In the modern business world, entrepreneurs have begun to battle for customers using state-of-the-art software applications. If you want your company to keep pace with its competition, establishing an online presence through a robust software application is non-negotiable. If the global pandemic has done nothing else, it’s spurred an epiphany in business owner’s minds that a user-friendly site is critical in remaining competitive.
Having an online presence is but one reason why your company should launch a software application. Other potential benefits include:
- The ability to reach consumers all over the world
- Faster and easier access to your company’s products
- Provides an avenue for promoting and marketing your business
- Enhances online marketing strategies targeted at current customers
- Opens direct lines of communication to the customer base
Perform QA & UAT testing
If you decide to go forward with developing a software application, your application must stand up to customer scrutiny. That said, any wise business owner should add Quality Assurance (QA) testing and User Acceptance Testing(UAT) to their app-release checklist.
QA testing is the first line of defense against potential bugs and programming errors. Typically, the in-house staff will oversee the process and run many iterations of each process to ensure the app consistently produces the desired results.
After the QA process comes to a close, it’s time for prospective end-users to take their crack at the app. As a next step, the UAT test team will use the app as they would any other live software application. If they uncover problems, these UAT test team members send the information back to the QA staff for review.
Eight insider secrets of a successful software launch
When a software app passes the testing phase with flying colors, there’s only one step remaining: the software launch. When that time comes, here are eight insider secrets your company can refer back to when ensuring a successful launch.
1. Develop an eye-catching brand/logo
It’s unlikely that your company’s products alone will make you stand out among the competition. The future value in your business depends on developing a brand and logo that clients will remember.
2. Perform customer research
For optimal success, entrepreneurs must understand your target customer base. What your customers want and need from your software application is where you need to place much of your pre launch focus.
3. Create a buzz
The faster your launch bears fruit, the better your business will perform in the first few months. You can build hype by releasing the company’s relaunch marketing information to industry influencers (bloggers). Business owners should partner with these influencers several months before the official launch.
4. Prepare a launch plan
A launch plan should include more than designating a date to send the software app out to market. The launch plan should also feature product descriptions/pricing, a marketing plan, and a way to measure SEO strategies’ success.
5. Interact with potential customers before the launch date
As a final step, you’ll need to compile a list of potential customers you can reach out to before the official launch. Contact these prospective customers directly or via email lists.
These interactions will allow potential customers to gauge the company’s commitment to innovation. With knowledgeable employees manning the fort, you’ll set your software launch up for success.
6. Executing the launch
Be sure to complete launch preparations six to eight weeks before the live date. Within this timeframe, your company should be sending out marketing materials, publishing blog posts, sending informative emails, and initiating discussions on online forums.
7. Analyze early returns
As the company collects sales and traffic data, someone should continuously analyze the data for positive and negative trends. After all, it’s easier to make adjustments early than to backtrack and modify the application days or weeks after the launch.
8. Keep the momentum going
When things get rolling, that’s the time to inundate current and prospective customers with as much marketing information as possible. The company can further enhance momentum by consistently over-delivering.
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