most teams, two things are non-negotiable:
1) A public changelog
A changelog proves movement. It shows users you are alive, listening, and improving in the open.
When people can see consistent shipping, they stop guessing whether your product is abandoned.
Practical rule:
- Publish updates frequently.
- Keep entries clear and concrete.
- Explain what changed and why it matters.
2) A visible feedback loop
A feedback page tells users they can shape the product, not just consume it.
When people see what is requested, what is planned, and what is shipped, trust compounds.
Practical rule:
- Track requested features publicly.
- Mark statuses clearly (planned, in progress, shipped).
- Close the loop by referencing shipped requests in your changelog.
Why this matters now
The market rewards velocity, but users stay for reliability and responsiveness.
If your product is early, that is fine. If your communication is missing, trust collapses.
Sources
- MKBHD Fisker Review
- Cursor performance issues thread
- Arc release notes
- Perplexity changelog
- Raycast feedback system
Products fail. Founders do not.
CT