It seemed like the whole world watched Apple’s successful iPhone 6 and iWatch launch yesterday. The long awaited news for the new phone and smart-watch had some Mac fanatics waiting in line since September 3^rd (the iPhones will not be available in retail stores until September 19^th). While it helps to have a technologically groundbreaking product for your next launch, there are numerous strategy and tactic takeaways you can learn from Apple’s launch. What seemed like a few hours of smooth presentation by CEO Tim Cook, took months if not years of careful planning. Here are 4 tips to help you launch like Apple.

1. Plan way ahead of schedule – While it’s tempting to put all your effort in marketing and PR, media buzz does not happen overnight. Forming relationships with writers and editors take time. Having enough time allotted ensures that your media piece will get enough coverage on and offline.
2. Keep the mystery – Apple did a brilliant campaign with the launch date of their products. The ad simply stated “9.9.2014 Wish we could say more.” It was direct, bold, and had an air of mystery. Our imaginations filled in the rest.

3. Make sure your product is ready – The first waves of product companies’ launch usually have some minor kinks that get better with the next generation. This applies to consumer products anywhere from cars to electronic devices. The most important strategy is to minimize these faults as much as you can prior to launch. While this is common business sense, many companies are guilty of launching too soon for the sake of hitting quarterly goals. No news travel faster than customers who aren’t satisfied with their newly bought products.
4. Have fun and be creative – Product launches are notoriously stressful for the client and agency at hand. It’s the “big day” that feels like can make or break a company. New ideas and creativity come from when everybody is having fun. Make sure to lighten up the mood once in a while. You never know what ideas might come about.

A successful launch event can be a spectacle in itself. Steve Jobs was a master in delivering simple, yet bold taglines when he introduced Apple products. When done correctly, the tables will be turned and the media will be the ones hounding you for press coverage. Are you looking to launch a new product? Let us know how we can help you gain entryway into the market.