Create A Successful Product & Launch it Successfully

In getting Crafty up and running I have been doing more research and reading than I have done probably since college.  It seems as thought when people are talking about getting a product, company or service up and running there are a few major themes that seem to repeat themselves in most everything I read.  Thought I would summarize them here for you and me to reference as we go.

1.  Gain the loyalty of your audience before trying to sell them anything.  Share knowledge with the for free to get started to show them the value of why they should follow you and eventually hire you or buy your product.  Share with them your journey of getting things started and give them some ownership in what you are doing.  Don't be afraid to get personal.

2.  Decide the absolute best way you can help your target audience achieve the thing they want most and then create something to serve that need.  I think what started me on this road, aside from the fact that I love what I do, was that I know a lot of people with really great ideas, talents and business concepts but no solid plan for getting the in front of people, and more importantly the right people.  That is my target audiences need....what is yours?

3.  Outsource the tasks that will take you ages to do, or that you may not have the expertise to do properly.  Hire someone to do them quickly and correct.  If you don't know how to do something "ain't no shame" is asking for help.  This is your baby, take care of it and do things right.

4.  Don't underestimate how much time and effort the launch period takes.  Not that I expected it to happen overnight, but I do have to remind myself that it takes time to build up a reputation with people.  Social media helps speed up the process a bit, but even if you do everything right it takes time to spread the word.

5.  Give as much time and priority to the marketing of your product as you did to create it.  Key! This is what is going to sell your fantastic idea, product or service.  How much time, post it notes, brainstorming sessions, emails back and forth did it take your to come up with what you want to sell?  That same amount of love and care should go into how you are going to present it.  And if you don't know how - see number 3!

Cheers!
Kristen