7 Steps to Launch a Mobile App (+ Your Pre-Launch Checklist)
Building and launching a mobile app is by no means an easy task. There are many factors to consider, and you must have the right information before...
You’ve invested hours upon hours into your app or software creation. Now, it’s time to introduce your brainchild to the world. The only question remaining: how are you going to do it? If you’re interested in rolling out your app in stages or incorporating user feedback into development, then a soft launch is your choice. The method is also great for people on a budget. Here’s what you should know about soft launches to help you with your app release.
A soft launch (also known as a soft release) is a test drive for your app. A limited rollout, a demo stage, and beta testing are all examples. It allows the software a trial run in a controlled environment. With this method, developers can monitor user experience, using the data to optimize the software.
Imagine soft launch strategies as a tool that lets you wade into a pool gently, as opposed to cannonballing into the deep end. It involves a little more time but can be a smoother transition from software development to testing to release.
When speaking about soft launch vs hard launch methods, one is not any better than the other. They both serve different purposes. What matters is choosing the option that is best for you.
We know a soft launch is a phased, step-by-step rollout. In comparison, a hard launch is your play’s grand opening night! All the behind-the-scenes work was leading up to this moment, where anyone can come to watch the show.
Because you’re trying to loudly capture people’s attention, hard launches require a well-structured marketing strategy. This could involve paid advertising, making the cost greater in comparison to soft launches.
A note here: make sure your software is as close to perfect as possible. This is not a dress rehearsal, but your big Broadway debut and there is no room for error.
Key questions to ask yourself as you plan for a soft launch strategy and soft launch announcement:
Find influencers relevant to your industry or software. Firstly, creators themselves are a great source of feedback. Also, working with creators who have an established user base in your niche is a great way to get the word out to your target audience. Do you have a new fashion app? Soft launch it to chosen fashion influencers and their followers, before a larger rollout.
Reach out to a group who would find demoing your software exciting. For example, you could collaborate with an online tech magazine by offering their 8k subscribers the unique chance to beta test your app.
As mentioned earlier, everyone wants to be invited to the party and feel like an insider. Invitation-only access paces out the flow of new users to your app while generating some buzz about your software.
A soft launch is a great time to try out different messaging styles and content to see what resonates best with your audience. Fine-tune your calls to action, brand voice, and ad copy, so you’re clear on your direction when you move out of the soft launch.
Sweeten the deal for people to use your app early. You can offer something in exchange, say free lifetime membership, to the first group of people who demo your app. You’ll get a motivated crowd drawn in by the reward, yet eager to offer their feedback and feel part of a special founders circle.
During your soft launch, you can create content that generates excitement for the full rollout. Take quotes from your demo users and turn them into a visual for social media. Record a video of someone using the app to let people know what to expect. Personable appeals also work well, such as going live or recording a video on social media showing people what you’re doing in preparation for the soft launch. It gives your brand a personal and endearing touch.
Remember during the soft launch, you’ll need to measure data, experiences, and performance. Then use these insights to prepare the next step or build for your app. Be clear on what you want to look for as markers for success. Are you interested in overall engagement? Time spent on the app? Purchases made? What do you need to change or improve?
In the age-old debate of a soft launch vs a hard launch, both sides have their benefits. If affordability, testing, and early feedback are all important to you, then a soft launch could be the winning strategy. If you have a flair for grandiose entrances and fast monetization, then a hard launch could be up your alley. Or get creative and combine elements from both strategies. After all, it’s your launch party, so you might as well enjoy it and design it to be exactly what you want!
Curious about how we help clients build their product and determine the best way to launch it to the world? Find out how we make clients successful and get in touch!
You might also like:
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Building and launching a mobile app is by no means an easy task. There are many factors to consider, and you must have the right information before...
You have many choices to make when you first start marketing a product. Some of these decisions will be dictated by your resources. Others will be...
Today, there are nearly 2 million apps available for iPhone, and over 2.1 million apps for Android. App markets are becoming more and more...