> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usestellar.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Your First Announcement

> Share your first update with users

Let's create your first announcement and explore how to craft updates that keep users engaged and informed about your product progress.

## Creating an Announcement

1. Navigate to **Announcements** in the sidebar
2. Click **New Announcement**
3. Add your title - make it clear and compelling
4. Write your content in the rich editor
5. Click **Save as draft**

\[image]

<Tip>
  Start with a simple update like a new feature or recent improvements. You can always add more details later.
</Tip>

## Crafting Great Content

### Title

Write headlines that grab attention:

* ✅ "Introducing Dark Mode"
* ✅ "5 New Features This Month"
* ❌ "Update #47"
* ❌ "Some changes"

### Content

Use the rich editor to create engaging updates:

* **Headers** - Break up long content
* **Lists** - Make features scannable
* **Images** - Show, don't just tell
* **Links** - Drive users to try features
* **Formatting** - Bold key points

\[image]

## Adding Polish

### Cover Image

Make announcements pop:

1. Click **Add cover image**
2. Upload an eye-catching image
3. Recommended: 1200x600px
4. Shows in portal and embeds

### Category

Organize your updates:

* Select from existing categories
* Or create new ones (New Feature, Improvement, Fix)
* Categories help users filter content
* Each has a custom color

\[image]

### Summary (Optional)

Control preview text:

* Leave blank for auto-summary
* Or write custom preview text
* Shows in embed widgets
* Max 240 characters

## Publishing Options

### Publish Now

Ready to share immediately:

1. Review your announcement
2. Click **Publish**
3. Select **Publish now**
4. Announcement goes live instantly

### Schedule for Later

Plan your communication:

1. Click **Publish**
2. Select **Schedule**
3. Choose date and time
4. Announcement publishes automatically

\[image]

<Info>
  Published announcements appear on your portal, in embeds, and trigger notifications to subscribers.
</Info>

## Preview Before Publishing

Always preview your announcement:

1. Click **Preview**
2. See how it looks on portal
3. Check formatting and images
4. Test all links

## After Publishing

### What Happens

* Appears on public changelog
* Shows in embed widgets
* Notifies email subscribers
* Updates RSS feed

### Making Changes

You can still:

* Edit content
* Update images
* Change category
* Even unpublish if needed

\[image]

## Best Practices

**Be consistent** - Regular updates build trust

**Show personality** - Let your brand voice shine

**Include visuals** - Screenshots and GIFs engage readers

**Highlight value** - Focus on user benefits, not just features

**Keep it scannable** - Use formatting for easy reading

## Example Announcement

```
**Title:** Introducing Team Collaboration

**Content:**
We're excited to announce powerful new collaboration features!

**What's New:**
- Real-time commenting on all features
- @mentions to notify teammates  
- Activity feed shows all updates
- Improved permission controls

**Why it Matters:**
Your whole team can now work together seamlessly, reducing miscommunication and speeding up development.

[Screenshot of collaboration features]

**Get Started:**
Head to any feature and try commenting. Your team will thank you!

Happy collaborating! 🎉
```

## What's Next?

Now that you've created your first announcement:

* [Set up categories](/announcements/additional-settings) for better organization
* [Learn about private posts](/announcements/private-posts) for internal updates
* [Master scheduling](/announcements/scheduling) for perfect timing

<Note>
  The best changelog is an active one. Aim to publish at least one announcement per month.
</Note>