What We Mean by Software Adoption
Software adoption is the process of getting your team to actively and consistently use a new software application as part of their daily work. It’s not a matter of handing out logins and showing everyone where the dashboard is – the goal is to help them understand the tool, see its value, and learn how to integrate it into their workflows.
Unlike product adoption in SaaS (which focuses on end-users and markets), this is about internal user adoption – getting your own people on board.
Why Software Adoption Matters
Because tools can only bring you value when people actually use them.
Teams can sometimes resist change, and how you approach the initial introduction will have long term-effects for software adoption. Failing to handle it right can easily turn that initial skepticism into rejection – wasting time, money, and momentum, while your team misses out on the very benefits the tool was meant to bring.
And nobody wants to fall back on spreadsheets and fragmented tools.
Pro tip: You can create your internal handbook directly in Productive Docs. Add videos, screenshots, and custom instructions; leave comments for updates or clarifications. This way, you’re building a living, team-specific guide that’s always accessible when someone needs a refresher.
7 Proven Strategies for Better Software Adoption
#1: Explain the Why Behind the Tool
Rolling out new software without context is a surefire way to spark resistance. Of course you think it’s the best thing since sliced bread – but you’ve done the research, sat through demo calls, and gotten familiar with the tool’s capabilities. For your team, this may be the first they’re hearing of it.
#2: Appoint Internal Champions for Key Areas
There’s no need to hire LinkedIn influencers to drive user adoption – your best advocates are already in the building. Internal champions make software adoption smoother by leading from within.
At Productive, we suggest appointing champions for each key area like project management, budgeting, time off, and resource planning. These are typically the people already managing those processes: project managers, HR admins, department heads, and similar roles.
Champions:
- Act as the bridge between software provider and team
- Use the platform first and receive training
- Share updates and tips in a familiar voice
What We Mean by Software Adoption
Software adoption is the process of getting your team to actively and consistently use a new software application as part of their daily work. It’s not a matter of handing out logins and showing everyone where the dashboard is – the goal is to help them understand the tool, see its value, and learn how to integrate it into their workflows.
Unlike product adoption in SaaS (which focuses on end-users and markets), this is about internal user adoption – getting your own people on board.
Pro tip: You can create your internal handbook directly in Productive Docs. Add videos, screenshots, and custom instructions; leave comments for updates or clarifications. This way, you’re building a living, team-specific guide that’s always accessible when someone needs a refresher.
What We Mean by Software Adoption
Software adoption is the process of getting your team to actively and consistently use a new software application as part of their daily work. It’s not a matter of handing out logins and showing everyone where the dashboard is – the goal is to help them understand the tool, see its value, and learn how to integrate it into their workflows.
Unlike product adoption in SaaS (which focuses on end-users and markets), this is about internal user adoption – getting your own people on board.
Why Software Adoption Matters
Because tools can only bring you value when people actually use them.
Teams can sometimes resist change, and how you approach the initial introduction will have long term-effects for software adoption. Failing to handle it right can easily turn that initial skepticism into rejection – wasting time, money, and momentum, while your team misses out on the very benefits the tool was meant to bring.
And nobody wants to fall back on spreadsheets and fragmented tools.
