How to Guarantee A Massively Successful Launch (Or Re-Launch) & Exceed Your Goals Every Time
brand direction & styling by us for Aimi Photo | photo by Radostina Photography
It was a Wednesday evening, my partner and I were strolling around downtown. Feeling more adventurous than usual, instead of opening my Yelp app, I suggested that we try something new. We entered the next restaurant in front of us at the street corner.
As soon as we entered, I saw only 1 table of 3 customers inside. Feeling uneasy, we sat down anyway out of courtesy.
The moment when the waiter handed me a flimsy sheet of paper that says “menu” on the top with only 5 items. I started wishing that we had turned the other way and walked out just 3 seconds earlier. I reluctantly ordered all 5 tapa size dishes and hoped for the best.
40 minutes later, much to my surprise, we cleared all 5 plates.
Curious about why the restaurant was still so empty at prime time on the most crowded street in town, I asked the waiter how long they’ve been in business.
He smiled and said, “About 2 years, but today is our grand re-opening.”
“Wait, what?” I thought to myself.
There was nothing that made me feel or know that it was THE re-opening! I did notice that the furniture seemed new, but how is it that there isn’t a line out the door? Their food totally deserved more attention and marketing...
If you are also in the midst of planning for your re-brand or re-opening, you need to have a plan for your re-launch. Having great products or services may help bring you referrals and possibly past customers, but it doesn’t attract strangers and increase awareness. Especially when you already invest in all the money and time into your new brand, new website, or new storefront, give your business and your work the boost of attention and marketing it deserves.
Here are 3 tips to launch your new business, new product, or rebrand successfully:
Tip #1. Make sure everything is consistent
Revamp everything with the updated brand visuals - from website, collateral, graphics, banners, signage, menu, to your email signature, and every touchpoint people have with you. Make sure this is also communicated this update to your team and partners as well. The key is to be consistent.
If you currently do not have the budget to hire a brand designer to handle all your visual design and brand graphics, try Canva or simply use PowerPoint or Keynote to create your own collateral. Choose 1 font and 3 colors, and stick to them.
Tip #2. Have a pre-launch plan
Tell people what you are launching weeks before your big re-launch, and build up anticipation and excitement. Make sure you are telling this big news to everyone across all the platforms you are using, i.e. social media, newsletter, podcast, etc. Curious to know which marketing channel is best for you? Click here to learn how to choose the perfect marketing platforms.
If you want to amplify your marketing, consider reaching out to partners and ask them to spread the word for you to increase awareness and draw a larger crowd. Click here to read more about how to increase awareness without paying ads.
Tip #3. Throw an online party
Your re-launch is a big deal! Celebrate it with something fun with your audience. You could try a challenge, giveaway, an event, or a collaboration, and announce it to everyone on every platform you are on. Encourage people to invite a friend to join you, and make it engaging. This “online party” helps to multiply awareness, give you an audience boost, and build marketing momentum. If you have a physical storefront, use this online party to invite people to join you offline and visit your store, event, or restaurant.
Want to get more ideas on how you can drive sales without giving discounts all the time? Click here to read this post.
Now, go get this celebration started. Your business and great work deserve more attention!
Don’t forget to grab your seat at our FREE training, so you know how to grow your profitable brand people love AND a loyal customer community who keep buying from you!