How to make a successful website launch?

Ahh that sounded like an easy question to be answered when i choose the topic to post today like most bloggers do, but when i think about the complexity and factors that can make a successful launch it keeps going. Ok here is a quick look on the kind of companies that need to make a strategic plan for their new website launch.

• Companies launching their first website 
• E commerce portals
• Social Networking sites
• Magazines/Newspapers

Oh well let me stop it there. Looks like everyone needs a successful launch..:) So let me tell you exactly how a strategic plan could help you achieve a successful launch based on our experiences.

1. Try to make the best of what you can. Do not get convinced with the website if you really feel you are not happy about and don't launch it until you are convinced. Take the help of a professional consultant if you don't find enough time to convert your ideas and passion into creating it. Remember- first impression is the best impression and to gain confidence of people around you, do it best the first time.

2. Careful planning can help. For example: If you are planning to launch an online magazine website, fix a date in your mind for the launch. Start gathering and building your website. Don't stay idle during the process. Try and create a buzz about the launch and make sure more people are starting to notice you. Pre-launch limited details in social networking sites. This not only helps you in gaining attention, but you might also get some valuable suggestions that could help you make it even better. 

3. Start engaging with your customers even before the launch. For example: If your magazine covers news on real estate industry, and your plan for running the website is from advertisements from that particular industry then try to engage with them. You might end up gaining some valuable industry needs and insights that could help you tweak your website even more.

4. I should have told this the very first. Brain storming ..:) Find all possible looks, style etc that can match your future aspirations of making the website and taking it to your greatest vision.

5. There are times when sometimes you want to know how users react to your product launch, or the launch needs to be done immediate due to pressure from various sources and you do not want to lose their confidence simply because you know that it was not the best you have given yet, then the most simple thing you could go is a Beta launch. This can as well help you gain respect with the work you have done so far, without losing any potential customers. 

6. Advertising helps if you are ready to spend. Get help of a smart advertising agency, who can really create that buzz for you. Simple marketing tricks can be of great help. Try convincing similar bloggers in your field to write a topic about your pre-launch and it can as well create a buzz.

7. If the website is content oriented, make sure the content is unique and really benefits that community. This will bring you retention.

Guess i have covered a few important points and if any of you have anymore suggestions please add it in the comments. Looks like its time for me to make the necessary tweaks of my website as i have started grabbing attention in my blog..:) Easy said than done..:)