5 Product Launch Lessons From 'Star Wars Episode VII'What do Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo have to do with your company's product launch?
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Our first peek atStar Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakenspractically broke the internet: Everyone was buzzing for days afterthe new Star Wars trailerpremiered recently onMonday Night Football, and the movie is breaking records for ticket sales -- even though the movie won't actually open until December 18.
Related:6 Steps to a Successful Product Launch
Star Warsis one of America's most beloved, best-selling pop culture phenomena, and this new trilogy of films may well become the most-hyped, most-anticipated series of all time. But even though this franchise is probably too big to fail, its producers and brand managers have done a masterful job of building up buzz and audience excitement for this newest launch.
Even if your own brand is far less known thanStar Wars, there are several lessons we can learn from the lead-up toEpisode VII:
1. Build upon the best aspects of your past.
This is not the first newStar Warsmovie to be heavily hyped. Starting in 1999 with the debut ofThePhantom Menace, the newStar Warsprequels were a critical disappointment and have often been heartily mocked by superfans of the originalStar Warstrilogy. But, instead of dwelling on the mistakes or disappointments of the last "new product launch,"Star Wars'producers are reinforcing the idea that this time around is a whole new story – new director, new characters, new villains and new reasons to watch.
At the same time, the new movie is building upon the foundation of the original movies by bringing back Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Marc Hamill in their original roles. So, this product launch is reminding people of what they loved most about the originalStar Wars, without dwelling on the negativity around those last prequels.
Every new product has a past. Whether that past draws on your company's existing reputation, a previous product launch that did not succeed or even skepticism around your industry in general, it's best to avoid the negativity and move forward with a clean slate for any new product launch. Ignore past mistakes. Focus on what's "new" and exciting about your product -- while trying to remind your existing customers of why they wanted to buy from you in the first place.
2. Show customers that you're on their side.
J.J. Abrams, the director of the newStar Warsfilms, has shown from the beginning of the project that he himself is a big fan of the franchise and that he values and respects the responsibility that goes with directing the movie. Even someStar Warsfans who were skeptical about J.J. Abrams as the new director have recognized that he is saying all the right things about feeling honored to be entrusted with the next phase of the story.
Every new product launch has to gain the trust of the audience, even if it's a widely known and well-loved brand likeStar Wars. Your own new product launch needs to reassure customers that you understand their concerns and you're sensitive to their concerns.
3. Balance veteran leadership with fresh new talent.
Star Wars Episode VIIwas co-written by Lawrence Kasdan, the well-respected screenwriter who wroteThe Empire Strikes Back(widely considered the best of all theStar Warsmovies). In addition, the new movie features new characters played by the promising young talents Daisy Ridley and John Boyega.
Take a look at who is on your product launch team. Often, those people will boost your chances of success if your launch team has a group of energetic young talents with enthusiasm and fresh ideas, along with more experienced veteran leaders who champion the project and bring their own sense of gravitas.
Related:4 Secrets to a Successful Product Launch
4. Make people curious to learn more.
You don't have to reveal all of your secrets up front; it's best to build anticipation asStar Warsdid in itsComic-Con reel in July 2015. Instead of showing all of the special effects and revealing major plot points, the video was more of a teaser that focused on the process behind the making of the movie -- emphasizing the real sets and practical effects, and de-emphasizing the CGI effects which were widely criticized as removing the humanity and realism of the prequels.
The Comic-Con reel reassuredStar Warsfans that the new movie would have a look and feel that was familiar and yet also new. The sneak peak was about process, not a succession of simple spoilers.
In the same way, every new product launch should build anticipation by giving people a glimpse behind the scenes. But stay focused on process. You don't have to reveal all the bells and whistles of your new product; instead, explain why it is so important and show the care and detail that went into its creation.
5.让你的员工成为你最大的evangelists.
The actors and producers of the newStar Warsfilm are just as excited as the fans. John Boyega, who plays one of the lead characters in the new movie, released anInstagram video of himself at homewatching the new trailer and flipping out with excitement for the movie -- he was literally screaming and jumping off his couch. He's obviously on board and ready to promote the project.
In the same way, your internal team needs to include the people most passionate about your new product launch. If your team is excited, they'll be able to share that excitement with your customers and other audiences outside your organization. The best marketing starts with the inner circle first.
I'm excited myself to see the newStar Warsmovie, and even if the onscreen experience doesn't quite live up to the hype, the promotion and publicity for this movie have been admirable to watch.
Whether it's a blockbuster movie or a new product launch, we all can learn from the sense of anticipation and restrained storytelling thatStar Wars'producers have employed to promote this film. And of course, I simply have to add that with the upcoming movie's hype train, "The Force is strong."
