The cost of copywriting. At the end of your launch you are going to drive your prospects to a sales letter, or sales page. Most business owners expect this cost and hire a copywriter to write it. What is often overlooked though, is the importance of email copy in a launch sequence. Writing email copy may sound simple at first, but the emails have to be scripted out, structured, and edited during the launch process. Have you budgeted the cost of copywriting in your launch? Is this an area where you need assistance?

The cost of joint venture (promotional) partners. The big launches you see online often have very heavy joint venture support. Those promotional partners are normally compensated with a percentage of each sale they make. The more promotional support you have, the more you sell, and the more you owe back to your promotional partners. This is a real cost of doing business and it is a fair trade to those who helped you increase your sales. Have you budgeted the cost of promotional partners into your launch? Who is managing that process for you?

The cost of a web support team. A well conducted launch has many support elements like blog installation, video host management, shopping cart connection, and web design. If you want your launch to flow smoothly for you and your potential customers, all of these items have to be coordinated well. How are you managing this process today? Have you outsourced any of these tasks before?

Yes these costs are “hidden”, but they’re not impossible to control. Now that you know what they are you can better plan for them in preparation for your launch. If it all seems a bit overwhelming a qualified product launch manager can help you limit these costs and secure success of your launch.

Product launch managers are the “secret sauce” behind the most successful online product launches. Do you want some “secret sauce” of your own? To get FREE training from the best product launch managers about product launch success click http://productlaunchmarketing.net/interviews/

Q: What is the first step in creating my launch story?

A: This is a great question. Every launch has a great story and that story should reveal a process for your prospects to reach their desired end goal. The first thing you should do is write out the steps needed to accomplish that specific task. As an example, I will use the process of getting into a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program. It’s a challenging process, I have personal experience with it, and people pay money for products in this market.

Here is an example process to use if you were selling an information product to someone trying to earn admission into a top-tier MBA program:

Step 1 – Choose your career field. (Where would you like to work after school?)

Step 2 – Choose your learning style. (Which way do you prefer to learn…lecture, case, or on the job?)

Step 3 – Choose your primary schools. (Which schools are the best for your career and learning goals?)

Step 4 – Take the GMAT. (This is the standard admissions test you must score well on to get accepted.)

Step 5 – Write your essays. (Make sure you allow time for this. You are definitely going to need multiple revisions)

Step 6 – Secure your recommendations. (Ask respected people at your job to refer you to school.)

Step 7 – Interview at schools. (Make time in your schedule to visit and interview the schools you are most interested in.)

Step 8 – Get accepted. (Job well done!)

Now that you have written this out, you can put a story around it. Do you have personal experience navigating these steps? Do you have a testimonial from someone else navigating these steps? You have just outlined the main story you are going to tell in your upcoming launch. Follow your outline to make sure that your launch sequence stays on track.

I’m really glad this question came up. It is very important to tell the right story to the right audience. Think about your target customer and outline the process that will get them to their desired goal. This is the best way to create a compelling launch story.

As a Jeff Walker trained product launch manager, Alzay Calhoun provides a product launch “in a box” service that drastically increases customer response while drastically decreasing your stress. To learn how to get your next product launch done-for-you for FREE click here. http://productlaunchmarketing.net/interviews/

Q: What core skills should I look for in my Product Launch Manager?

A: The most important skill you are hiring is the skill of a consultant. As the business owner, you want someone you trust to work directly with you and manage all elements of the launch process. Remember that the technical skills such as copywriting and web design can be outsourced. Your choice of professional is someone that can listen to your vision, understand the goals of your business, and develop a sequenced marketing campaign that will deliver results for you.

Q: Why is it so important for the professional I choose to understand Jeff Walker ‘s Product Launch Formula (PLF)?

A: I wouldn’t say that this is “madatory”, but it definitely helps! You want your launch campaign to tell a story, have a sequence, and position your product for breakthrough sales. You want to know that the person you hire is using an already successful system to customize a strategy for you. Product Launch Formula is the most efficient process for turning prospects into customers and it helps greatly if the person you hire has studied this system.

As you prepare for your upcoming launch promotion, you will learn that there are many moving parts to manage and it is easy to get overwhelmed. As you look for help, make sure to choose a professional that you trust to build, manage, and execute a customized launch plan.

