Will you collect emails if you don't have to?
My desktop application Radar is beta ready. When I was working on the beta, the app installer was not ready, and I collected emails to let users know when the app is ready.
Now, I can let users download and use the app. It doesn't need any sign-up, and I don't incur any costs when a significant number of users download it. I'm not sure if I have to collect emails anymore. I haven't changed the landing page yet. I have to make a decision soon.
Reasons to collect emails
- I can control who can use the application.
- I can ask users for feedback.
- I can let users know about the early bird offer I may run when I launch.
Reasons to not collect emails
- It reduces friction when someone wants to try the app.
I feel reducing the friction for users to try the app is more important. Have you been in a similar situation before? Are there any other upsides to collecting emails? What would you do if you were me?
Collect the emails. The additional friction is minimal. Your target users will not only understand, but want the updates
Thanks! I'm thinking of letting everyone download the app with an option to submit their email for updates if needed.
I don't think I'm alone in being much more willing to give someone my email than install their executable on my laptop. If you have their trust for the latter, an email isn't much to ask for.
Offering an opt out is a classy option too 👍
Yeah, what you say makes sense too. Thanks for your inputs.