| launch (verb)- the act of blasting off or propelling | | | | factor to product launch success. Take the time to |
| with great force | | | | meet with influential industry leaders, bloggers, |
| The very word "launch" brings with it mental images | | | | analysts and of course-the media. Let's face it, if you |
| of a forceful and powerful, forward thrust that will | | | | can get an industry leader or a highly recognized |
| catapult your new product far ahead of the ordinary, | | | | figure to put their seal of approval on the product, |
| mundane and readily available items of today. | | | | you are home free. |
| But is it actually possible in this age of information | | | | STEP 4 - Support your product with training, forums |
| overload to launch a product with such finesse and | | | | and online support. When a consumer believes that |
| direction that it absolutely hits the intended target | | | | you won't leave them hanging if they have a |
| market? The answer to that question is a resounding | | | | problem, your product is poised for success. Use |
| yes. | | | | YouTube videos, DVD's, e-Books and even |
| Product launches of today are the result of years of | | | | on-location training. A strong support base with |
| scientific research, trial and error and precise formulas. | | | | excellent customer service will give your product the |
| Breaking a product launch down into its simplest | | | | high powered forward thrust it needs. |
| terms for guaranteed success is not as difficult as | | | | STEP 5 - This is probably the most important step |
| you may think. Here are the steps, and if carried out | | | | because it will keep your product from experiencing |
| in this order, will bring a high powered and forceful | | | | the fifteen minutes of fame syndrome. Have a killer |
| launch that will not soon be forgotten. | | | | website built that is pleasing to look at, easy to |
| STEP 1 - The prelaunch. The movie Ghostbusters | | | | navigate and even fun. Once your site is set up, do |
| wasn't exactly a product, it was simply a movie. Do | | | | everything you can to reach your customers and |
| you know what the difference between | | | | develop meaningful relationships with them. Have a |
| Ghostbusters and other movies of its time were?--A | | | | blog, be real, listen to their suggestions and grow |
| superbly executed prelaunch. Do you remember all | | | | with the changing times. Some products that may be |
| the 'no ghost' signs? They were everywhere, and | | | | middle of the road, have such exceptional websites, |
| nobody knew what they meant. But they built hype | | | | they keep their customers loyal. One of those is |
| and anticipation for months before the actual product | | | | Kraft. Kraft is a household name, but maybe nothing |
| 'or movie' launch. The end result was a top grossing | | | | earth-shattering, until visitors happen upon their |
| movie. | | | | website. Need to make dinner? Type in three |
| Plan a prelaunch for your product. Advertise without | | | | ingredients that you have on hand and the Kraft |
| giving every detail away. Build some anticipation. It will | | | | website will provide you with a list of easy, quick and |
| work wonders. | | | | healthy meals. They also offer plenty of money |
| STEP 2 - Once you've conducted your prelaunch it's | | | | saving coupons, desserts that moms can make with |
| time to seed your market. Get your product into the | | | | their children and more. Kraft has a solid, user |
| hands of influential consumers. Offer limited trial | | | | friendly, fun and exciting website. A 'must have' in |
| offers, send out free products to review sites and | | | | today's ruthless market. |
| saturate your target market with prizes, discounts | | | | Follow these simple but vitally important steps for |
| and freebies. This will stimulate sales and build | | | | your own product launch and it is and will be a true |
| credibility. | | | | launch that will catapult your product to front and |
| STEP 3 - Obtain endorsements. Credibility is a key | | | | center stage! |