Ask HN: Documentation Only for Users?

2 pointsgroundthrower4y ago3 comments

Hi there,

We are planning on releasing a documentation portal for our saas and a question popped up if this should only be visible for authorized users.

Pros: Hide unique features from competitors

Cons: Less exposure, SEO

Deep inside I think the right answer is to not worry about competitors but to focus on your on product. The features are already visible sort of on the homepage.

Would be interesting to hear your thoughts.

3 comments

brudgers4y ago

Random advice from the internet:

Don't spend time and energy making your product suck.

It is counter-productive.

Take it off the roadmap.

Good luck.

1cvmask4y ago

How do you hide unique features from competitors? I assume if customers can somehow find out then so will vigilant competitors.

What is your SaaS by the way? (not a competitor)

arthur2e54y ago

Same. I feel the loss of potential-customer accessibility does not justify the minimal "security" benefit of hiding the doc, especially since a sufficiently interested competitor would just pay once and get whatever docs they like.

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