How to Launch a Startup Product: A Guide to Success
Want to launch a product but don't know where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
In this post, we'll give you the scoop on launching your product with authority and confidence. If you haven’t already read “Crafting a Winning Go-To-Market Strategy for Your Product Launch” you will probably want to start there, as this post assumes you understand the basics of product marketing and GTM strategy.
First up, the MVP, or Minimum Viable Product. This is your product offering that creates value or solves a problem for a potential customer. Why is this important? An MVP is the product with the highest ROI versus risk. It's a strategy that allows you to test and iterate with minimal resources, reduce wasted development hours, and provide a product early to customers. Plus, it establishes a platform for future products and features.
Before you launch, it's important to do some pre-pre-launch work. Research and test your market on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Quora. Study your competition and differentiate your product using GTM strategies. Most importantly, build a list of potential customers and engage with them for feedback.
Speaking of building your list, there are some great tools to help you out, like MailChimp, Hubspot, and even Substack. Use them to collect a targeted, high-quality list of potential customers and engage them in a long-form sales campaign by exposing them to content that creates value for them. This post you’re reading now is literally me using this strategy.
When it comes to building your product, focus on finding the simplest solution to set the foundation for your vision. Don't worry about features. Accept that you don't know everything and find an MVP that solves a problem for customers or creates value for them.
As you approach your launch date, it's important to prepare all of your launch content, including your website, store, videos, blog posts, press releases, images, and product pages. This will not only ease the launch process but also provide content to create value for your prospective customers.
From there, you want to turn your launch into an event!
Choose a launch date and time that makes sense for your product and audience.
Announce the launch to your email list, social media followers, and any other relevant channels.
Build anticipation and hype by sharing teasers and sneak peeks leading up to the launch.
Use a product launch formula or drip campaign to engage early adopters and create a sense of exclusivity.
Provide value to potential customers before asking them to buy your product.
Incorporate emotional triggers like authority, reciprocation, trust, anticipation, likability, events and rituals, community, scarcity, and social proof into your marketing materials to build trust and confidence with your audience.
Create landing pages that are optimized for conversions and reflect your brand and product's unique value proposition.
Test and refine your marketing strategy to ensure you're reaching the right people with the right message.
Be open to feedback and adjust your approach as needed.
Celebrate your launch and continue to engage with your audience to build long-term relationships.
Last but not least, get a lot of sleep the night before because now it's time to PROFIT!
Need help getting started? Check out OpenBrand.ai. and let AI do the heavy lifting for you.