So you’ve successfully market-tested a product, app, or another form of consumer-facing service. Now it’s time to get the word out, so you can start seeing increased sales. How do you do that? By throwing a launch party. Keep reading to get some nifty launch party ideas so you can plan a startup event.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Throwing a launch party can make or break an app, service, or product launch.
- Make sure to invite the right guests to your party, focusing on media members and social media influencers.
- Entice attendees by offering free samples of your product and by developing a unique swag bag filled with goodies.
What is a Launch Party?
A launch party is, essentially, a gathering to let influencers, media, and the general public know that you are “open for business.” They can take many different forms but the intent is to drum up interest in a product, app, or business.
Launch Party Ideas
Here are some amazing ideas for your next launch party to get the world buzzing about your brand new service.
Colors Colors Colors
Be sure to go with a suitable color palette for your launch party. If your new product has a specific color palette, such as Amazon’s blue and orange, you should get some streamers, table settings, or other decorations in that color scheme. Be careful not to overwhelm your brand’s official colors, as that can appear suffocating to the party-goers. Instead, go with some complementary colors in addition to the hues that represent your product.
Be Mindful of Budget
You can throw memorable events even on a reduced budget. Just be careful when you order food, drinks, and when you book the venue. You’d be surprised at how much you can get by looking for bargains and by cutting corners. If money is tight, adhering to a strict party budget may be crucial, so you may not be able to afford an event planner or invite as many event guests as you would like.
Remember that some extra guests may also be the competition plotting to write you fake reviews that are illegal.
Invite the Right People
The whole point of a launch party is to drum up interest in your product, app, or service. You can do this by making sure the right people are at your launch party. Be sure to invite influencers and members of the media who would be interested in your specific product. For instance, if you are launching a line of cookies, invite food bloggers. You can entice industry influencers by offering free stuff, such as swag bags, or by holding a raffle for costlier items.
Insider Tip
A launch party is, essentially, a gathering to let influencers, media, and the general public know that you are “open for business.”
First Impressions are Important
If you are looking for a place to spend a significant part of your party budget, consider the entrance of the party itself. First impressions are important and can often make or break the whole party experience. Book a mobile food truck for outside of the event or hire a roaming mobile bar to greet guests as they enter the space. Get creative with it and send those first impressions through the roof. A garden party is always a neat idea.
Create Shareable Experiences
If you want your launch party to really pop on social media within a wide range of communities, it is imperative that you create memorable and shareable experiences for party-goers. In other words, keep your attendees busy doing fun stuff. Hire an artist to lead a painting class, book a karaoke room, or even better, a karaoke band. Hire a bartender to give a quick mixology lesson. Just keep people laughing and having fun and they will be sure to share their experiences online. While you are at it, make sure you have developed a ready-to-use event hashtag.
Free Samples
If your product is physical, such as a food item or a self-care item, be sure to have plenty of samples on hand to offer party guests. Don’t forget to stock up some swag bags to send home with party guests. Free stuff can go a long way to engendering support within the media and influencer community. Here are some creative product packaging ideas that will also influence that.
Food
Don’t forget the food. Folks love to eat. Make sure your party is stocked with plenty of finger foods and appetizers, and don’t forget to have at least one vegetarian option. Finally, many people have a sweet tooth, so pay special attention to the dessert table. We recommend placing the desserts near the exit, so guests can have one final fond memory of your party.
Insider Tip
If your new product has a specific color palette, such as Amazon’s blue and orange, you should get some streamers, table settings, or other decorations in that color scheme.
F.A.Q.S
How do I prepare for my book launch party?
You can follow many of the same steps listed above, but you may want to make the whole party book-themed. Dress up the space like a bookstore where your book is the star of the show.
Should I choose a unique location?
Yes, within reason. Choosing a unique location can really help create buzz around the event, but you should also make sure that the event space is within your budget and that it is relatively easy to get to.
What is my budget for a launch party?
This will depend on how much money has been allotted by the party planning team within your company. Budgets can vary wildly when it comes to launch parties.
STAT: Using targeted social media ads and working with key demographic influencers on Instagram can help you reach more consumers. (source)
