Before You Launch a Product

Hello and Welcome to The SheEO Series

I’m thrilled to kick off this weekly blog series, where I’ll be sharing stories, insights, and lessons from my two decades of experience in the product world. Whether you’re an aspiring Product SheEO®, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes journey of building and launching products, you’re in the right place.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be diving into the moments that defined my career – the wins that gave me confidence and the failures that taught me resilience. Through these stories, I want to offer a genuine glimpse into the reality of creating something new: the excitement, the challenges, and the grit it takes to bring a vision to life.

Being a Product SheEO® isn’t just about having great ideas. It’s about planning meticulously, dreaming boldly, and having the persistence to keep going when things get tough. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in your vision. My hope is that these blogs will inspire, educate, and empower you to take your own product journey to the next level.

So let’s get started! This week, we’re exploring the art and science of launching a product. From setting clear goals to building a strong ecosystem, I’ll walk you through the steps that have guided me time and again.

When I look back over my 20-year career in launching products, I’ve realised that every successful launch follows a rhythm – a blend of strategy, creativity, and adaptability. Each step, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the larger goal. Here’s a glimpse into how I approach launching a product, based on lessons learned from the trenches.

The Product Launch Checklist: Lessons from the Field

One of my earliest product launches was a whirlwind. The excitement, the sleepless nights, and the thrill of seeing an idea come to life taught me one thing: preparation is everything. I’ve refined my process over the years, and here’s what works:

1. Define Your Product Vision and Goals I remember working with a team that wanted to launch a line of eco-friendly products. We started with a human-centred design workshop to ensure we truly understood the problems our products needed to solve. SWOT analysis became our compass, guiding us through strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
   
   
2. Brainstorm and Document Ideas Picture a room full of sticky notes, coffee cups, and energetic discussions. Fast forward to today, and tools like Figma have become my virtual sticky notes. I’ve even used AI tools to generate quirky product names and descriptions that spark creativity.
   
   
3. Prototype and Test I recall one project where we used digital prototypes to pitch ideas to stakeholders. Feedback loops were fast and effective because we embraced Agile principles. The first prototype was far from perfect, but it gave us direction and momentum.
   
   
4. Develop Your Product Strategy Defining the market positioning and target audience is like setting your GPS. I once worked on a product that struggled until we nailed its audience – mums juggling careers and families. That clarity transformed our messaging and results.
   
   
5. Build a Strong Digital Ecosystem A seamless digital ecosystem has saved me countless headaches. I’ve learnt that integrating eCommerce platforms with CRM and ERP systems early on prevents operational hiccups. Automation tools have been game-changers for workflows.
   
   
6. Effective Communication and Pitching Storytelling has always been my secret weapon. Whether crafting a brand story or creating a pitch deck, connecting emotionally with your audience is non-negotiable. I’ve seen reluctant investors turn into raving fans after a well-delivered presentation.
   
   

How to Validate a Product Idea Without Breaking the Bank

Validation is where the magic starts. I’ve seen brilliant ideas flop because they weren’t tested with real people. Early in my career, I thought validation required big budgets and fancy tools. I was wrong.

1. Create Wireframes and Share for Feedback During one project, we sketched out wireframes on paper before moving to digital tools like Figma. Sharing these rough ideas with friends and family yielded honest, actionable feedback.
   
   
2. Leverage Online Communities I remember posting a concept in a Facebook group for health-conscious consumers. Their insights helped us pivot and refine our idea before investing further.
   
   
3. Conduct Surveys A simple Google Form once saved a project I worked on. We offered participants a small incentive – a coffee voucher – and in return, received invaluable feedback from our target market.
   
   

These cost-effective methods aren’t just practical; they’re powerful. They’ve helped me ensure the products I work on resonate with real people and meet genuine needs.

Every product launch is a journey, and no two are the same. But one thing remains constant: the need to stay curious, adaptable, and connected to your audience. At The SheEO Agency, we take the guesswork out of launching products, helping you navigate these steps with confidence.

Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling to new markets, we are here to support you through your journey.

With strength, grace, and determination.

Felicity xx

The SheEO Agency™