To Launch or Not To Launch…That is the question.



To launch? Or not to launch? That is the question.

Enough with the cliché opening and on to the topic at hand. Utilizing free to low cost tools to gauge feasibility…of anything!

Wondering if your blog on Galapagos Island turtles is a good one?

Wondering if there is a market for your new product?

Instead of forking over thousands of dollars to companies to do market research or set up an advertising campaign, you may use WordPress and many other guerrilla marketing (low to no cost; work with what you have) tactics.

Below is a great illustration of Guerrilla Marketing. This company utilized train stabilizing straps to show what it would look like to wear one of their watches. This is a genius idea; low cost impression, utilizing something millions of people see/use a day, as a result, getting more return on marketing! Gauging the feasibility of an expensive product for pennies!

Next, I will outline step by step how to gauge the feasibility of virtually anything using WordPress and a few key guerrilla tactics.

1. Have an idea? Set up a blog/portal on WordPress. Using WordPress.org not only adds credibility and professionalism to your design, but will allow you to take advantage of many built in features.

Benefits of creating a blog/portal:

• Analytics/Stats on incoming traffic
• Ease of communication with other blogs/fans/potential customers.
• Multiple ‘Themes’ that are proven eye catchers; making your blog/portal more appealing.

(WordPress.org would be the first choice, you can build a long term brand here for the cost of a domain name $10/ year)

2. After the set up of your Wordpress/Portal utilize your network!Ask friends, family, and colleagues to help you become more visible. Also ask for as many honest critiques you can. Getting honest critiques from people will allow you to make any necessary changes.  This free Feedback saves you time and $$ 

3. Go to your local library or amazon.com and find books and read blogs…like this one! This will help you in your gauging phase. I personally utilized Timothy Ferris’ The 4-Hour Workweek. There is an amazing section called “Income Autopilot II: Testing the Muse” where Ferris’ explains different methods and resources to help one gauge the feasibility of a given project or idea. I also frequently go to blogs such as http://BuildingaBrandOnline.com and use their search feature to locate new advice.

Upon completion of the 3 steps the last thing left to do is to wait, assess, and repeat step 2.

These steps will also help you develop a plan of attack into a “Niche market.”

A “niche market” can be described as a defined smaller part of a bigger whole (market). Honing in on a niche will allow you to define a market that is not already being exhausted. Finding a niche is the biggest advantage when gauging feasibility of a product or idea. Knowing how, where, and who to target will always put you a step ahead of your competition.

Read, Redo, Repeat! While incurring little to no cost you will successfully be on your way; knowing if your blog, project, or product is worth going forward with!

What tips do you have for launching a new brand?!