A Simple Guide For Running Fun and Effective App Launch Parties
Organising an App Launch Party as part of your mobile app marketing may prove to be an essential part of your Apps digital marketing plan.
It may seem like a difficult undertaking but with good planning and preparation, you will find it easier and more effective than you imagine. An app launch party is just a small part of your mobile app marketing plan but one that can have higher engagement levels than online strategies.
Here’s my list of things to consider when planning your next app’s launch party
Location, Location, Location
First of your considerations should be the location of the launch party. It should very well define the app that you will be launching.
An example would be choosing a rooftop setting if your app is about astrology or flying. The size of the venue would also play a vital part to understand the crowd you can accommodate and provide the venue operators some guidelines for prices to you for budgeting.
Consideration such as access to public transportation is also recommended because people might need it when commuting to your launch party location or home afterwards depending on the merriment enjoyed.
Scheduling the party and booking the location should be done months before the event so as you can start earlier in your marketing efforts. This also gives you a deadline to aim for launch. Nothing like money spent and resources committed to get that App MVP shipped!
Make An App Launch Party Budget Plan (& stick to it!)
Running a successful App launch party can entail significant costs and whilst you don’t want to be spending more than what’s necessary, you need to get the right deal to have the App go off with a bang.
Some people believe you can get better value by using facebook or Adwords advertising so understanding your online CPM and being able to compare that to your real life, app launch party engagement forecasts is crucial before committing.
Planning your budget for the launch party will also help in defining your App’s Digital Marketing Plan and comprehensive budget. This will assist in allocating resources properly just like you do with your resource planning for creating the app’s code, media assets and press releases (which should all be available at the venue in a media kit).
Keep The App Launch Party Alive With A Fun, Planned Program
People remember a fun party. A good list of activities should also be planned for the party that will show the app and help your guests engage with your business and brand at the party. Not just a booze party for freeloaders and achieving this balance is crucial.
Your guests can scan QR codes to download the App directly, which you can strategically post around the venue, and the inclusion of a high quality video presentation would also prove valuable to enrich the app appeal to those not in the mood to play with their iPhone or Android devices.
Consider a team of product demonstrators and think of fun ways for the audience to interact with them to try out your app whilst enjoying the party. It’s up to these demonstrators to get your audience to really engage with your mobile app so make sure you know who your guests are, and who your guest’s guests are before the event and focus on industry celebrities or headliners with your demonstration team.
When You’re All Set, Tell Everyone
When all is planned out, publicize the event in every way that you can, whilst sticking to your launch party budget.
Obviously using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can help in maximizing the promotion of your app launch party but only if you have good influence in your target market.
Posters, billboards, newspapers can be pricey and perhaps not targeted enough so consider market specific journals and definitely modify your email signature leading up to the event, making it as easy as possible to get the details and get to the App Launch Party with maps to the party venue.
Provide people multiple ways to RSVP – Snail mail, facebook, webpage forms. You may even consider using something like an online meetup, Free wufoo form and so on, but be mindful the aim is to get people that are interested, intersting & influential in your target market so don’t go too broad.
If all you get to your party is a bunch of freeloaders then your App launch party will be a dismal failure -at east from an App promotion perspective!
People love great apps for their mobile and you need to throw an app launch party to remember to maximize your marketing dollars. Mixing both right, your mobile app marketing might be that differential that skyrockets your App into the Top 25!
Think This Is a Bad Idea?
Have you ever attended an app launch party? What are some of your experiences in marketing mobile apps in this way? Too much alcohol? No downloads or App engagement during or after? What went wrong…or right? Leave your thoughts and comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
Simon J Co-Founder of Digital Hinge and a serial entrepreneur with over 17 years spent building 8 businesses in 3 countries and 4 industries. Simon is also an Early Stage Micro Venture & Start-Up Seed Investor. Contact him at simon[at]digitalhinge[dot]com Lean Startup Evangalist. View All Posts By Simon J
