This episode offers a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs launching their first physical product from scratch. It directly addresses the challenges of having no initial audience or email list, providing actionable strategies for building a following, leveraging influencers, and navigating manufacturing complexities. Ecommerce operators will gain practical insights into choosing between Shopify and Amazon, optimizing Instagram ads, and running successful crowdfunding campaigns for original products.
Key takeaways
When launching an original physical product with no existing audience, prioritize building early buzz through strategies like influencer outreach, focusing on genuine relationships over immediate high-spend campaigns.
Carefully evaluate the pros and cons of Shopify vs. Amazon for your initial launch; Shopify offers more brand control, while Amazon provides immediate access to a large customer base. The choice depends on your long-term brand vision and immediate sales goals.
For managing large Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), explore negotiation tactics with manufacturers and consider crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to pre-sell products and fund initial production runs, mitigating financial risk.
Utilize Instagram ads strategically by focusing on precise targeting and compelling visuals to reach potential customers who are likely to be early adopters of innovative physical products.
Leverage your unique personal story and the "why" behind your product (like Brenna's "Chilly Child" born out of necessity) to create an authentic brand narrative that resonates with your target audience and helps build a loyal following from day one.
We received this question from Brenna Olsen for our Under the Hood segment: My product is pre-launch so my biggest questions are what plan of action would somebody put into place if they were starting from zero? No email list, no following, first physical product. While this is Brenna's first time launching a physical product, she is not a stranger to entrepreneurship. She started her entrepreneurial journey back in 2009 when she left corporate to start her own freelance graphic design business. From there, she created a subscription design service aimed at the restaurant industry. She did all this while starting her family. Born out of necessity Like all moms, Brenna lives by the rule of thumb that kids should have an extra layer of clothing on them to keep them warm. But on cold days, how do you keep a blanket on a squirming little kid? This dilemma gave birth to her patent-pending brainchild, the Chilly Child. The Chilly Child is a special kind of blanket that keeps kids warm without restricting their movement. Kids can round around in the park and the Chilly Child would stay on. Launching an original product In this episode, Brenna and I address the issue of how to best sell a product that's original, that no one has ever sold before. Here's a highlight of the key topics we discussed: How to build a following from zero Reaching out to influencers How to deal with very large MOQs Effectivity of Kickstarter campaigns Instagram ads Where to focus on, Shopify or Amazon? We hope this episode will help you, especially if you are in the same situation as Brenna. If you want to be featured in your own Under the Hood episode, sign up here</
When launching an original physical product with no existing audience, prioritize building early buzz through strategies like influencer outreach, focusing on genuine relationships over immediate high-spend campaigns.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Carefully evaluate the pros and cons of Shopify vs. Amazon for your initial launch; Shopify offers more brand control, while Amazon provides immediate access to a large customer base. The choice depends on your long-term brand vision and immediate sales goals.
What does this episode say about paid acquisition?
For managing large Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), explore negotiation tactics with manufacturers and consider crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to pre-sell products and fund initial production runs, mitigating financial risk.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Utilize Instagram ads strategically by focusing on precise targeting and compelling visuals to reach potential customers who are likely to be early adopters of innovative physical products.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Leverage your unique personal story and the "why" behind your product (like Brenna's "Chilly Child" born out of necessity) to create an authentic brand narrative that resonates with your target audience and helps build a loyal following from day one.
