Self-doubt can be the downfall of any product launch. Often, the only thing that can help you is the most obvious: Being prepared.
Even companies that have gone through many launches still create a product launch checklist. It’s just how they make sure everything goes smoothly.
No matter how good you are, you are still human. After all, surgeons use checklists, so why shouldn’t you? Here are some key aspects that should not be missing from yours:
1. Go over the Product Details One Last Time
You should take care of all the legal issues of your creation. Verify that all customer contracts are in place, and any commercial or juridical risks are accounted for.
That includes settling on your invention’s name and getting it approved. After all, you wouldn’t want to have legal problems on this exclusive night.
Your value proposition should also be established early on. What do your customers get from your product? How will their lives improve by using it?
A keynote speaker will probably be more efficient in communicating these benefits. Stand-up acts such as Bob Stromberg can put a humorous twist on your product presentation. They can just as well keep it professional.
The most important part is that your proposition and key messages will get across to your target audience. If you catch the curious ears of your public, you already have a few sales guaranteed.
Speaking of getting across, make sure your clients can: Find, buy, pay, receive, cancel, return, and get support for your product.
2. The Staples of a Product Launch Checklist: Pricing and Marketing
As we mentioned above, it’s no use having the best commodity on sale if it’s not readily available.
The hardest part of a product launch event checklist is establishing the pricing and marketing mediums.
You need to have the appropriate commission structures in place. Make sure you also test the pricing structure on the channel you sell it through.
Are you going to sell through eCommerce websites or just through retailers? Make sure you get the opinion of both on your pricing. They may be better suited to tell you the appropriate values, based on similar products they’ve sold in the past.
Speaking of similar products, check how your product’s price stacks up against your rivals, if applicable.
Use all of the above as talking points for your product. Make it more desirable than the competition!
3. Make Sure Your Launch Plans Are in Place
The final bit on your product launch checklist should be the actual launch and post-launch periods.
- To get your customers excited, announce the launch date for your product.
- Establish a process to gather feedback once you get the show on the road. Make your clients feel you care about more than just your bottom line.
- This one you shouldn’t mention at the event, but allocate a budget for the issues you’ll encounter after release. Don’t lie to yourself – no product launch has gone flawlessly.
One last thing to remember is that you should have fun at your launch gala. Customers don’t like it when they can cut the tension in the air with a knife. They can feel it when you are not sure about your product.
Get some entertainment that will get both you and your guests excited and unwind for the party. If you need any help choosing your entertainment, give us a call today. We’ll make sure your guests will never forget your product launch.
