"It's been a long time, shouldn't have left you"... you know the rest!
But I'm back. It's been a couple months since I posted but I have so much that I just want to tell you starting with YOUR LAUNCH! Here are 7 things you must think about when launching your product or service:
1. Whenever, Wherever, Whatever
Even if your product/service is already out there, you can launch it. Launching is not just for new things. Think about it, everyone doesn't know you're out there yet, and until every does, what you have will be new to someone! Think of launching as putting rocket fuel behind an introduction.
2. Get Some Guinea Pigs
What is the best way to know what people will think of your launch strategy? Ask them! Before starting your genius launch campaign to the world, get some feedback from trusted friends or peers. Ask them to be candid and show gratitude for their honesty. Listen to them and make any needed adjustments. Always consider who is giving the feedback and their perspective before deciding to make changes (that's a lot of thinking right? See #3...)
3. Consider Hiring a Professional
If creating strategies and campaigns that convert into pings in your PayPal account aren't your thing, hire someone! Yes, you can learn how to do anything on YouTube but if you truly want to win you have to be willing to invest in yourself. You are worth it!
4. Collect Email Addresses
I repeat... collect email addresses. One more time, COLLECT EMAILS ADDRESSES! You can have all of the Facebook and Instagram followers in the world but it means nothing if your account were to become inaccessible. Always have some sort of hook or reason for someone to give you an email address. Hitting inboxes are proven to be most effective in regards to conversions (and that is the point of all of this, right?)
5. Niche Up
Get specific. Clearly define what it is that's coming, how to get to it, and how to get more. One of the things I say to my clients which is completely un-PC and grammatically incorrect is "people dumb". Yes, people are lacking in knowledge and critical thinking skills so make getting to what you are offering as simple and easy as possible. The purpose of the launch is to create excitement and give a feeling of exclusivity, but what you are offering should be crystal clear.
6. Countdown
It's a must. Include it in your caption. Include it a graphic. Add a countdown clock to your website. Why? Think of kids waiting for Christmas.
7. Write Out Your Campaign & Post Schedule and Stick to It
Posting consistently is a job. To ensure that you are staying on top of your launch plan and maximizing your effectiveness, write out your plan and check things off as you go. No, having it all up here - points to forehead - does not count.
That should get you started! Be sure to research what others have done. Always keep calls to action in mind. At the end of your campaign, take some time to evaluate and build on lessons learned and best practices for your next launch!
