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80% of New Features Go Unnoticed—Here's How to Fix That

80% of New Features Go Unnoticed—Here's How to Fix That

Did you know? 80% of new features go unnoticed or unused because users:

Don't know it exists

Don't understand how to use it

Aren't sure why they should care

This isn't just frustrating—it's a waste of time, money, and effort.

So, why does this happen? And how do you ensure your features get the attention they deserve?

Let's break it down.

Why Most New Features Go Unnoticed

1. The "If You Build It, They Will Come" Myth

Many product teams assume that if a feature is great, users will find it.

But in reality? Users are busy. They stick to what they know. And they rarely explore on their own.

Solution: Actively guide users to discover new features within their workflow.

2. Feature Announcements That Get Ignored

How do most companies announce new features?

An email that gets buried

A pop-up that users close instantly

A blog post that few people read

The result? No real adoption.

Solution: Introduce features at the right time, in the right place—inside the app.

3. No Clear "Why" for Users

Just because your team is excited about a feature doesn't mean users will be.

People don't care about features. They care about how those features solve their problems.

Solution: Show the value of the feature, not just the functionality.

Example: Instead of saying,

"We added a new reporting dashboard."

Say,

"Now you can track your campaign performance in real-time, without digging through spreadsheets."

4. Features Are Hard to Find or Use

If a feature isn't visible, intuitive, or easy to use, users won't bother.

Solution: Guide users with in-app prompts, walkthroughs, and tooltips.

Think of how apps like Slack introduce new features:

A subtle notification appears exactly where the feature lives.

A guided walkthrough shows users how to use it in seconds.

A smart assistant is available for quick questions.

This removes friction and ensures users actually engage with the feature.

How to Fix Feature Adoption with AI-Driven Guidance

Instead of waiting for users to find new features, bring the features to them.

1. In-App Announcements at the Right Moment

Instead of email blasts, use contextual pop-ups, banners, or tooltips inside your product.

Example: Just launched a new dashboard? Show a quick prompt the first time a user visits the Reports page.

2. Interactive, Step-by-Step Walkthroughs

Users shouldn't have to figure out how to use a feature on their own. Guide them through it.

Example: Instead of a generic tutorial, provide an interactive walkthrough that:

Highlights the feature in the UI

Walks users through setup step by step

Shows real-world use cases as they work

3. AI-Powered Assistants for Instant Help

When users have questions, they shouldn't have to search through documentation.

Solution: AI-powered assistants (like Chimpanion) provide:

Real-time answers inside your app

Personalized feature recommendations

Instant troubleshooting support

Result? Higher engagement, faster adoption, and happier users.

4. Measure and Optimize Feature Adoption

If users aren't engaging, find out why.

Track:

How many users engage with the feature?

Where do they drop off?

What feedback are they giving?

Then, refine your approach based on data.

Example: If users are dropping off before completing a setup, simplify the steps or add a guided walkthrough.

The ROI of Fixing Feature Adoption

Companies that focus on smarter feature adoption see:

30-50% increase in feature usage

Higher customer satisfaction & retention

Fewer support tickets (because users actually understand the feature)

More value from every release

Instead of launching features into the void, ensure they get noticed, used, and loved.

The Future of Feature Adoption with Chimpanion

Traditional product announcements don't work anymore.

With Chimpanion, companies can:

Introduce new features at the perfect moment

Guide users with real-time, interactive training

Answer questions instantly with AI-powered support

Result? Features that don't just exist—they get used.

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