Planning Your Product Drop: What to Do Before You Launch

Planning Your Product Drop: What to Do Before You Launch

Let’s be honest: most product launches flop because people are too focused on cute mockups and not focused enough on what happens before the launch.

A successful drop starts way before you post “New Stuff Just Dropped!” on Instagram. Whether you’re selling custom tees, digital planners, or handmade goodies you need a plan. A real one.

Here’s what to do before your next launch to make sure it’s not just another “drop and pray” moment.

1. Know What You’re Selling (For Real)

Don’t just say “I’m dropping a tee.”
Be specific. What’s the theme? Who’s it for? Why does it matter right now?

Ask yourself:

• Is this seasonal, niche, or evergreen?
• Who is this product meant to solve a problem for or bring joy to?
• What makes it different from what I dropped last time?

2. Pick a Launch Date You Can Actually Plan Around

If you’re rushing to finish a product the night before launch, you already lost.
Give yourself a realistic date, then work backward to plan prep, promo, and posting.

Pro tip: Don't launch during holidays unless it’s for that holiday, otherwise, your stuff will get lost in the scroll.

3. Start Talking About It Early (and Often)

Start the buzz before it’s “done.”

Post sneak peeks, polls, name ideas, color choices. Make your audience feel like they’re part of the process because that’s how you get buy-in before launch day even hits.

Even if your product’s not done, your marketing should be.

4. Prep Your Captions, Hashtags, and Links in Advance

Don’t wing it. Write your captions ahead of time. Batch your hashtags. Know what links you’re using. That way, all you’re doing on launch day is posting and collecting orders — not spiraling because you forgot to connect the PayPal button.

5. Have Your Order System & Inventory Ready

Test your checkout process. Double-check your shipping options. Make sure your site looks right on mobile.
If you’re making physical products, prep your blanks and organize your workspace so you’re not running to the store mid-launch.

Final Thoughts:

A launch isn’t about luck. It’s about alignment, knowing what you’re offering, why it matters, and being prepared to show up and sell it well.

Now go get your calendar, your Canva, you Notion, and your content ideas... and plan it like a business owner.

Want help planning your next drop?

Book a session with me and let's get you on your way.