| Launching a new product to your customers and | | | | expected sales of your new product. |
| potential customers requires meticulous planning and | | | | You know your market. You know your business. |
| execution. Here are some ideas to get you started. | | | | You know your product. But do you know |
| Advertising | | | | marketing? If you've got a marketing department |
| Begin advertising your new product several weeks | | | | get them involved from the start. |
| before its launch. That way you build anticipation | | | | If not, consider hiring a marketing company as well as |
| which helps spread the news via word of mouth too, | | | | an event management company to help with |
| beyond your existing customer base. Some items, | | | | appearing unique. |
| like children's toys, should only be advertised once | | | | Explain in detail what the image for your company |
| they are in shops so they can be bought shortly | | | | and this product is. If it's a luxury product or brand, |
| after seeing an advert. | | | | your event should reflect that. |
| Determine demand - you don't want to over- or | | | | Be sure to invite your best customers - even if your |
| under-shoot your initial product run. Consider whether | | | | new product may not be relevant to them. These |
| or not informing your customer base of how many | | | | people have a history with you and an invitation will |
| products will be available from the first run will | | | | make them feel special and so more loyal than ever. |
| increase anticipation and demand - 'Limited Run' is | | | | They can also attest to your good products, |
| often a great selling point. | | | | customer service and general standing. |
| Inform the media via carefully scheduled press | | | | Invite the press - this is a no-brainer, you'll need the |
| releases that focus on a unique selling point or quirky | | | | publicity! |
| story to your product launch. Consider using a public | | | | Invite the people that you wish were your |
| relations agency to advise you here. | | | | customers - again, they'll feel special and therefore |
| Hold a launch party | | | | more likely to buy from you. |
| A launch party is a brilliant way to introduce a new | | | | Send press releases out at regular intervals before |
| product to existing customers and draw in potential | | | | the event. Say, 60 days before, 30 days before, and |
| new customers. It will also generate publicity for your | | | | a last one 15 days before. |
| company and the product. | | | | Be sure to mention and special guests, offers or |
| However, if the launch misses its mark, it can be a | | | | giveaways you have planned. |
| very expensive investment so enlist the help of | | | | Promote Your Product Online |
| event management experts. | | | | Create a website or extend your existing one so |
| There are plenty of event planners out there | | | | that the curious consumer can learn all about your |
| specialising in this sort of event. | | | | product. Spread the word using social media sites like |
| Ask yourself these questions and gear the vent to | | | | Twitter and Facebook. If you can, send out free |
| achieving the answers. | | | | samples to specialist websites and bloggers so they |
| What are you trying to achieve? | | | | can review your product - make sure they work |
| Who do you want to impress? | | | | though! |
| Are you expecting to walk away with contacts or | | | | Above all, pay attention to detail and your product |
| actual orders? | | | | launch will go smoothly, resulting high sales and |
| Successful event management requires proper | | | | customer satisfaction. |
| budgeting. Your budget should be less than 10% of | | | | |