David Morey 
Remember the adage, “If you build, they will come?” This no longer holds true in the contemporary time.
When you launch a business, having top-notch products or services is important. But ask yourself, is that enough to generate sales or make people walk through the door of your store? Not at all. No matter how amazing products or services your business sells, you will struggle to make sales if only a few people know about them.
Research shows that over 30,000 new products are launched every year. Of them, 28,500 fail.
Steve Phillips, the CEO of consumer insights platform Zappi, says they fail because they aren’t being managed effectively before the market launch. According to him, pre-launch matters.
Hence, you must stir up excitement and get potential customers eager for what’s coming before you launch your business.
In this article, we’ll dive into some practical pre-launch marketing tactics that will help you kickstart your business and make a splash from day one.
Run a Giveaway
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Everyone! Run a pre-launch giveaway to build hype around your brand.
Announce the giveaway on social media platforms, for their reach is broad. More than half, or 68%, of U.S. adults use Facebook and roughly half of them, or 47%, use Instagram, finds Pew Research Center.
Put the word out about your giveaway on both Facebook and Instagram. A wider audience will learn about your giveaway contest, which can lead to increased engagement and more followers.
As it’s a pre-launch giveaway, keep the rules for participation simple. Ask participants to follow your account, like your posts, share them, and tag friends.
If you want to maximize participation, offer multiple entry methods. You can, for example, ask your followers to share your giveaway in stories or tag additional friends for extra entries.
Set a clear deadline for the giveaway. Offer a prize that is relevant to your business and appeals to your target audience. Announce the winners in a way that keeps the excitement going.
Build an Email List
Gather your VIPs before the big event, and building an email list will help you do that. A landing page is a must to capture leads that come your way. Get one designed for your business.
Your landing page should be compelling but not flashy. Mind you, a flashy landing page will destroy the user experience. Designing such a landing page is not easy if you don’t have any coding knowledge or design skills. But don’t worry; AI-powered website builders can come to your rescue.
The AI of website builders, Hocoos explains, offers solutions that can significantly enhance the user experience by creating intuitive and personalized interfaces.
AI-powered website builders can create a simple yet eye-catching landing page in as little as five minutes. What’s more surprising? Even though AI wizards generate the page, it will be tailored to your needs.
All that aside, you can customize every element, from text to images, in just a few clicks. That makes it even better than website templates, which offer limited customization options.
Add a clear call to action so that visitors sign up for your email list. A simple sign-up form, maybe with a catchy headline like “Get Exclusive Early Access,” can make all the difference in turning visitors into subscribers. Sweeten the deal by offering something valuable in return, like a discount, a free guide, or behind-the-scenes updates.
DraftKings, for instance, launched its Sportsbook mobile app on January 1, 2023. Prior to the launch, the sports betting company announced that it would offer a $200 bonus to people if they pre-register for betting. Of course, it created a landing page for bettors to create an account.
Throw a Pre-Launch Party
Give your business a head start with a bang by throwing a pre-launch party.
Gathering your potential customers, partners, and supporters in one place is a wonderful opportunity to create excitement and buzz before you officially open your doors. You can’t fabricate this excitement through phone calls, emails, or one-on-one meetings.
You can throw a pre-launch party either virtually or in person. Decide on the vibe if you opt for the latter. Will it be a themed event, a casual meet-and-greet, or something formal?
Choose the venue wisely. Whether you go for a sleek co-working space or a trendy cafe, make sure it aligns with your brand’s personality.
Give guests a sneak peek of your products or services at the pre-launch party. Offer early access or exclusive discounts as a thank-you for attending the event. The idea is to make them feel special and a part of something exciting.
As you gear up to launch your new business, remember that pre-launch marketing is your secret weapon for success. Think of it as laying the groundwork before the big reveal.
You can set yourself up for a successful launch by following these tactics. Each of these tactics can help create buzz and get people talking about your brand before it even hits the market.
The effort you put in now will pay off when you finally open your doors with eager customers ready and waiting. So, take the time to plan and execute these strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your business goals.
