4 Questions to Ask Before Launching a New Product or Service

POST by Liese Gardner, Fuel

 If a genie told me I could only impart one piece of marketing advice to you about surviving this economy, what would I say?

Well of course, I’d say that’s impossible! Marketing doesn’t exist in a vacuum; all efforts are integrated.

But, if I HAD to choose just one, it would be: Stay true to your core product, service and message before going after business you normally wouldn’t even want or expanding your services or products into areas that might not serve you well.

Branching out to try to appeal to a wider audience has many drawbacks, not the least of which is the fact is that it often comes off looking like panic. It can also dilute and possibly do permanent damage to your founding message and brand.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you hastily add new products and services:

• Have you fully exhausted all marketing possibilities that your core strength offers?
• Does every one of your clients know about every one of the services you offer? If not, find new ways to reach out to them and cross-promote your services.
• Have you taken the time to explore new ways to reposition or add value to what you now offer?
• Are you in touch with clients and media about these new developments?

Exploit your strengths. Dig deeper. Market vertically.