Launching a product, service, or promotional event is a significant milestone for any business owner. However, what happens in the aftermath is just as crucial. In this blog post, I want to dive into the seven essential questions you should ask yourself after every launch (DESPITE how you feel). As an integrator and a systems + workflow educator, I believe that looking at the data is essential so that you can make more informed decisions for your future product launches. Learning how to navigate and be insightful is an excellent tool to have in your emotional toolbelt as a solo business owner.
If you would rather watch the YouTube Video, click ⬇️
After a big promotional event, I start my discussion by addressing many business owners’ common dilemmas. Instead of immediately diving into the next venture, I advise taking a moment to reflect. I introduce seven essential questions that delve into various aspects of the post-launch analysis, emphasizing the significance of this reflective process for future growth.
I share my critical metrics for post-launch analysis, focusing on crucial numbers to measure the success of my promotion. From email list growth to revenue generated and conversion rates, I provide a transparent look into my data, highlighting the metrics that matter most to my business. This transparency offers a practical guide for other business owners to identify their key performance indicators. Again, I am super transparent in this video, and I want the viewer (reader) to know that I have launched as a SOLO business owner, so I am talking from the perspective of a small solo business owner.
Acknowledging the wisdom of collaboration, I credit Taylor Cusick Holman, a marketing expert, for providing the seven questions that shape my post-launch analysis. I encourage my audience to explore the Systems and Workflow Magic Bundle, the launch edition, which includes valuable resources from Taylor and other contributors. (Do you want access to the bundle now? You have until June 1st to snag it)
I identify successful strategies that I plan to repeat in future launches. These include collaborating with other business owners, utilizing templates, creating a launch runway, and engaging across various platforms. My positive experiences with these strategies testify to their effectiveness in driving successful launches.
I’m trying to be as reflective as possible, so I want to share aspects I would tweak for my next launch. These include experimenting with different sales page formats, incorporating contributors into my private podcast, potentially adding a webinar, and introducing a free tier alongside the paid tier (ESP if I decide to launch another Bundle). This candid assessment highlights the importance of adapting strategies based on continuous learning.
The elements I was in control of are as follows: My attitude, preparedness, and commitment to showing up consistently are crucial factors. I aim to demonstrate the proactive mindset necessary for a successful launch by focusing on these controllable elements.
The challenge of navigating the new email verification process happened THE WEEK after my product launched (which meant my delivery rates tanked). There are many economic uncertainties in this period (many business owners are not buying). Other popular launches were happening at the same time as my launch. This awareness allows me to navigate these challenges gracefully and focus on optimizing what I can control.
Want to learn more about launching?
111: How to Get Started with Tracking Metrics to Impact the Backend of Your Business & Your Launches with Carolyn O’Brien (The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast)
I genuinely hope this was encouraging and insightful for other small business owners to see that it’s OKAY to have hard launches and not run away after experiencing disappointment. It’s essential to truly develop emotional maturity when navigating post-launch analysis reports and not to attach YOURSELF as a human to the outcome of the launch. And as I’m trying this, I’m reminding myself that my worth is not in the numbers (as much as I want everything to be successful). I have to roll with the punches, take everything in stride, and praise God that I had an opportunity to run my launch! I believe that there will be homeruns for my future launches and “failed” launches in my future because everything is ebb and flow in business!
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Unlock the secrets to a well-organized and strategic launch with this must-have checklist designed for small business owners who need guidance on the essential puzzle pieces of a launch!
Need help growing your email list? Start with a Lead Magnet! As a launch strategist, I advise focusing on email list growth in all launch phases,
including pre-launch.
Don't go home empty handed!