As a Jeff Walker trained product launch manager, Alzay Calhoun provides a product launch “in a box” service that drastically increases customer response while drastically decreasing your stress. To learn how to get your next product launch done-for-you for FREE click here. http://productlaunchmarketing.net/interviews/

Long tailed keywords will certainly build your website traffic, but this strategy alone will not help your website grow fast enough to sustain itself. If you are unsatisfied with the organic search traffic visiting your site, you are not alone. Here are two frequently asked questions and a suggestion for a better growth strategy.

Q: I thought the “money” was in finding long tail keywords that identify a customer need. Is that true?

A: Yes, but what good is it to find a new niche if it reveals a marketplace that you don’t know anything about? Finding an opportunity in Robin Hood DVDs, exotic cupcake making, or ancient hieroglyphics doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have a personal understanding of the marketplace.

In addition, you may have found “opportunity” in a certain long tail keyword phrase but you need multiple and related phrases to drive sustaining web traffic. Finding a good group of long tail keyword phrases is a lot harder to find than you think.

Q: I have an established niche site already. I want to grow it and I want to bring in more paying customers. What should I do?

A: If you want to boost traffic and customers quickly, you are going to have to expand your marketing efforts outside of organic search. The first step I would recommend is to focus on your internal prospect list and see how many of those people you can covert to customers. The best strategy for that is to conduct a product launch. Create a sequenced campaign, tell a compelling story, and offer a new product or service. Not only will this bring in new revenue, but it will also bring new interest and attention to your business.

Keyword tools and long tail keyword phrases are both valuable resources, but neither of these two resources alone create a growth strategy for your information marketing business. Take a second look at your current marketing approach. Are you getting the results you expect? If not, create a new (better) plan to market your business.

Product launches are the fastest way to build your information publishing business. To get FREE training from the best product launch managers about product launch success click http://productlaunchmarketing.net/interviews/

A: One of the first things you can expect is a conversation about overall launch strategy. You should expect questions like:

Who is your target audience?

What are your expectations for your upcoming launch?

Have you built a prospect list?

What is your flagship product?

First, your launch manager should try to figure out the current direction of your business. Second, he should work to figure out the assets you currently have in place to build a great launch. Your launch manager should begin the relationship looking to listen and understand.

Q: How do I know if I have a not so good manager?

A: You should be leery if your product launch manager is offering recommendations before attempting to understand your business. Be on the lookout for questions like these in your first meeting:

Have you tried the new Video Annihilation method?

Are you interested in the new list building service called Awesome List Builder?

I have already launched products like this before. Do you want to get started today?

Have you bought Johnny Fancyname’s new course on making fast money?

A not so good product launch manager may force you to do business the only way that he knows how and ask you to buy a number of services before understanding what your goals are. You have to make sure you understand the path you are taking. Do not get swept up into the momentum of a conversation that you don’t understand. If your professional is recommending products, services, and programs early in your first meeting, this is a real warning sign.

Working with a product launch manager is about setting a strategy, creating a plan, and executing that plan all the way to completion. Your professional should be prepared to make adjustments in response to the marketplace and customer needs, not according to his own personal agenda. Carefully evaluate who you decide to work with, your launch is in their hands.

As a Jeff Walker trained product launch manager, Alzay Calhoun provides a product launch “in a box” service that drastically increases customer response while drastically decreasing your stress. To learn how to get your next product launch done-for-you for FREE click here. http://productlaunchmarketing.net/interviews/

Myth #1 – They only work for “make money online” products. If you do any marketing in this niche, you have seen a lot of launches. You might even feel a little overexposed to the strategy. But there is a reason why you see so many…they work! Still, that does not mean that the “make money” niche is the only place the work. As a matter of fact, my two biggest clients are in markets that have nothing to do with internet marketing or making money. The fact is, the strategy works. Your challenge is to find an execution method that your target market will love.

Myth #2 – They instantly make me a “real business”. This myth assumes that one good promotion will offer customers for life. A smart business person knows that there will never be a silver bullet solution like that. A smart business person also knows that product launches have a “stacking” effect that creates a platform for bigger promotions down the line. Instead of trying to win it all at once, think very carefully about how you can string multiple launches together.

As a result of certain negative behavior, some have challenged the effectiveness of this strategy. This is unfortunate because product launches are one of the best customer conversion strategies you can use in your business. This article has identified two of the top myths. Have you fallen victim to either of these misconceptions?

