Soft launch: what is it?

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A soft launch is a gradual release of a product with little marketing to test its viability and make adjustments before a big marketing push. It’s common for websites, hardware, and software, allowing companies to respond to user feedback and prevent costly mistakes.

A soft launch is a type of release for hardware, software, and websites where the product is released incrementally with little fanfare, initially to a limited audience. Many companies use this type of launch to test the viability of a product. It’s also useful because it allows companies to fine-tune a product before making a big marketing push. Such rollouts are especially common with websites, to which new features can be easily introduced.

When you do a soft launch, a company releases a product with little to no marketing. In the case of a website launch, many companies release redesigns in a soft format. This allows them to test response to the new site from existing customers before attempting to expand their customer base. When introducing a new website or concept, a soft launch is also a popular option. It can be an invaluable tool for a website, as a design that users don’t like can be safely retired. Changes can also be made to increase the functionality of the website and respond to user requests.

In the case of hardware products, it is not uncommon to do a limited-release soft launch to test the market before a large-scale release. It also means that companies can make last minute changes to the product if deemed necessary after launch. In many cases, soft launches of hardware are done in major metropolitan areas, where the company has access to a wide variety of demographics.

Soft launches are also used for software, with a small version being released to a limited group of individuals for beta testing. The software may be extensively tested by the issuing company, but ultimately must be used to determine its effectiveness. During beta testing, serious design flaws can emerge that can be fixed before the product is released in a major market. This prevents costly and embarrassing mistakes due to product weakness.

Some software is launched via Internet software, which allows for easy software updates. Early beta testers can grow tied to the program and will continue to download new versions as they are released. Thus, businesses often build a loyal customer base that spreads the word to other potential customers. The result is a stronger product and a better company.




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