Are you ready to launch your product? Whether you’re debuting a new food item, a line of clothing, or an innovative new gadget, a well-executed launch event can do wonders for getting people excited about your brand. According to McKinsey, about 25 percent of total profits and revenue for a product come during its launch phase.
However, hosting a successful product launch event takes more than just setting up a table and putting out some flyers. If you want your event to make a lasting impression, you must put in the time and effort to ensure everything is well-polished. Here are some tips on successfully hosting a launch party that will have people talking for months:
Start with a bang.
Ensure your guests are wowed from the moment they step foot into the event space. First impressions matter and the first five seconds of your event will set the tone for the rest of the evening. Make a statement by creating an exceptional entranceway or setting up an interactive experience to get people talking.
Whether it’s a grand entrance with red carpets and paparazzi-style photographers or a more subdued but still elegant affair, make sure your guests know they are in for a treat from the get-go.
You can hire a professional DJ, set up a photo booth, and have fun activities to keep everyone entertained. You want your guests to be so excited that they cannot help but share the event’s photos and videos on social media. As a result, more people will be interested in your product and brand.
Get the word out.
There is no such thing as too much promotion when hosting a successful product launch event. Many people underestimate the power of pre-event promotion and only start advertising when the event is a week away. By then, it’s too late.
Start promoting your event at least one month in advance. Utilize all channels available, including social media, email marketing, print ads, and even word-of-mouth. The more people you can get interested in your event, the more likely it is to be a success.
You can also work with local media outlets to get them to cover your event. Suppose you can get a reporter or two interested in attending. In that case, they may write an article about your product launch, generating even more interest. This way, you’ll have people coming to your event who may not have even heard of your product.
Serve delicious food and drinks.
Your event’s menu should be just as memorable as the experience itself. And what better way to make an impression than with good food and drinks?
Serve light hors d’oeuvres that are easy to eat while mingling and chatting with other guests. For drinks, offer creative cocktails, mocktails, and a selection of wine and beer. If you want to take things up a notch, hire a mixologist to create custom drinks for your event.
Your food and drink choices will not only make your event more enjoyable for guests, but it will also give them something to talk about afterward. So, be sure to put some thought into your menu and make it something people will discuss for weeks.
Keep it clean.
Of course, you want your event to be fun and exciting, but you also want it to be clean and organized. No one wants to attend a party that’s a mess.
Be sure to tidy up before guests arrive and throughout the event. That includes everything from straightening chairs and tables to ensuring clean bathrooms. You can opt for a dumpster rental to make cleanup easier. If you have any decorations, remove them after the event. The last thing you want is your event space littered with confetti or streamers.
By being proactive about cleanliness, you’ll ensure your event is enjoyable for everyone and that it leaves a good impression.
Give them something to remember.
As much as possible, giving out freebies is a great way to make your event more memorable. It’s also an excellent way to show appreciation for guests taking the time to attend.
Consider giving away branded merchandise like T-shirts, hats, or water bottles. If you want to get creative, you can even have custom-made items specific to your product. For example, if you’re launching a new book, you can have tote bags or mugs made with cover art.
Whatever you choose, be sure to select valuable items that your guests will want. This way, they’ll be more likely to use them and think of your event fondly every time they do.
Launching a new product is an exciting time for any entrepreneur—but it can also be a bit overwhelming if you’re unsure where to start. Following these tips, you can set up the perfect launch event to wow guests and leave them talking long after the night. So what are you waiting for? Get planning today.