When used the right way, a product launch is a sequenced marketing method designed to create response. Do not let the actions of a few turn you away from one of the most potent marketing methods available today.

Product launches are the fastest way to build your information publishing business. To get FREE training from the best product launch managers about product launch success click http://productlaunchmarketing.net/interviews/

Trying to copy what you see without having the proper tools in place is a recipe for pain, stress, or even worse…launch failure. This article will help you simplify your upcoming launch to decrease the level of stress and increase your chances for success.

Engage less promotional partners. Managing multiple promotional partners is a highly stressful experience. Instead of trying to recruit an “army” of promotional partners, set up a core group and keep a strong relationship with them. To make things even easier, conduct your next launch focused only on your own email list. Keeping the number of promotional partners down allows for less mistakes to be made (by you and others) and gives you a platform for a larger launch in the future.

Shorten the promotional period. The shorter the promotional period, the less time you will spend afraid of losing launch momentum. You should consider a 7 or 14 day launch timeframe instead of a 30 or 60 day launch timeframe. The shorter timeframe makes it easier to keep your target market’s attention. This will give you a greater chance of success by limiting the number of elements to sequence.

Launch an affiliate product. If you choose to launch an affiliate product, you don’t have to fulfill any of the customer service responsibilities. For example, you won’t have to deliver the product, return defective items, or respond to problem tickets. If you choose to launch your own product these are all things you must do. Launching an affiliate product allow you to focus on creating anticipation for the launch event while increasing the total offer with high quality bonuses.

Each of these solutions will lessen the pressure and frustration of managing the behind-the-scenes details of a product launch. The less details you have to manage personally, the more time you have to focus on quality execution of your product launch sequence.

Trying to emulate a “guru-style” product launch is very stressful without the proper knowledge and tools. There are a lot of activities that appear once your launch gets started, but by then it can be too late to make adjustments. Choose one or all of the ideas above to lessen the stress of your launch and give yourself a better chance for success.

Here is a quick list of some of the pros:

• They create a surge of cash in your business. The goal is for you is to see a rush of orders come in the moment your product is available for sale. The only way to do that is to stir up genuine customer engagement during the promotional period. A good product launch will do that every time.
• They create customers out of prospects. There’s a big difference between having a list of prospects and a list of customers. Prospects “browse” while customers “buy”. They are the best way to convert a list of interested prospects into buying customers.
• They are easily trackable. A well conducted launch will allow you to measure response at each stage of the promotion. Because you can track your results, it is easy to improve your results the next time you execute.

Here is a quick list of some of the cons:

• They require planning. Product launches require you to script out multiple marketing messages before your product is available for sale. If you are an impatient infropreneur, this is not a strategy for you.
• They require a list. While there are some ways to overcome this, it is much easier to execute if you already have a list of prospects/customers. An existing list gives your launch a valuable starting place.
• They require a team. There is a lot of coordinating to be done behind the scenes. For example the email copy, webpage flow, and launch timing all have to be managed during the promotional period. Getting lost in those details will drastically affect the impact of your launch. Make sure you get help early and often.

Product launches are an excellent marketing tool for infopreneurs. They create new buyers, the process is trackable, and when done correctly, create a surge of cash into your business. If you want the results, plan your launch out, continue to build your list, and gather your team to ensure success.

Focus on one core customer. This is advice I’m sure you’ve heard more than once, but if you don’t follow it you won’t sell a dime. Visualize the one person who will receive the most value from your product. What do they look like? Where are they from? How are they educated? What do they read? Do not trick yourself into thinking that your product is good for everyone…it isn’t. As a matter of fact, it is way too difficult to create a product that everyone will be excited about. It is much easier to create a product that your one, core customer will be excited about. Focus on them.

Focus on one problem. What is the single, best use for your information product? A good analogy is to think about how your product is the aspirin for your target market’s headache. Aspirin specializes in solving for headache pain. What problem does your information solve for? Do not try to solve multiple problems with the same product. Stay focused and your customers will celebrate your product as being the only solution for their unique problem.

Focus on one distribution strategy. The internet provides a lot of methods to get the word about about your product, but trying to specialize in all of them is waste of time. Instead, choose the distribution method that aligns with your strengths. If you are a great writer than focus on article marketing. If you an eloquent speaker then focus on podcasting. If you have a bright personality then focus on video marketing. The point here is to play to your strenths and not spread yourself too thin.

