Increase developer turnout

Can politics teach us anything about developer experience?

In the United States, a record number of people have participated in early voting. Yet, if recent history tells us anything, there will still be more than 40% of eligible voters who don’t cast ballots.

The percentage of developers who visit your site or documentation without engaging is likely much higher. You’ll never hear from all of them, but there’s one simple change you can make to better understand their point of view.

Ask them.

Search API Algolia includes the feedback form above on every page of its documentation. The likelihood of developers “turning out” to give their opinion increases if you ask.

When you get a response, read it. Route it to the right team. If there is a problem, fix it. Reply and let them know you heard them. They may join your caucus.

To increase election turnout, there are really only two levers:

• Re-engage registered voters
• Register new voters

With developer turnout, you can both re-engage and reach new developers by speaking to the topics they care about. Show you understand their problems, then try to get your message in front of them.

Email your opt-ins, tweet your followers, and expand your base with authentic, developer-focused content.

And if you’re in the U.S., please remember to vote! 🗳️