You can have the best, most innovative product since the iPhone was launched and still not be successful. Why? Because sales figures are closely related to marketing, customer experience and exactly what your competitors are doing at the moment.
That’s a lot to manage, and you can definitely not control all these factors. If you own a startup, you may not have experience in marketing matters or the budget to employ experts to help you.
But you know you’ve got a good product, right?
Then read on to learn about one aspect you CAN control: the merchandise itself. Because your customers’ opinions and word of mouth determine a lot regarding your future sales figures, we’ll share details of how you can increase the chances of impressing your first buyers.
A few tweaks could give you the momentum you need.
Do Your Testing Beforehand
Even with a very small budget you should invest capital in the testing phase. Some of it you may not be able to do yourself, but it’s worth hiring experts for:
- Toxicity levels
- Thermal analysis
- Accelerated life testing
You don’t want customers leaving negative online reviews simply because you thought a test wasn’t really necessary.
Rethink Your Packaging
Some of the details you discover during testing will most likely end up on your packaging. And once again you’ll do your reputation a favor if you spend a little extra time designing how your product and the packaging look.
Customers get upset when they feel they’re not getting value for their money. The more details you can provide about the product, the more realistic the client’s expectations will be. Adding more descriptions rather than simply making packaging flashy and attractive can prevent misunderstandings and future complaints.
Teach Them
Offering your customers detailed packaging is part of how you educate them about your new invention, but don’t stop there. In today’s tech driven society you have multiple mediums to utilize in educating your audience. Use videos, blogs and social media posts to teach people about:
- Why they need your product
- How to use the product
- What not to do with the product
- Risks involved
The more information you put out there, the less likely you are to get complaints. And you’re giving your customers more ways to enjoy and benefit from your invention. That will lead to more sales.
What’s the Price?
It’s vital you assess whether you’re asking a fair price for your product. Here, as well, you need to make sure customers feel they’re getting value for money. Asking a little less for your first prototype is wise as it will make consumers more forgiving if some flaws should surface.
Do You Have Something Unique to Add?
Lastly, it’s wise to leverage the power of a USP (Unique Selling Point) by mentioning it on packaging and in marketing campaigns. Consumers will feel lucky to own something unique. This will boost sales but also put clients in a positive mindset from the very start.
With a few practical solutions and considering your customers’ point of view you can make it easier for yourself to make your mark.
