[Ask IH] Is having to join a Google group to beta test a Chrome Extension off-putting?
I have posted on here and other places about my beta Chrome extension, but so far haven't had much interest. I have limited the app to a group of beta testers via a Google Group. This requires users to join the group before being able to see and install the extension (which is a great way to not expose the app to the public before getting initial feedback. It is also great to collect feedback in one place).
I am now wondering if this is a good idea at all, and I want to rule out if having to join a group first is off putting for many people?
If this turns out to be a bad idea, then I can just publish the app such that anyone with the link can download it without having to sign up to the group and without exposing it on the Chrome store, and probably less friction for the user.
it's a beta test. I think your users will understand + it will give you a chance to see if this is a real problem that people need you to solve for them.
I know that Google play has a beta program but not sure if it extends to extensions. You might wanna look into that too
Thanks, I still think it might be a barrier and might put some people off. There is no beta program, however it's possible to make the extension available to anyone with the link to the app so they can try it out, without publishing it publicly.