This episode challenges the traditional view of Kickstarter for product launches, especially for new entrepreneurs. Khierstyn Ross, founder of Launch and Scale, explains why direct-to-consumer launches on platforms like Shopify have become a more controlled and often more profitable alternative to crowdfunding, emphasizing the critical role of product validation to mitigate risk and achieve sustainable growth.
Key takeaways
Product validation must happen *before* launching on crowdfunding platforms; don't use Kickstarter as a validation tool due to increasing costs and saturation.
Prioritize launching directly on owned platforms like Shopify for greater control over your marketing, customer data, and overall brand experience.
Understand that crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter essentially require running two campaigns: one to acquire backers and another to fulfill and manage post-campaign operations, adding complexity and cost.
When considering a new product idea, seek expert guidance early on to navigate the complexities of validation, launch, and scaling, rather than attempting to self-learn through costly trial and error.
For product validation, consider small production runs or VIP programs to gauge interest and gather feedback before committing to large-scale inventory or crowdfunding campaigns.
On this bonus episode of Honest Ecommerce, we have Khierstyn from Launch and Scale™.
We talk about how you validate your product, why Khierstyn recommends launching on Shopify 9 times out of 10, when you should reach out when you have a product idea, and so much more!
Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Product validation must happen *before* launching on crowdfunding platforms; don't use Kickstarter as a validation tool due to increasing costs and saturation.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Prioritize launching directly on owned platforms like Shopify for greater control over your marketing, customer data, and overall brand experience.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Understand that crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter essentially require running two campaigns: one to acquire backers and another to fulfill and manage post-campaign operations, adding complexity and cost.
What does this episode say about shopify & ecommerce platforms?
When considering a new product idea, seek expert guidance early on to navigate the complexities of validation, launch, and scaling, rather than attempting to self-learn through costly trial and error.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
For product validation, consider small production runs or VIP programs to gauge interest and gather feedback before committing to large-scale inventory or crowdfunding campaigns.
