Your 8-Step Marketing Checklist for Your Next Launch

Are you getting ready to launch a new product, service, or book into the world?

There’s no doubt that making your masterpiece public can be an exciting endeavor. But if you don’t have a well-planned marketing strategy, all your hard work may fall short!

Whether you’re a first-time author or starting a second business, we want you to have a successful launch! But it’s crucial that you follow a few key steps ahead of your marketing. a comprehensive checklist that covers all the essential marketing steps.

 In this blog post, we’ve created a comprehensive 8-step marketing checklist that will help you maximize the impact and reach your ideal audience. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Get Clear About Your Target Audience

Before you launch anything, you MUST know who your target audience. If you are speaking to everyone, you’re speaking to no one. So who is your book, service, or business really for? (This article can help you define your audience.) When you’ve decided who your consumer is, spend a little time doing market research. Learn about their interests, needs, and pain points. Everything you learn will help guide your marketing decisions and tailor your messaging to make sure it resonates.

Step 2: Decide on Your Objectives

What is the goal of your launch? Do you want to grow your email list to 1,000 subscribers? Sell 10 new memberships to your group? Make sure you know what you’re actually working towards before you launch! By setting SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, you’ll be able to know what to focus on in your launch and when. Deciding on your objectives beforehand will also give you a way to track your progress and gather findings for future launches.

Step 3: Make Sure You Have Compelling Messaging

Now that you know your ideal audience and what your goals are, create marketing messaging around these two things! The messaging that you use on social media, your website, and in your emails should tell compelling stories and highlight the unique value of what you offer. Share how your solution solves your target audience’s problems. And don’t forget to highlight what makes you different from your competitors! Check out this post that will help you develop your unique brand voice.

Step 4: Build an Engaging Landing Page

While social media is a great starting point, we highly suggest having a dedicated landing page or website for your launch. This can be a simple home online for your new offer. Make sure it’s visually appealing and user-friendly with an easy way to buy from you. This page should also include the key info about your product or service, with any testimonials or reviews you have and a clear call-to-action.

Step 5: Make a Plan for Email Marketing

You already know that we are wild about email marketing over here. With your email subscribers, you have their undivided attention unlike on social media. Don’t miss out on using your list to build excitement and anticipation for your launch! Ahead of your launch you can make a free offer for those who join your list, or give your subscribers exclusive previews or early access to generate interest.

Step 6: Utilize Your Social Media Channels

While it should never be your only marketing strategy, social media can be a great place to generate buzz around your launch. Be strategic in choosing 1 or 2 platforms where your ideal customer mostly hangs out. (Remember: You don’t need to be everywhere!) Once you’ve decided on your key platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, Tik Tok, etc), develop a content calendar based on your launch schedule. Next, share teasers, behind-the-scenes content, testimonials, and even giveaways leading up to the launch. Be sure to engage with your audience, talk back, and ask questions to build trust and loyalty!

Step 7: Consider Running A Paid Advertising Campaign

Sometimes it’s worthwhile to supplement your organic marketing efforts with paid advertising campaigns. When done strategically, platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn Ads can help you reach a wider audience, which can be especially helpful when you’re just getting started. Set a budget you’re comfortable with and experiment with driving traffic to your landing page. Wondering if Facebook and Instagram ads are right for you? Be sure to check out this article.

Step 8: Track and Analyze Your Results

Finally, don’t forget to track and analyze the results of all your marketing efforts! Check on your website traffic and where it comes from. Look at your emails that get opened versus the ones that don’t. Which posts are getting some social media engagement? And what platform actually helps you get a sale? Use analytics tools to get insights into what worked well and what you need to continue dialing in for future launches.

Launching a book, product or service is a big deal, and it requires careful planning and execution. With this 8-step marketing checklist, you can ensure your next launch has maximimum its impact.

Which of these steps are you excited to try? What questions do you have about launches in your industry.
P.S. – If you’re looking for help launching your next book, product or offer, contact our Red Bird Social team! You can set up your free consultation call today right here.