I've been working on the product for about year and garnered a lot of interest and validation. I'm ready to launch this thing. Anything I should know or do beforehand?
I would need more details to understand that nature of your product but i would encourage the following exercises:
1. Pre-sales: the ultimate validation is getting people to agree to pre purchase your product. What I mean is actual exchange of money. This can be done through kickstarter or less formally by simply getting interested parties to purchase the product before the shipping date directly. I find that many people will say they like your idea but getting them to commit by paying is the best. It helps you with cash flow as well as being taken more seriously by investors if you are looking for investment.
2. PR: start by writing a press release. Press releases by themselves serve little value in actually getting you press but the exercise itself can be very valuable in thinking out what makes your product interesting and unique. The press release should have an interesting and exciting headline (basically your 3 second pitch) and you will be forced to position your product and answer the question "who cares?"
Once your press release is done you can use it as a frame work to individually pitch and tell your story to influencers and journalists who can help get your story out to the world. This is one of the best, and least expensive ways to generate momentum once you launch.
I can help you craft a story angle and strategy for getting free exposure through PR as I've done with hundreds of other start ups.
Good luck!
Most importantly, you must consider how you're protecting your intellectual property. This is particularly critical if there may be a patentable aspect of your product. There are limits as to how long you can wait to file a patent after its public debut.
If you have specific questions about your launch or you want to discuss strategies on how to pitch your product and move it into the market, please let me know!
Bit of background on me: I advise startup teams and Fortune 500 professionals on strategy and branding.
Now to your question :)!
First off, I agree with Scott's point above on IP.
More than that, you need a team.
The catch with startups is that growth is the new profit. You can incurr losses quarter to quarter so long as you are a growing organization- look at Uber - and to do that you need a dependable c-suite army with smart division of sales, tech and supervision responsibility.
Let's talk about building this business so you can accommodate exponential growth.
I applaud you for where you are right now and would like to "clarify" what your definition is of "a lot of interest and validation?" That can have SO many meanings. If I could better judge that answer, I would be able to tell you exactly what to do next.
Good luck,
Ping me if you wanna chat...
Yes, if you plan on selling it at all on Amazon or Ebay. I can't help outside of than more than anyone else, but if these will a sales channel for you there is a lot to consider. Message me and I can help with some basic considerations.
