Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Betterplan. If your question isn't covered, get in touch .
General questions
When can I start using Betterplan?
Right away. Sign up directly at app.yourbetterplan.com and start with a free trial.
Who is Betterplan for?
Betterplan is ideal for small to mid-sized agile teams and startups (typically 5–25 people) that need clarity in planning without enterprise complexity. Perfect for teams that practice — or want to practice — Story Mapping, User Story development, and iterative planning.
How does Betterplan differ from tools like Jira or Linear?
Betterplan focuses on product storytelling and planning maturity, not just task tracking. We help teams think strategically about their product before diving into execution details. Story Map, Backlog, Iteration Board, and Roadmap are seamlessly synchronized — one change updates every view.
Can I use Betterplan alongside my current tools?
Betterplan is designed as a standalone tool that deliberately aims for independence from Jira and similar. You can still use individual features like Story Mapping for strategic planning and transfer tasks to other tools via export. Direct integrations aren't planned right now but are technically possible.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. You can try Betterplan for free — no credit card needed.
Product & features
What is a Story Map and why do I need one?
A Story Map visualizes your product as a user journey and creates shared understanding in the team. You see at a glance which features belong together, where the gaps are, and what really matters. Unlike flat backlogs, you keep the overview even with many stories. More on this: "User Story Mapping" by Jeff Patton (https://www.jpattonassociates.com/user-story-mapping/)
Does Betterplan support multiple teams?
Yes. Per organization you can set up as many teams as you like, working on projects only they can access. For example, one team per project or per client.
Can I add custom fields?
No. Betterplan deliberately focuses on essential features and skips custom fields to avoid configuration overhead.
Is there an API?
A REST API is planned for a future release. It will let you connect Betterplan to your other tools and automate your own workflows. Try Betterplan now to be among the first to hear about API updates.
Does Betterplan work offline?
No. Betterplan is a web app and requires an internet connection. Offline support is not planned.
Pricing & plans
What does Betterplan cost?
Betterplan costs €29 per month — including 1 seat and all features (Story Map, Backlog, Iteration Board, Roadmap, real-time sync, exports). Each additional seat costs €10 per month. A free trial is available. Details and example pricing on the Pricing page.
How is billing handled — per user or flat?
Flat base of €29/month per organization, including 1 seat. Each additional Editor seat costs €10/month. Only people who actively edit need a seat — members with read-only access (observers) are free and unlimited.
What's the difference between Editor and observer?
Both are members of your organization. An Editor (seat) creates, edits, and moves content. An observer reads along but cannot change anything. Observers are free and uncapped — ideal for colleagues who only need to stay informed.
Can I add or remove seats later?
Yes. You adjust the number of seats anytime in settings. Added seats are billed pro-rated; removed seats stop being charged from the next billing period.
There's only one plan — no tiers?
Exactly. No Basic/Pro/Enterprise confusion, no feature gating. All features are included in the €29. Scaling happens exclusively via the number of seats.
Is there a free version?
There's a free trial. There's no permanently free tier — but members of your organization with read-only access (observers) are always free and unlimited.
Are there discounts for startups or non-profits?
We don't offer blanket discounts, but we're happy to discuss your situation individually. Reach us at hello@yourbetterplan.com.
Which payment methods are accepted?
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Billing runs via Stripe — secure and GDPR-compliant.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. There's no minimum term — cancel monthly to the end of the billing period. You can export your data anytime as CSV or JSON. Cancellation is one click in settings.
Data & security
Where is my data stored?
All data is hosted at Hetzner in an ISO 27001 certified data center in Germany. Includes regular backups and high availability.
Is Betterplan GDPR-compliant?
Betterplan is developed to be GDPR-compliant. You keep full control of your data and can export or delete it anytime. A privacy policy is in place; a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) is available on request.
How secure is my data?
SSL/TLS encryption for all connections, regular database backups, password-less login via Magic Link (no password that can leak), and a minimal access circle: currently only the developer has administrative access to the infrastructure. Details on request.
Can I export my data?
Yes! You can export all your data anytime in JSON format. Your data belongs to you — you're not locked in.
Who has access to my data?
Only you and your team. We only access data for technical support (with your permission) or during security incidents. We don't sell data and don't use it for advertising.
Is there an on-premise or self-hosted version?
No. We focus on the cloud version. A self-hosted option is not planned.
Onboarding & support
How quickly can I get started with Betterplan?
You can get going within minutes! Create an account, invite your team, and build your first Story Map. We offer interactive tutorials and templates to ease the start.
Do I need training for my team?
Betterplan is designed to be intuitive — most teams get by without training. The key is that your team is familiar with agile working and open to the approach. If you want focused support at the start, I also offer personal guidance — for example a User Story Map workshop and the introduction of best practices. Book a call.
How does support work?
By email, best-effort, for all customers. For personal guidance or workshops, there's an additional consulting offering as a service: Book a call.
Can I import data from other tools?
Yes, although the data has to be converted into Betterplan format. We're working on import features for common tools.
Do you also offer consulting or workshops?
Yes. In addition to the tool itself, I offer personal guidance — for example a User Story Mapping workshop. If you want to bring clarity into your project and need help setting it up or structuring it, book a call: Book a call.
Methodology & best practices
Do I have to use Scrum?
No. Scrum can be represented with Betterplan, but it's not required. Iterative work is supported but not a prerequisite — iteration length is freely configurable and can also be very long, so a Kanban-style approach works too. In a few places we use Scrum terms (like iteration, velocity), so it's helpful to be familiar with them.