Tips on how to successfully launch a new product or service
A lot of local businesses I patronize don’t make a really big deal out of their new products or services, which is a shame. With a little time and effort, you can boost sales, raise visibility, and maybe even get an article in the local paper. Here are 6 tips to help you make a splash when you next launch a new product or service:
Provide a sneak peek
Give journalists and bloggers a chance to write about your new product or service by giving them a sneak peek prior to launch. It is perfectly OK to embargo the information until the launch day, meaning the journalist cannot write about it beforehand. With that said, a sneak peek gives them a chance to try out the product or service and interview you to ensure a meatier and more robust article is published.
Tell a story
Use the launch as an opportunity to strengthen your brand. Tell the story of how the product or service came to be, and tie it back to your overarching mission as a small business. And don’t forget that while you are talking about your product or service, don’t focus on you; focus on your customer instead.
Market to customers and prospects
Even if your new product or service is aimed at a new demographic, don’t neglect to market it to your current customers as well. Even if they are not interested, they might know someone who is. You could even offer a refer-a-friend discount program.
Drop hints
Create excitement to build some interest prior to launch. Drop hints about what you are introducing and when without sharing any specifics about the product or service. You should, however, share how it will make your customers’ lives easier or better.
Hold a launch party
If it’s a really big deal, hold an official launch party open to everyone or just select customers, prospects, and/or the media. Spend time planning and rehearsing the event to ensure it runs smoothly and is a lot of fun. You want people to remember your announcement over who they met or what they ate or drank.
Coordinate the launch online
Populate your website with product or service information coordinated with the exact launch day and time. Likewise, send out the announcement via social media and email immediately after the launch.
How creative do you get when introducing new products or services to your audience? What other tips can you share?
Reference :
https://www.grouponworks.com/merchant-blog/category/marketing/