Remember, your job is create a product that serves as the “beacon of light” amongst the dark, vast world of internet search. You want your customers to celebrate your product because it offers the solution that solves their single, most urgent problem. Focus on one target market, with one core problem, and deliver it through a consistent channel that utilizes your strengths. Now you have a recipe for creating a product that your customers will celebrate.

Sure, you might read a lot of information about “how to make more money”, but these 34 rules talk about “how to run your business”.  The “how to make money” stuff is just a bunch of tactics…try this, try that…at the end of the day these are a bunch ideas to create short term impact.  But the “how to run your business” stuff…this is the stuff that establishes a healthy foundation that lasts over the long term.  Please take a look at this list, modify, and apply those rules that make the most sense for you.  This is an exercise definitely worth your time.

The list was located here http://www.maverickbusinessinsider.com/

1. It’s got to be a BIG idea that you, your team and your customers can “get” in seconds.
2. Strive to create 10x — 100x in value for any price you charge. Your rewards are always proportionate to the value you provide.
3. You must charge a premium price so you have a large margin to provide an extraordinary value & experience.
4. Provide a ‘Reason Why’ customers should do business with you and pay you a premium.
5. Get paid before you deliver your product or service. And when possible figure out how to create recurring revenue from transactions.
6. You get to make the rules for your business. Don’t let industry norms dictate how you’ll work or who you’ll work with.
7. Create your business around your life instead of settling for your life around your business.
8. Consistently and constantly force yourself to focus on the ‘critically few’ proactive activities that produce exponential results. Don’t get caught up in minutia & bullshit.
9. Seek to minimize start-up risk but have maximum upside potential.
10. Get your idea out there as fast as possible even if it’s not quite ready by setting must-hit deadlines. Let the market tell you if you have a winner or not. If not — move on and fail forward fast! If it’s got potential – then you can make it better.
11. Find partners and team members who are strong where you are weak and appreciate being paid on results.
12. Your reputation always counts. Honor your obligations and agreements.
13. Never, ever get paid based on hours worked.
14. Leverage your marketing activities exponentially by using direct response methods and testing.
15. Measure and track your marketing so you know what’s working and what’s not.
16. Bootstrap. Having too much capital leads to incredible waste and doing things using conventional means.
17. Your partners and employees actions are their true core — not what they tell you.
18. Keep asking the right questions to come up with innovative solutions. “How?”, “What?”, “Where?”, “Who Else?” & “Why?” open up possibilities.
19. You’ll never have a perfect business and you’ll never be totally “done”. Deal with it.
20. Focus most of your time on your core strengths and less time working in areas you suck at.
21. Make it easier for customers to buy by taking away the risk of the transaction by guaranteeing what you do in a meaningful way.
22. Always have something else to sell (via upsell, cross-sell, follow-up offer, etc) whenever a transaction takes place. The hottest buyer in the world is one who just gave you money.
23. Always go back to your existing customers with exceptional offers and reasons they should give you more money. It’s 5x less expensive to sell to happy customers than go find new ones.
24. However the flip side is – fire your most annoying customers. They’ll be replaced with the right ones.
25. The marketplace and competitors are always trying to beat you down to a commodity. Don’t let that happen.
26. Develop and build your business’s personality that stands out. People want to buy from people.
27. Create your own category so you can be first in the consumer’s mind.
28. Go the opposite direction competitors are headed — you’ll stand out.
29. Mastermind and collaborate with other smart entrepreneurs if they have futures that are even bigger than their present.
30. Celebrate your victories. It’s too easy to simply move on to your next goal without acknowledging and appreciating the ‘win’.
31. Make your business AND doing business with you FUN!
32. Do the unexpected before and after anything goes wrong so customers are compelled to ‘share your story’.
33. Get a life! Business and making money are important but your life is the sum total of your experiences. Go out and create experiences & adventures so you can come back renewed and inspired for your next big thing.
34. Give back! Commit to taking a % of your company’s sales and make a difference. If this becomes a habit like brushing your teeth pretty soon the big checks with lots of zeros won’t be scary to write. If you think you can’t donate a percentage of your sales simply raise your price.