Yesterday I did my first product “launch”.<\/p>\n
It was pretty low-key compared to most.<\/p>\n
And I’m sure I broke 100 different launch “rules” along the way.<\/p>\n
But the conversion was MUCH higher than I expected. And the experience taught me quite a few lessons about launches.<\/p>\n
Here are a few that stick out:<\/p>\n
1. Credit card processors are flaky<\/em> — expect glitches.<\/strong><\/p>\n This might explain the reasoning behind reason #3 below…<\/p>\n 2. It’s better to have too many copies of your product at the fulfillment house… than not enough (see #5).<\/strong><\/p>\n Looking back, I would have ordered double<\/em> the amount of books from the printer and fulfillment house. And then any unsold could have been part of a second discount special that is less generous than the original, but still worthwhile for anyone on the fence to order.<\/p>\n 3. People LOVE PayPal. <\/strong><\/p>\n I was shocked<\/em> to notice WELL over half the orders were PayPal. I know some people think PayPal is the devil. But not using it is like leaving money on the table.<\/p>\n Especially since it’s a nice backup in case of CC glitches. (See #1 above.) <\/p>\n 4. Most people really are good and decent.<\/strong><\/p>\n Even if they are frustrated due to things like credit card glitches, missing deadlines, or other ordering issues.<\/p>\n (I guess my boy Dale Carnegie was right!)<\/p>\n 5. If you give value to your list, you have a silent section of “fans”.<\/strong><\/p>\n Many of who have been waiting a LONG time to buy something from you. I was surprised by how many people took the time to let me know this little detail, too.<\/p>\n 6. I’m NOT the only mega procrastinator in the world. <\/strong><\/p>\n Judging by the flood of last minute orders… I’m part of a very BIG majority!<\/p>\n Next time, I’ll think of a way to use this to mine (and my customers’) advantage.<\/p>\n 7. Many people seem to almost despise<\/em> digital products.<\/strong> <\/p>\n I was stunned by all the people who were so happy to be getting a real, physical book in their hands — instead of electronic “bytes” on their computer. <\/p>\n Just something to consider:<\/p>\n If you sell digital stuff, you might be leaving moolah on the table. <\/p>\n Anyway, I now have a whole new respect for launches.<\/p>\n And if you do any launches — even small<\/em> ones like mine — I hope you can use some of the above lessons.<\/p>\n And speaking of launches…<\/p>\n I hardly ever participate in other people’s launches. <\/p>\n But Ewen Chia is launching a book (physical, paper and ink) he wrote about affiliate marketing<\/a><\/strong> today.<\/p>\n If you are interested in affiliate marketing, I think you will find it quite valuable<\/em> — especially for the price. <\/p>\n I have known Ewen for a few years now. He’s taught me a LOT on the subject. <\/p>\n And for less than $13 you can’t go wrong.<\/p>\n There are two ways to check it out:<\/p>\n 1. You can use my blatant<\/em> affiliate link:<\/p>\n