What does hard launch mean Meaning and Definition
What does hard launch mean
Pronunciation
/ˈʊɛr tə lɪx t ˌ ːr/
Part of Speech
Noun, informal
Definition
A marketing strategy involving direct communication with customers without prior testing or testing via small groups.
Examples
- The marketing team decided to do a hard launch without any beta testing.
- She suggested that they do a phased launch instead of a hard launch.
Synonyms
- Direct launch
- Umbrella launch
Antonyms
- Soft launch
Etymology
Originating in marketing terminology, the term “hard launch” has its roots in the aerospace industry. It was initially used to describe the process of launching a spacecraft or a missile without any intermediate stages or tests. Over time, the term has been adapted in marketing to describe a similar approach.
Usage Notes
Hard launch is often used informally in business and marketing contexts to describe an all-out marketing effort without prior testing. Be cautious when using this term in formal or academic writing.
Cultural References
Hard launch has been referenced in media outlets such as TechCrunch and MarketingProfs as a marketing strategy that can yield significant results if done correctly.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
While not a traditional idiomatic expression, hard launch can be used colloquially as “going live” or “launching cold” to emphasize the lack of preliminary testing.
Related Words or Phrases
- Launch strategy
- Marketing campaign
Collocations
- “hard launch plan”
- “hard launch strategy”
Frequency of Use
The term hard launch is moderately frequently used in marketing and business contexts.
Common Misspellings
- “hard lauch”
Additional Information
A hard launch requires careful planning and resource allocation, as it commits all resources from the start and does not provide a chance to fix errors or make adjustments once the product is launched.
Alternative approaches include a soft launch, which involves testing the product with a limited number of users before releasing it to the general public.
Companies like Facebook and Google have adopted this strategy in the past.
Overall, the hard launch strategy works well for established companies with strong brand recognition.
However, it may not be suitable for startups or smaller businesses without established brand recognition.